Rem 870 / 11-87 / 1100 Trigger Group Interchangeability

[Michigander]

I joined this forum to ask one question, and one question only: why will and 11-87 / 1100 trigger assembly not function in an 870? I know they won't, but after a decent amount of Googling, I've been unable to find out why. The trigger assembly retaining pins are the same size, so that isn't the issue. Are the trigger assembly retaining pin holes in slightly different locations? Is the trigger guard slightly thinner or wider? I know the carriers are different, but it looks like an 870 carrier will fit in an 11-87 trigger assembly , and if not I'm sure an 11-87 carrier can be modified to work in an 870. The carrier latch doesn't seem like it would interfere with anything in an 870 action. I have an 870, but not an 11-87 or an 1100, otherwise I would see for myself why it won't work. My objective is to put a steel trigger guard on my 870. I can't stand plastic for anything but grips and stocks and aluminum just doesn't feel right on a shotgun with a steel receiver. I thought about trying to machine one, but after realizing the complexity of the trigger guard I determined that measuring it with a caliper and drawing it out on CAD was out of the question (unless one of you folks have a dimensioned drawing of one). I know someone used to make steel 870 trigger guards some time ago (I believe his name was Alan Timney), but they are extremely rare and difficult to find. My preference for steel here is almost entirely subjective, so the only way you're going to talk me out of this is by telling me that it's dang near impossible to make this work. An M58 or an 878 trigger assembly is not out of the question here, either. Thanks in advance for your replies.

*edited for spelling*

[Scorpion8]

Not 100% sure of the answer, but I'd bet it lies in the sear. Since the 870 is basically a single-shot shotgun reset by the pump, the sear may be different than on the 1100/11-87 semi-autos. Last thing you want is to jack a new shell in and have it go off as soon as the 870-pump slide racks forward.

For your discussion on metal trigger guards, find an 870 Police. https://www.rem870.com/2017/01/07/remin ... ger-group/

[Michigander]

I'm looking to replace the entire trigger group, not just the guard. I know that some 870 parts won't fit in an 11-87 trigger guard (including the sear), but this won't present an issue if the entire trigger assembly is replaced. The police trigger guards are cast (or possibly sintered) aluminum. I would prefer steel, but the aluminum police trigger guard is what I would go with if modifying an 11-87 trigger assembly isn't worth the time or effort. Thanks for the reply.

[Germansheperd]

Personally I think you are completely overthinking this. Some tactical shotgun builders claim the polymer trigger group is better to use and will give reasons pro and con for both. Ask 10 people what the best pistol is and 9 will tell you Glock. Ive used both aluminum and polymer there isnt one bit of difference.
If you want to jazz it up use a Wingmaster trigger group with a gold trigger. Both have been hunting, shooting, killing, protecting for YEARS. This is my last build I used a Wingmaster trigger group with a police sear spring, 1100 carrier spring, and a jumbo head safety.

[Michigander]

Like I said in my original post, my reasons for wanting a steel trigger guard are almost entirely subjective, so there's 0 chance of talking me out of it. If someone convinces me that it's nearly impossible to convert an 11-87 steel trigger group to fit in an 870, I'll probably just buy an aluminum police trigger group. The only benefits that polymer has over steel in this instance is corrosion resistance and lower density. I don't plan on getting an acidic solution on my 870, so corrosion isn't an issue for me. I'm also not a very big guy, so reducing the weight of my 12 gauge isn't something I'd care to do. I use this shotgun mainly for home defense, so I only ever shoot 00 buck or slugs through it. I prefer to keep my shoulder in its socket. Thanks for the reply. On a side note, what heat shield / sight rail is on the gun in the photos you posted?

[Chef Duane]

The sights look like Magpul Mbus flip ups to me. Can't comment on the rail.

[Banshee]

I have seen broken aluminum trigger guards on 870s, but never a plastic one, a few mangled, but still in one piece. Even with that i still prefer the aluminum guards, i hate plastics.

I have never tried to fit a 11-87 trigger housing in an 870, but with enough time and skill i am sure it could be made to work. If you couldn’t do the work yourself it wouldn’t be cheap.

[Michigander]

Yeah, I'm thinking it can be modified to fit. But I want to be sure before I drop a hundred bucks on an 11-87 or 1100 trigger group.

[Michigander]

Right, so I've found a lead suggesting that an 11-48 trigger group might work. I read the 870 was based in part off from the 11-48, and the trigger assemblies might be interchangeable. If it would fit, I'd just have to find a steel trigger group, which would probably be very difficult since Remington only made them out of aluminum. Does anyone know if Timney or some other company made a steel trigger guard for the 11-48?

[Romulus]

" I know someone used to make steel 870 trigger guards some time ago (I believe his name was Alan Timney), but they are extremely rare and difficult to find"
That's right, Brownells used to list Allen Timney 870 steel trigger groups in their catalog (paper, pre internet days) till sometime in the late 80s-early 90s, whence they vanished. I remember they cost as much or more than a then-new 870 shotgun.