Questions about modifying my 870 vs buying a Grizzly

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platnumbob

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I have an 870 express super mag (3.5") chamber which I have used for more than a decade for duck hunting. I recently upgraded to a couple of semi's for hunting. I would like to either:

a.) change the gun into a fun bush/ bear defense rig by installing a 12.5" barrel, or

b.) just sell it and get a grizzly in 8.5 or 12.5".

I have grown fond of this firearm so I would prefer to keep it but:

1.) Are the grizzly's as reliable as 870's ie. for bear defense - (lets not get into a best gun for bear defense debate here though, just interested in reliability),

2.) Where can I buy a 12.5" barrel that will fit my 870? - Can am seems to sell grizzly barrels but they are out of stock on this size,

3.) Will a 3" chamber grizzly/ 870 barrel fit on my express super mag currently set up with a 3.5"?

Thanks all.
 
doesn't the 12.5 grizzly barrel fit on the 870? I've heard the only issue with changing from mag/supermag/ect is if it's the smaller size going to the bigger size, and having trouble ejecting since the ejection port would be too small. Going from 3.5 to 3 shouldn't be a problem.
 
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Not in stock as far as I know - but I am curious if those work on an express super mag with a 3.5" setup? (ie. does it fit but you just lose the ability to use 3.5" shells, or is it not compatible?)
 
No thoughts on?

1.) Are the grizzly's as reliable as 870's ie. for bear defense, and /or

2.) Where can I buy a 12.5" barrel that will fit my 870, and will the replacement barrels from grizzly's fit my express super mag currently set up with a 3.5"?
 
I bought an 8.5 from Canadammo. It wouldn't feed the shells straight out of the box. I had to completely strip it and totally de burr the entire inner workings before the gun would function. The other thing is that it was hitting almost 2 feet high at 25 yds. If you put a straight edge along the top of the receiver to the front bead you see the bead is at least 1/8" below the receiver, which means to line up the bead you have to raise the front of the barrel that extra 1/8". The only barrel I would go with would be a Dlask. They are more expensive but are worth it
 
Thanks dogzilla. Sounds like it might be a better idea to stick with the 870 receiver, unless the new batch is better?

Has anyone mated a 12.5" grizz barrel to a 870 - function ok?
 
If your 870 has been Old Faithful till now, I would definitely stick with it. When you have an original 870 vs. a copy of an 870, why buy the copy? The reliability factor is in the action and receiver. For a "bear defense" shotgun, the barrel won't be much of an issue.
I would get the Dlask one as previously suggested, just for future resale value alone.
 
Do they still come without a bead? I bought one and out of 8 wingmasters that I currently own it only fit 1, and like you said it wouldn't eject until after I polished the chamber
 
I bought a Dominion Arms Grizzly from CanadaAmmo. I believe it was the 2nd shipment of them & has a cylinder choke & bead sight. I've had ZERO issues with it & it just works! Would I buy one again, heck ya!

Cheers
Jay
 
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dogzilla said:
Do they still come without a bead? I bought one and out of 8 wingmasters that I currently own it only fit 1, and like you said it wouldn't eject until after I polished the chamber
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yeah mine had no bead but figured Im good without one at the ranges I use the short barrel. It fit my express ok but not my 60s era wingmaster
 
My 870 super mag works great with my grizz barrel. I drilled and tapped the ghost ring from the chinese one onto the 870 on the mill at work. Very nice little gun now.
363ad81d-6845-418b-b2e0-e3645df81d1c_zpsa1nfblmg.jpg


Although, it was a nice gun before too. I changed out the stock when I got it.
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I think I like playing with 870's. it feels like I have a lot of parts..
20140814_185422_zpszh4azasn.jpg
 
haha.. sorry no.. just the one. I was going to pick up another in a plain bead when they were available, but there are 18.5's in 3.5" at the local store, I might grab one of those and a +2 tube. The +6 tube is silly, but a ton of fun.
 
platnumbob said:
Whats the overall length with the pistol grip?
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Not long enough to keep it NR!

I have put a 12.5" grizzly barrel on my ringmaster and express not problem at all. My grizzly functioned perfectly too, they are solid guns for the most part, but like with any chimes gun they can be rough around the edges
 
luke s said:
Not long enough to keep it NR!

I have put a 12.5" grizzly barrel on my ringmaster and express not problem at all. My grizzly functioned perfectly too, they are solid guns for the most part, but like with any chimes gun they can be rough around the edges
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Correct, it doesn't live that way :) And the sight... I don't know.. it made sense that way. I took it off the old gun at home and put it on the stripped receiver here at work and it made sense. I'll take a look at it when I get home. I'm going shooting today.
 
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