New in the Northeast

[maciroch]

Just wanted to drop a line to say "hello" from a couple of new shotgunners in the Northeast.

It's been over 20 years since I used a firearm of any kind (spent a few years in LE & have used pistols, revolvers, rifles & shotguns), and my wife is a total novice.

We recently acquired a Rem 870 Express Compact, (20 ga. w/21" barrel) primarily for HD but also for target shooting. It's all pure stock factory, no mods at all. Went with the 20 ga. as weight & recoil were motivating factors & this gun was recommended by the gun shop for our purposes.

What I'd like to ask this learned group is what can I do to improve on this most basic of models in order to make it more comfortable and viable for what we want to do? I'm looking to add a mag extension (this is 4 + 1 - I'd like to make it 7 +1), but an unsure which one to go with. I'm also thinking of adding an adjustable or pistol grip stock to make it easier for my wife to use (she's 5' tall). I'm open to any guidance & suggestions that you all may have for us without breaking the bank.

Thanks!

Bob

[Vitaly]

Bob, welcome to the forum!

I like Nordic Components and Remington magazine extensions. But they are out of stock because of the potential gun ban.
But there is small trick you can try. I have a friend and he told me that TacStar and Choate magazine extensions for Remington 870 fit Versa Max, so you can try ordering Nordic magazine extension for Versa Max here: http://tinyurl.com/c43zkfd and see if it fits your shotgun. You can always send it back for refund.

Also, here is my post about best Remington 870 stocks: http://www.rem870.com/2012/11/12/5-best ... ngton-870/

[Synchronizor]

You could always try calling Remington and seeing if you can order an extension directly from them. 3rd-party sellers may be out of stock, but there's a chance Remington may still have some.

The current proposed gun ban in the U.S. has nothing to do with pump-action shotguns (yet).

An adjustable stock is a very good idea, if you and your wife are significantly different sizes. Some people don't like the feel of some adjustable stock models though, so try them out in person if you can.

There are some internal parts that can be upgraded from what comes in an Express. Look through this forum and Vitaly's blog for ideas.

[maciroch]

Thanks, Vitaly & Synchronizor.

I contacted Remington & they do sell the extension I'm looking for, but are out of stock right now. Hope to have them in within 30 days, so I'll keep my eye on their online store for that.

Bob

[Synchronizor]

I contacted Remington & they do sell the extension I'm looking for, but are out of stock right now. Hope to have them in within 30 days, so I'll keep my eye on their online store for that.

Good to hear, but Remington's online store isn't very good when it comes to gun parts (it's great if you want to buy Remington clothing or knife sets, though). Your best bet would probably be to keep in touch with them over the phone.

Also, if you're planning to use aftermarket items to replace any part of the extension kit (spring, clamp, etc.) you can save a fair bit of money by only buying the parts you are going to use from Remington, if possible. For example, if you're going to replace the clamp/sling swivel with a light mount or railed clamp, that stock part you won't use is an extra $20-$35.

There are also always 870 extensions from various makers to be had on Ebay, if you don't mind camping auctions to get a decent price.

[maciroch]

Good to hear, but Remington's online store isn't very good when it comes to gun parts (it's great if you want to buy Remington clothing or knife sets, though). Your best bet would probably be to keep in touch with them over the phone.

Thanks! Good to know.....