Hi

[terrierkeeper]

New Member. Got me a new Remington 870 express turkey gun I plan to convert to Home Defense and need to know what to do in regards to what kinds of tools I need. First a wrench to remove the stuff to change the foreguard. Second the kind of dremel and bit in order to install a magazine extension and grind out my bayonet so it can fit to the magazine extension. Also though I am looking at low recoil #4 buckshot for home defense what other kinds of ammo might be of use.

[Synchronizor]

If you can tell us exactly what model you have (check Remington's website for the order number), or upload a picture of your gun, it will help us guide you as to what parts & tools you need. But for now, here are some thoughts:

To change the fore-end, you don't need a special tool, just a strong pair of needle-nose or round-nose pliers. I use my Leatherman.

The 870 will mount any M16 bayonet with the right magazine extension and a rear bayonet lug. There's no need to modify the bayonet, unless you're trying to adapt a different type of bayonet.

Low-recoil buckshot loads generally use one of two approaches (though sometimes it's both): Lower velocity, or fewer pellets. If you're after low-recoil #4 buck, I would stay away from the low-velocity stuff, as those small pellets need velocity to achieve reliable & effective penetration for social work. Larger buckshot sizes like #1B or 00B have higher sectional densities, and are better able to penetrate at lower velocities. If you like #4B though (I prefer it for HD, myself), there are options for 24- & 21-pellet loads that still have good velocity, but throw less lead than the stiff 27-pellet loads.

[terrierkeeper]

My shotgun is a Remington 870 express 8114 turkey gun with twenty one inch barrel. It is a wonderful gun that I am happy to say I fired before taking home.

[terrierkeeper]

Since I have a Remington Express 81114 turkey gun what tools do I need to change its forestock and add a magazine extension? And what kind of insert to the barrel do I need to use it as a regular shotgun as apposed to a more accurate turkey gun?

[Synchronizor]

Plenty of places will sell you a special wrench for changing the fore-end, but you can get the job done just fine with a pair of pliers and a little care.

To add a magazine extension, you'll need to remove the dimples inside the magazine tube. You can use a drill or drill press to remove them, or some folks like to grind them down with a rotary tool (I personally endorse drilling). Again, you can buy specialized tools to swage the dimples out, but those are best left for gunsmiths, as they can cost more than the extension itself, and can damage a receiver assembly pretty badly if not used properly.

And what kind of insert to the barrel do I need to use it as a regular shotgun as apposed to a more accurate turkey gun?

Really not sure what you're referring to. Are you asking about chokes? Sights? Something else?

[terrierkeeper]

Chokes/ Please excuse my lack of knowledge on shotgun anatomy but yes I believe what I want is a choke that allows me to use my turkey gun as a regular shotgun.

[Synchronizor]

For HD, you'll probably want to go with a Cylinder, Skeet, or Improved Cylinder choke tube, as these constrictions tend to shoot both slugs and buckshot well. You could also try a Modified tube to tighten up buckshot patterns and get a little more effective range. I would suggest picking out your preferred HD load(s), and then selecting a choke from there.