New owner of Rem 870 for home defense

[Shooter John]

On the advice of a retired police officer, I purchased a Remington Express 20 gauge youth model instead of a tactical model to be used for home defense. I knew very little about the tactical models, so that is why I purchased the youth model. After during further research, I believe I should have gone with one of the tactical models available. I still prefer the 20 gauge because I believe my wife could handle this gauge rather than a twelve.
So, can I modify this standard model with tactical accessories or should I simply purchase a tactical version? If so, what upgrades should I consider?

[thunderstick]

Not sure why he recommended the youth model unless it was to accommodate your wife or he was suggesting not shooting from a shouldered position. I'm not sure that tactical accessories are available for a 20.

As for buying the accessories for the 20 vs buying a new 12, I'd say go the cheaper route. My must have accessories for an HD for sure would include a short barrel and extended tube.

[ismedude]

On the advice of a retired police officer, I purchased a Remington Express 20 gauge youth model instead of a tactical model to be used for home defense. I knew very little about the tactical models, so that is why I purchased the youth model. After during further research, I believe I should have gone with one of the tactical models available. I still prefer the 20 gauge because I believe my wife could handle this gauge rather than a twelve.
So, can I modify this standard model with tactical accessories or should I simply purchase a tactical version? If so, what upgrades should I consider?

Yes, there is link to show you what you can upgrade your 20g: http://www.rem870.com/2014/01/27/reming ... -upgrades/
I have 20g as well, make sure you load with buckshot or slug.There is nothing wrong with 20g home defense.
But it's cheaper to get the tactical version 870.


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[Synchronizor]

The real advantage with the 20ga 870 is that it is a physically lighter and more compact gun than the 12ga models. This can make it easier for young, small-statured, or physically weak individuals to handle it effectively. Recoil is a wash between the two when it comes to the 870, since there are widely-available low-recoil loads for the 12ga that produce the same or less recoil as standard 20ga loads, and in a pump-action gun like the 870, they all cycle the same. So if reduced recoil is the main concern, there's no reason to abandon the 12ga. 12ga shells are cheaper, more versatile, easier to find, and large-frame 870s give you far more options for customization.

That said, there are upgrades and accessories available for 20ga 870s. Stocks, magazine extensions, lights, shell carriers, sights, short barrels, etc. You may have to look a little more to find them, and you won't be able to do some of the really screwball stuff you can with a large-frame 870, but you can certainly put together a practical 20ga combat/defensive build without much trouble.