870 Express Build Stock and Forend Recommendations

mainetac · Post by **mainetac** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 1:34 pm

Greetings all. I am new to this forum. I am little by little doing a tactical build to my 870 Express. So far I added 20" barrel and a Vang Comp +2 mag extension tube. So far so good. Will be adding CDM BMT mag clamp. I'd like to get some recommendations on stock and forend options. Have been looking at the Speedfeed Law Enforcement Forend and the Magpul stock, so would appreciate any feedback. Am getting hung up on sling attachments, so any suggestions are welcome. Thanks all.
MAINETactical

tekrsq · Post by **tekrsq** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 2:24 pm

I have ProMag furniture on my 870 only because everybody has Magpul stuff these days. I like it, and is comfortable, but I admit I don't like it as much as Magpul stuff. I just use a simple Blackhawk 2pt sling with quick detach buckles.

I need a better pic, but here's mine:

Website · Post by **Synchronizor** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 8:36 pm

Welcome to the forum.

I'll start by saying that your current furniture is already about as "tactical" as it needs to be. Switching out the wood laminate for black plastic won't really make the gun any more effective as a weapon. If it's working for you, there's really not much need to change it. On the other hand, if there's something you don't like about your current stock and fore-end, use that to help you find your replacement.

You mentioned the SpeedFeed fore-end and the Magpul stock. I have one of those fore-ends and I can definitely vouch for it. It's simple, solid, and feels practically indestructible. My one comment would be that smaller-framed individuals might find SpeedFeed's longer sporting-style fore-end more comfortable, since the shooter doesn't have to reach as far forward to hold it.

The Magpul stock isn't as simple as SpeedFeed's products, but with all the bells and whistles on it, and the adjustable length of pull and comb height, it's been a very well-received option for the 870. I've yet to hear anything bad about its quality, and you can even install one of Remington's excellent SuperCell pads on it with an adapter. All that good stuff said, I've handled 870s with the Magpul stock, and something about the angle, size, or shape of the grip just doesn't work for me. Nothing against the product's design, it's just impossible for a single stock to be a proper fit for everyone. If you want to try it before you buy it, Remington does offer two 870 models that come from the factory with Magpul furniture, so you could check your local gun shops to see if there's one you can handle before you spend your money. If you like the feel of it, and you're willing to pay for all its features, go for it. If not, there are plenty of other good options out there that are simpler and/or more traditional.

TexasArmor84 · Post by **TexasArmor84** » Sun Jan 26, 2014 12:52 am

What type of shell holder is that on the stock mainetac

mainetac · Post by **mainetac** » Sun Jan 26, 2014 1:31 am

Thanks for the input folks. That buttstock shellholder is a pretty simple Specter Gear 6 shot holder, adjustable, something I can take off whenever needed. Fits very snug and works for me. I agree wholeheartedly with Synchronizor. I like tactical stuff, but honestly I am a pretty big guy and other than the color of the stock my current Rem stock serves it's purpose completely. I am of the less is more school. I like the look of pistol grips on shotgun stocks but dont like the feel. I practice frequently maneuvering in the home and other similar spaces, both in and out of doors, light and dark scenarios where a tactical situation could arise, and my shotgun feels totally comfortable, though I noticed the Remington Express forend feels a little wobbly and wonky. Will try to feel out some 870's with a different forend, but the Rem stock I don't mind, I can beat it up then maybe get a replacement. Thanks guys.

mainetac · Post by **mainetac** » Sun Jan 26, 2014 1:47 am

http://www.opticsplanet.com/specter-gea ... t-301.html

Website · Post by **Synchronizor** » Sun Jan 26, 2014 1:59 am

Glad to hear that. Comfort and familiarity are infinitely more important than looks, and if that's what you have with your furniture, stick with it. The only functional issue I have with Express stocks is the solid rubber recoil pads that that some of them come with. They're about as soft as a rubber mallet, and are best replaced with something more comfortable.

Regarding the fore-end, there's nothing that should make an Express fore-end fit any better or worse than any other 870 fore-end. A certain amount of play is normal, but that's between the fore-end tube assembly and the receiver, not between the fore-end tube assembly and the fore-end itself. When installed correctly, the fore-end is solidly connected to the fore-end tube, without any possible movement between them. If you think your fore-end is crooked or loose on the fore-end tube assembly, remove the fore-end assembly from the gun and check the tightness of the fore-end tube nut.

mainetac · Post by **mainetac** » Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:44 pm

Today I got the CDM Gear BMT Clamp with rail and installed. Fits well, and comes with stick on protector pads, a nice touch I thought. Replaced the cheapo clamp/stud I had on previously. I plan to add the Midwest Industries MCTAR-07 Front Sling Adapter with Stud onto the rail. I got that because I wanted to keep the cheapo but lovable sling I currently have. Scratches on the Vang Comp tube courtesy of my wedding ring, how smart of me to have left it on during installation. Here's some pics for S&G's.

oregon4418 · Post by **oregon4418** » Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:54 am

Nice shotty. I know you probably have your heart set on some Battlefield 4 set-up, but your laminate stock & forend are beautiful.

aegusto · Post by **aegusto** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 2:38 am

Stick with the laminate! (Of course, I'm biased. That's what I chose to do!) I wanted a shorter length-of-pull so had the buttstock cut down and replaced the factory recoil pad with a Pachmayr decelerator. Comfortable LOP for me is 12.5" from the trigger face to the end of the buttstock. I had the work done by a gunsmith because I don't have the tools or knowledge to install a grind-to-fit buttpad. If you are handy, you could do it yourself.

I am really tired of über-tactical black furniture and find myself more attracted to firearms with a more traditional appearance. I'm not über-tactical so why should my guns be?

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