AFG by Magpul

[12GAfun]

I am just wondering if anyone else out there uses this setup on there 870. I am wondering if this might have any issues with being off center with the pumping action causing bending to the guide arms. I have been tempted to remove this and install in on my AR15 M&P15 sport by Smith&Wesson, instead of that vertical grip that's on it in the picture. Thank you for all your advice and replies

[Synchronizor]

Anything that moves the point of application of the pumping force away from the axis of the magazine tube has potential to impart torque and twist the action bars. It depends on your technique, of course, but even an AFG could end up tweaking the action bars with heavy use.

On the other hand, if you're careful not to twist the fore-end when you work it, and this gun doesn't see frequent, high round counts, it could take decades to see any damage or excessive wear, if you see any at all.

I'd say it's up to you. Does having the AFG on your 870 make it easier or more comfortable for you to work the slide? Or is it just for looks? If it's the former, I'd say don't worry too much about it. Worst case, you pay $37 for a new fore-end tube assembly sometime in the future. If it's the latter, you'll have to decide if the cool points are worth the risk of accelerated wear.

[12GAfun]

At this time I use it because it really make racking the slide so much easier for me. I have large meaty hands and without it there is really nothing to grab onto. I don't think I am twisting the slide while shooting. Might have to take a video of me shooting it. Also if that's all those cost I might just get one here soon for a backup. Thanks for the info.

I also have just thought about it and I have only shot it without that grip like once. Maybe I should take it off and try it without again and see if I might like it better. I will think on this further..

[12GAfun]

Well took it off the shotgun and all I have to say it wow, I should have just kept it old school when it comes to pumping a shotgun, Hand on forend and pump. No add on on it except the light I mounted on the forend. It seems the shotgun pumps and loads and reloads better without the AFG on it. Well I will from now on be a strong believer in no forend grips at all.

[Synchronizor]

Yeah. I could see vertical or angled fore-end grips being useful in a few instances, such as for shooters with wrist problems. The rest of the time though, they're just eye candy, and don't really add anything. Use it if it floats your boat, I guess, but I don't see any benefit.

[12GAfun]

Well I took it off and went out and shot 65 shot shells, 15 Remington 1oz slugs/ 25 #6 game shot/25 RIO royal 00buck all 2.75" shells. and without the AFG on the forend with the light mounted that way it kinda was more difficult with the slugs recoil than with the AFG. I also noticed that without it the light mount would sometimes pinch my hand. I put it back on and shot the last 5 slugs with it on and it was like a huge difference and I notice that it did not shift the pump rails at all. I really did not like it the AFG on my AR which is a M&P15 sport by S&W.

[Vitaly]

One of the guys had the AFG on his 870 on a training yesterday.

[12GAfun]

Yeah without it I can still shoot but not with the comfort with the AFG, I have asked a few other shotgun guys I know and out of the 12 I talked to 6+ use the AFG on there 870's and Mossbergs shotguns and they use it because it works well with there light mounts on there Magpul forends also. They also use the Magpul angled light mount. I will take some pics of the shotgun when I get my Mag tube kit on there from Brownell's, they sure do take a long time when you want to exchange a item for another.

[Synchronizor]

I suppose I could see the AFG being nice if you're running a fore-end mounted light, though a longer fore-end could be another way to keep your hands clear.

[Automag]

I just bought an AFG2 today because i'm finally putting a TRL-1 on my Magpul forend. If i don't use the AFG, the back end of my light will hit my hand when shooting. I'll just have to put in lots of practice to get used to using the new AFG. I hope this set-up works out. Otherwise i'll go with a CMD BMT barrel mount.