Mods for my 870 express

TransAm1991

TransAm1991

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Windsor, Ontario
Hey guys, I've had my 870 now for about 4 years, it was the first gun I had ever purchased, and I've ran around 500 rounds through it.

Last week, I found a killer deal on a 18 1/2" 870P barrel. It's on it's way now, what I'm asking, and I'm sure it's been said on here 3 billion times..
What internal modification to the 870 would be a good benefit to it's reliability?

It functions fairly good now, no hangfires, no jams with the right ammo, but I've noticed that the original synthetic fore end is coming apart in a few spots, and was debating the 'Tactical' 870 stock and fore end.

Also, I've read a few things where the firing pin and extractor are made from 'Compressed aluminum', does this ever become an issue?
 
If you are looking for internal mods you may want to look at a good mag tube follower like Vang Comp and a new mag spring from Wolff. If you really want to trick it out send your barrel in for the Vang Comp System.
 
Hogue forearm. Been the best for me. All my 870's and clones have them. Slightly stickey so no hand slipping off. Black for the tacticool look.
 
TransAm1991 said:
I was going to order a wolf spring kit for the 870..
Minimum $25 order though... Didn't own anything else that required the new springs.
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Order the spring from Brownell's aand get the 3-pack while you're at it. A Vang Comp Dome safety is a must have for any of my 870's and while you're at it order the Speedfeed LE forend. That should put you right around $50 total. If you're so inclined, pick up a mag extension at the same time - the 2 rd will just come even with the end of your 18" barrel...
 
Polishing the chamber, this usually helps greatly with the extraction of certain loads, also getting a machined extractor {as used on the Wingmaster and 'P''} to replace the MIM casting that the Express models are given.
 
870P said:
Polishing the chamber, this usually helps greatly with the extraction of certain loads, also getting a machined extractor {as used on the Wingmaster and 'P''} to replace the MIM casting that the Express models are given.
Click to expand...

I am going to order one of these, and a new mag tube spring for sure, what can happen to the MIM one? Will it break?
 
Looking at the Wolf stuff, is it then also worth getting a new Hammer and Firing Pin Spring?

I have an Express Tactical stripped of the 2+ mag tube extension and will replace the spring with a shorter one.
 
im torn between going with the Hogue and the OEM Remington SPS stock.
i was at Elwood Epps and they have both, but the Hogue didnt come with the forearm, it was just the stock, i think about $80 or so. the Remington sps one was $65, looks nice and really comfortable.
 
This is what I'd replace to bring it closer to Police Mag standard. You already have the correct barrel.

Extra power magazine spring
Extra power hammer spring
Extra power shell lifter spring
Extra power firing pin spring
Sear spring
Extractor spring
Carrier dog spring.
Replace the MIM extractor to a tool steel milled one.

Then you can concentrate on a detailed cleaning and removing any burrs from the locking notch under the barrel hood, forend assy rails and anywhere else you see burrs.

... and call it a day.
 
easy said:
This is what I'd replace to bring it closer to Police Mag standard. You already have the correct barrel.

Extra power magazine spring
Extra power hammer spring
Extra power shell lifter spring
Extra power firing pin spring
Sear spring
Extractor spring
Carrier dog spring.
Replace the MIM extractor to a tool steel milled one.

Then you can concentrate on a detailed cleaning and removing any burrs from the locking notch under the barrel hood, forend assy rails and anywhere else you see burrs.

... and call it a day.
Click to expand...

What he said.
 
Now, I have a general understanding of gun laws, very general..
When I look them up it shows that a barrel of less than 18" is restricted, when I measure mine, it is 17 15/16", therefore, it is restricted? Or no?

8701.jpg
 
If you cut the barrel yourself then it must be kept longer than 18. If that is a factory barrel, the gun is non restricted provided its longer than 26.5" (I think thats the right number...)

Thats why we can have non restricted 870s with 14 inch barrels.
 
Popeye_000 said:
If you cut the barrel yourself then it must be kept longer than 18. If that is a factory barrel, the gun is non restricted provided its longer than 26.5" (I think thats the right number...)

Thats why we can have non restricted 870s with 14 inch barrels.
Click to expand...

As far as I know, it's a Remington barrel, it has Rem chokes, so I highly doubt it was cut!
But good that it's all cleared up!

Edit
Ordered..
New Vang comp follower, Wolff mag spring, machined extractor, and.. Hogue forearm.

This express is gonna rock!
 
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