I recently purchased an old 870 Express receiver, intend to build a new shotgun (just for the fun of it). Serial number indicates receiver was made in December 1965 (X---------M). While most parts identifications are straight forward some are less so, like post 1985. Is there someone knowledgeable out there that is willing to assist me in locating surplus or aftermarket parts and helping assure I purchase the proper parts for that receiver? Want walnut stock, etc., make a pretty shotgun I can leave to my grandsons.
Thanks
Rebuilding 870 Express Receiver
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Re: Rebuilding 870 Express Receiver
That's what these forums are for. If you have questions or need help identifying something, just ask.
Really though, standard 12ga 870 Magnums are about as straightforward as it gets. You can mix & match pretty much any parts & assemblies from 12ga 3" or 2 3/4" models, and with just a handful of exceptions, they'll all go together and function reliably. For best results though, default to the newest versions of everything (ideally, just buy new parts), and you'll have a gun with all the refinements and design tweaks that brand-new 870s roll off the line with.
Also, an "X" serial number prefix points to the early 1990s, not 1965. I'm guessing you entered the letters from your serial number into the "serial number lookup" over on the blog. That doesn't look up serial numbers, it looks up barrel date codes. I keep telling Vitaly he needs to re-word that.
Really though, standard 12ga 870 Magnums are about as straightforward as it gets. You can mix & match pretty much any parts & assemblies from 12ga 3" or 2 3/4" models, and with just a handful of exceptions, they'll all go together and function reliably. For best results though, default to the newest versions of everything (ideally, just buy new parts), and you'll have a gun with all the refinements and design tweaks that brand-new 870s roll off the line with.
Also, an "X" serial number prefix points to the early 1990s, not 1965. I'm guessing you entered the letters from your serial number into the "serial number lookup" over on the blog. That doesn't look up serial numbers, it looks up barrel date codes. I keep telling Vitaly he needs to re-word that.
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Re: Rebuilding 870 Express Receiver
Thank you.