870 express upgrades for trap

Skiman

Skiman

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Ontario
Hello all,

I've been using an entry level 12ga remington 870 express with synthetic stock for trap for the last two years. It busts clays just fine, but I think it could use a cheek riser at minimum.

I'm having a hard time finding some decent aftermarket furniture for this purpose. I keep hearing there are a lot of options out there but my googlefu seems weak. I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

The finish is quite prone to rusting so I was thinking of something like duracoat. Worth doing on this firearm?

I will likely want want to use this shotgun for 3gun or cowboy so I think putting some money into it might be a better idea than saving for an over-under. Or perhaps save the money for a higher end pump?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
 
Where does it pattern at 35yrds? For shooting ATA 16yrd trap, it should pattern at minimum 60/40, 70/30 is better. With my Express, I simply swap out to #8 for shooting trap. If it is in fact a dedicated trap gun you are looking for, you should be looking at a Winchester SXP Trap(entry level), BPS Trap or BT-99, or if you can find one a Remington 870 TC as these are dedicated trap guns.
 
Making your express a dedicated trap gun could work but by the time you dump money into it with the mentioned mods you are better off buying a trap specific pump or bt99 off the EE. Will last longer, shoot better and hold its value. All things the express won't.
 
Thanks guys.

I've been using a modified choke and usually manage to hit 20/25 or so. I never really patterned it but it sounds like a good idea.

I'll probably wait until I get access to the EE before making a move. Those jack west stocks look pretty decent too.
 
bdft said:
If you fall victim to impulse buying, the EE will ruin you.
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I get my buddy to show me the deals on EE while I wait to get access haha.
On another note, I shoot trap with my 870 wingmaster and a full choke and I seem to do alright. I haven't had a chance to pattern it yet. Only thing I might consider for it would be a higher end choke and maybe a longer tube.
 
Before changing, I would visit the pattern board to see how the factory chokes perform. Remington's Rem Choke system is pretty decent to start with. Whereas I have an Extended Improved Modified tube for my Benelli for shooting trap, it was for convenience of not having to carry a wrench to assure the tube stays tight between rounds not because of performance. The factory Benelli tubes are actually made by Trulock for Beretta. I have not seen the need to swap out the Remington Full choke on my Express with an aftermarket, the patterns were tight enough. From the 16yrd line, I will usually suggest a new shooter start off no tighter than I/M, Modified is better.
 
Personally, I'd never spend too much modifying an Express but that's not because I don't like them. There is one in our house, a 20ga "youth". (laminated stock, 21" barrel, Remchoke, etc.) It's the shotgun my kids & wife like the most and the thing runs flawlessly. Give it the same TLC you'd give a Wingmaster (or better) and you'd be surprised at how easy it is to keep the rust away, and the gun looking new. My personal experience with Express guns is that people tend to treat them poorer because they're "just an express". Put away wet, not cleaned thoroughly, mag tube NEVER cleaned, excess oil just applied liberally, etc. etc. Lots of guys treat them like crap, then complain about the "deficiencies". lol

Anyhow, I think the big money is better spent on a better gun but if you're looking to get that cheek a little higher, I might suggest one of these. http://www.accu-riser.com/ascu-riser-cp-4000p-monte-carlo-comb-raiser/ I've bought 2 in the past, both for rimfires but there is no reason it wouldn't work perfectly on an Express stock. VERY simple to install, and comfortable to use. Nice people to deal with too.
 
.22LRGUY said:
Personally, I'd never spend too much modifying an Express but that's not because I don't like them. There is one in our house, a 20ga "youth". (laminated stock, 21" barrel, Remchoke, etc.) It's the shotgun my kids & wife like the most and the thing runs flawlessly. Give it the same TLC you'd give a Wingmaster (or better) and you'd be surprised at how easy it is to keep the rust away, and the gun looking new. My personal experience with Express guns is that people tend to treat them poorer because they're "just an express". Put away wet, not cleaned thoroughly, mag tube NEVER cleaned, excess oil just applied liberally, etc. etc. Lots of guys treat them like crap, then complain about the "deficiencies". lol

Anyhow, I think the big money is better spent on a better gun but if you're looking to get that cheek a little higher, I might suggest one of these. http://www.accu-riser.com/ascu-riser-cp-4000p-monte-carlo-comb-raiser/ I've bought 2 in the past, both for rimfires but there is no reason it wouldn't work perfectly on an Express stock. VERY simple to install, and comfortable to use. Nice people to deal with too.
Click to expand...

This is EXACTLY what happens with many Express's. They really aren't that hard to care for properly.
 
For the rust, car wax. Yup, car wax. Real, rich, wax only stuff. Not the cheapo cleaner wax stuff. Should smell like crayons with a hint of fresh motor oil. Scrub in a heavy coat with a toothbrush, rub off excess with a rag. Repeat. Done, rusting problem is gone. Recoat every couple of years.
 
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