Hello from Colorado Springs, CO "870 Express Synthetic options"
Hello from Colorado Springs, CO "870 Express Synthetic options"
Howdy Folks! BLUF: I am about to purchase a Model 870 Express Synthetic w/28" barrel from Walmart (please don't judge, I'd rather support a local gun shop if I could). My intention is to buy a shotgun for home defense. Is it possible to switch capabilities of this standard hunting shotgun into the MODEL 870 EXPRESS SYNTHETIC TACTICAL 7-ROUND W/18" BARREL? Any inputs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Re: Hello from Colorado Springs, CO "870 Express Synthetic options"
Welcome aboard! Someone will answer your question, because I originally got my 870 for upland birds and trap. It taught me a lot!
Imperious Moderatus
Retired USN
NRA Life ; NAHC Life
Pain heals, chicks dig scars.....glory -- lasts forever!
Retired USN
NRA Life ; NAHC Life
Pain heals, chicks dig scars.....glory -- lasts forever!
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Synchronizor
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Re: Hello from Colorado Springs, CO "870 Express Synthetic options"
Yes, any standard hunting 870 (I'm assuming you're looking at a 12ga) can be converted to a fighting setup very easily. A short 18/18.5" barrel can be purchased separately and dropped on without any other changes, and your bird gun is now a basic riot gun. You'll also need an extension kit if you also want the increased magazine capacity (though there are trade-offs to weight and handling with extensions; some folks like to stick with the base 4+1 capacity). There are a lot of options for these and they're not difficult to install, although current-production sporting 870s need a minor modification to the magazine tube for extensions to work. It's not a complicated mod, but it's more than just turning some screws, and not all new 870 owners are comfortable going at their gun with a drill bit.
If you want to keep things simpler, you could start with a fighting 870 that comes with a mag extension from the factory, like the #81197 870 Hardwood Home Defense, and then buy yourself a hunting barrel, mag cap, & 4-round spring. This'll get you both a standard-capacity hunting configuration and a short-barreled extended configuration with no mods required. Just make sure you're not buying one of the special Tactical models that come with single-piece extended mag tubes. These won't take hunting barrels without using a goofy spacer.
If you want to keep things simpler, you could start with a fighting 870 that comes with a mag extension from the factory, like the #81197 870 Hardwood Home Defense, and then buy yourself a hunting barrel, mag cap, & 4-round spring. This'll get you both a standard-capacity hunting configuration and a short-barreled extended configuration with no mods required. Just make sure you're not buying one of the special Tactical models that come with single-piece extended mag tubes. These won't take hunting barrels without using a goofy spacer.
Re: Hello from Colorado Springs, CO "870 Express Synthetic options"
Synchronizor,
I've just realized that I have been watching your videos over the past few nights on YouTube. Thank you for the reply, and especially for the exceptional instructional videos! Your video helped me to perform my first basic take-down and reassembly of my 870, and I'm sure I will be utilizing more of your videos as I progress with upgrades to my shotgun. Thanks again and Cheers!
Very respectfully,
C.J. Wzest
I've just realized that I have been watching your videos over the past few nights on YouTube. Thank you for the reply, and especially for the exceptional instructional videos! Your video helped me to perform my first basic take-down and reassembly of my 870, and I'm sure I will be utilizing more of your videos as I progress with upgrades to my shotgun. Thanks again and Cheers!
Very respectfully,
C.J. Wzest