8.5" Grizzly mods

jacotsmith

jacotsmith

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
484   0   0
Location
The Yukon
Hi everyone,

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, before the great Photobucket purge that decimated thousands, there was a wealth of information on here regarding mods to the Dominion Arms 8.5" Grizzly.

I just picked up another one, tube fed this time, and am hoping some of you can share some of your tips and tricks.

IMG_20180915_1007509~2.jpg

First off, what's the trick to get 3 rounds of 2.75" in the tube? I seem to remember talk about trimming the follower, or replacing the mag tube cap with one from Dlask, but don't remember for sure. Anyone care to shed some light on it for me?

I'm also thinking about going all Bubba on a wood stock and forend set, trimming an inch or two off the stock to get the OAL down and chopping the forend down out of necessity so it fits. Any advice on either mod? Would one of the longer 870 forends, the ones that partially cover the loading gate when it's in the rearward position, be better so there's more wood to hang on to? I'm guessing adding a sling plate to the mag tube cap would act as a hand stop is a good idea too.

If I recall correctly, I think this is my fifth Grizzly, and while I haven't owned 2 of the same model they have all been lots of fun but this one hands down has the stiffest action. The previous owned claimed to have put under ten rounds through her and I would have guessed it was actually unfired based on how clean it is. Any suggestions on how to smooth her out that don't entail 1000 rounds or serious polishing? Any particular points of contact I should focus on?

Any other thoughts?

Thanks for looking!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20180915_1007509~2.jpg
    IMG_20180915_1007509~2.jpg
    35.7 KB · Views: 605
I bought a used 8.5” that already had the mag follower trimmed or perhaps sanded down in order to get a third round in. The follower still works fine but it’s a little dicey. I would be interested to know if there is a aftermarket follower that is perhaps short enough to allow three rounds yet still be reliable, something in metal perhaps. Or maybe someone might have some info on an aftermarket mag tube cap as you say.
 
Remove the bolt and then Reassemble it, you will see/feel if your action bars could use some smoothing out , cycle it a good dozen times or so . Reinstall the bolt and cycle it some more if it is hanging up or dragging some where you should be able to see/feel it . Different small files,Emery cloth and Scotch-Brite pads should do the trick go easily with the filings and sanding try the fit often . You shouldn't need to do much if any at all its part of there nature pump it ! Don't short stroke it ( baby it ). Can ammo has replacement trigger sets or swap it out for a rem parts .
 
photostudio_1463186721598_zps4o3fwc9u.jpg


Buttstock is easy to cut down, the pump though, easiest is use a keyhole saw to cut the inside to the right length and then cut the rest shorter.

You could grab a +1 extension for the 870 that comes with the sling plate.
 
i can fit 3 rounds in mine, if i recall installed a 870 follower and then i removed the gear lock that keep the tube end cap tight. i just check the cap every so often to make sure its tight. put prob 600 rounds through mine. I also put a mossberg hogue stock on it. ended up make a half inch plastic plate that goes between stock and pad to make sure it over limit.
 
Best thing you can do is fully break it down and sand anywhere inside the receiver you feel burrs or rough machining as well with the action bars and bolt, 800 to 1000grit wet dry works well. Polish it with a felt wheel on a dremel or buffing wheel and polishing compound if you have it and it will be smooth as silk when oiled and back together, I’ve given my mag fed grizzly the deburring and polishing treatment and it’s the action is butter smooth.
 
Thanks for all the replies everyone.

lerch641 said:
Buttstock is easy to cut down, the pump though, easiest is use a keyhole saw to cut the inside to the right length and then cut the rest shorter.
Click to expand...

Is the keyhole saw required to accommodate the front of the forend to go over the barrel collar and mag tube cap? I just assumed I would lop the front off and be good to go.
 
yes our Mossberg Type 3 works best , quality product and also short, this will make sure you get the 3 rounds in
just ditch the mag cap keep er and the factory follower.
bbb
 
jacotsmith said:
Is the keyhole saw required to accommodate the front of the forend to go over the barrel collar and mag tube cap? I just assumed I would lop the front off and be good to go.
Click to expand...

Exactly that, the pump is shorter than a regular 870/Grizzly so you need to cut the inside shorter to accommodate. Not hard, but get a saw set and use the closest drum.

Just think that whatever length you take off the outside you need to remove from the inside, about 2" IIRC.
 
sillymike said:
Speaking of 8.5" Grizzly,

- anybody knows of a receiver sight that fits the two holes already drilled? Tried with a leftover Grizzly-magazine sight, but the holes ...on the 8.5" are closer together than the 12.5"
Click to expand...

If it’s like this it’s just differences in production runs, the short screw spacing is an older grizzly and the longer spacing is a newer production grizzly. I can give you spacing measuresments if you want them. Both are 12.5” versions.
duMrC9H.jpg
 
Butcherbill said:
If it’s like this it’s just differences in production runs, the short screw spacing is an older grizzly and the longer spacing is a newer production grizzly. I can give you spacing measuresments if you want them. Both are 12.5” versions.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll have to dig it out and look again. My extra sight is like the left one, and I'm sure the holes were narrower... :confused:
 
So sillymike, I measured both rear sight bases I have. On the short spacing, center to center is 1 3/4” or 44mm +/-. On the bigger spacing the center to center measurement is 2 1/4” or 57mm +/-, hope that helps out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom