11-87 super mag

frumpy

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I am looking at doing an 11-87 super mag tactical build but there is extremely little information on these guns. I have not been able to find a shorter barrel and there are no aftermarket stocks that I have found.

It main issue is the barrel, if I can find one that is 18.5"-21" I will just shorten the stock and use it as is.
 
The only slug barrels I have found are fully rifled. Also, I'm assuming the gas ports in the barrel would be set up specifically for slugs?
 
I've owned both 11-87 Guns in the 3 inch and Super Mag 3-1/2 inch, And I can tell you from experience that the 3 inch model is the way to go. The Super Mag needed really heavy loads to function reliably and light 2-3/4 inch loads were out of the question. Even in the standard version, a smooth bore deer barrel with rifle sights needs heavier loads to cycle as anything under about 26 inches won't cycle the lighter loads reliably in these guns. For a tactical build, go with an 11-87 3 inch with a deer barrel & rifle sights, remove the detents from the mag tube and put a 1 shot extention on it. You can do lots if other mods like pistol grip stocks, railed fore ends, etc.

IMHO, I see no benefit to having a 3-1/2 inch tactical gun, as you are sacrificing mag capacity and severe recoil for very little return. If you're heart is set on a 3-1/2 inch, then I would go with the new Versa-Max-the Super Mag's replacement. There are not a whole lot of aftermarket accessories available for this yet but they will slowly start to become available as the gun becomes more popular.
 
I agree.
Most 12ga tactical loads you'll find are 2 3/4".
I just bought a box of 410 PDX1, and apparently they only come in 2 1/2".

Probably has something to do with sure-cycling. I've had 3" shells stick upon extraction in my 870 Express - Marked for both 2 3/4 & 3". I don't know if you'll find something like Hornady Critical Defence or the Winchester PDX1 series in 3".
I've grown to be a real fan of Winchester's Supreme Elite series, which also encompasses their tactical loads.

Plus, if you go with 2 3/4" you might get an extra round in there ;)
 
I already have the gun as I got an extremely good deal on it (even if I just keep it the way it is). I've had it out once and it had no issues cycling any of the loads I ran through it including 2 3/4 target.

With a 3.5" gun I can have the mag tube plugged to hold 5.9 shells of 3.5" which will allow 7 shells of 2 3/4" legally making it a 7+1.
 
If that's the case, then your only option barrel wise is to take it to a gunsmith and have it cut down to your desired length. You can probably have it reamed for Rem-Choke tubes as well. I did this myself (several years ago) and the cost was less than it would have been to buy a new barrel. (About $200) The shortest barrel available for this (as an aftermarket spare barrel) is the rifled deer barrel and that will set you back over $200 anyway. Once again, I'm not sure if the short barrel will be able to digest lighter loads like the longer barrel, worst case scenario is you have to use a bit heavier loads for plinking.

Insofar as stocks go, I believe any stock that fits the standard model will also fit the super mag but check with a gunsmith first.

A Choate +2 extension should net you 5 rounds of 3-1/2 inch. You can put this yourself by grinding out the detents in the mag tube with a dremel tool. For sights you can stick with a front bead or have a gunsmith add some rifle type sights as well. With a few hundred bucks you should be able to mod that shotgun into one tacticool device!
 
The only gun smith close by won't cut barrels :( I believe opening up the gas ports a bit will allow me to still use light target loads but I'd rather someone with some experience do it so I don't mess up a barrel.

I haven't found many options for stocks and even fewer in Canada. As far as the mag extension goes I plan on running one that will go flush with the end of the barrel and then plugging it to only hold 5.9 shells of 3.5" (all about the LCF right?). For now I think I will stick with the bead sight and go from there.
 
The only gun smith close by won't cut barrels :( I believe opening up the gas ports a bit will allow me to still use light target loads but I'd rather someone with some experience do it so I don't mess up a barrel.

Casey at TacOrd quoted me $90 to cut a barrel and thread it for Remchokes last fall. I would also ask about the ports, his reputation here is excellent and he seems to do very nice work. You can PM him here, he is Arwen Ace, or google tactical ordnance and catch him there.


Mark
 
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