Dominion Arms Grizzly - Build questions

[IzzyTheGreat]

I recently picked up a DA Grizzly on sale from Canada Ammo. Got it cleaned up and took it out for its maiden voyage last weekend and needless to stay I think it will stay in my collection for the foreseeable future. It seems like a really solid shotgun and feels to be built like a tank to boot (considering the price it seems like a bargain). I'm thinking of making some modifications and was wondering if anybody had any experience with regards to compatibility with aftermarket 870 parts.

My Grizzly is the 12.5" version w/rifle sights (2019 production run). I'm hoping somebody can answer my questions;

- The magazine tube currently only holds 2 2.75" shells, does anybody know if the S&J +1 extension kit would work with the Grizzly? I believe mine has the same magazine tube as the 8.5" version, I don't know if that is a different pattern than the standard 870 magazine tube.

- I was thinking of replacing the stock forend with a Magpul MOE w/M-lok so I could mount a light if I wanted to, will that bolt right on or would it require fitting?

- I'm also planning on replacing the stock, I'm thinking either the Magpul SGA for a traditional stock or a Mesa Tactical "Urbino" for the Benelli style pistol grip, anybody have any suggestions/experience with these? I may carry this slung across my chest or back for defense from wildlife so I was wondering if the pistol grip may be more likely to snag on something or get in the way if I need to deploy the shotgun quickly.

- Lastly, anybody have a suggestion for a side saddle?

If I move forward with anything I will update the thread with photos.

Thanks in advance,

 

[Chooie]

Your 12.5 magtube is the same as the 8.5. The S&J +1 wont work the spring gets bound up on the threads . Also you need to remove the dimples on the magtube. Just buy the short mossberg green follower and remove the magcap holder black plastic thing, If you want 3 rounds in the tube. Any rear butt stock will fit. No fore ends fit without modification, not sure if its even possible. Dlask arms sells an 8.5 fore end but it wont fit the new 2019 models. Just use a velco side saddle from S&J easy to install and no screws to mar up your reciever they are less bulky to get hung up on trees.

 

[scourge18a]

Dlask sells a cap to increase capacity to 3 - 3" shells.

https://dlaskarms.com/product/1-magazine-extension-for-da-grizzly-shotguns/

I have the aluminum forend on my pre-2019 Grizzly as well as the S&J +1 w/ smaller green follower with no issues. I cut my mag spring to the length recommend by S&J, which was 2.5/3" longer than the tube/capacity IIRC.

As Choole mentioned, you will have to remove the dimples to get the added capacity. I also like the velcro saddles. Easy to swap, stick somewhere else or even change the size/capacity if you have a sewing machine. You can easily remove them if not needed.

Canada ammo has rails and a jumbo safety. Just make sure you get the right rail for your 2019 production.
The jumbo safety I got works but sometimes it will push past fire, and as a result ends up being back on safe, not the best if you needed it. Even though I loved the feel of the jumbo, I went back to the stock safety for reliable function.

Any 870 stock should fit. I used the Mesa LEO which I like for function and they ship direct, but:
My trigger guard doesn't match up great
The adapter is cast and not cleaned up at all before powder coating so it looks of less quality than the Chinese shotgun.
The threads for the buffer tube aren't cut correctly, they are large and tapered, result in a 1/4" of wobble when it's screwed in fully, but before the castle nut was tightened. Hopefully it won't destroy the threads over time. I called Mesa and they said they didn't change their thread Spec since they stopped powder coating the threads, they left it the same even though they leave the threads bare, resulting is a really loose fitment. Somehow I am only the second to call and ask about it, and they wouldn't do anything about it.

 

[Chumlee Bumsnag]

I've got a mag fed Grizzly with a Magpul fore grip and a Mesa rear stock. I'm not sure which model the Mesa is. It fits well. Here's a pic if it helps.

 

[IzzyTheGreat]

Thanks for everybody who took the time to post replies.

Thanks scourge18a for the the Dlask extension link, I think I'm going to give it a try and see if it will work for me. I actually already have the picatinny and jumbo safety, which I've installed and used with no issues so far, but I'm going to subject it to further testing to see if I have problems like you described. If I end up needing to remove the dimples on the magtube what the best way to do that? A Dremel or hand file?

Due to compatibility issues with the 2019 production forends I think I'll just stick with the OEM one. It seems to work just fine and has a nice handstop that is already integrated. Velcro side saddles seem to be preferred which is surprising to hear, I have no field experience with using them but my impression was people would be worried about them detaching suddenly or something like that, I can see how a fixed saddle could get caught up on all kinds of stuff and I do think I'm going to go with a velcro setup as suggested.

I think I'm going to start with the stock and then do the mag ext. afterwards. In case anyone was curious this was the mesa tactical model I was looking at https://www.mesatactical.com/products/urbino-pistol-grip-stock-for-rem-870-1100-11-87-riser-limbsaver-12-ga-black.html,

I'm not sure if the one I saw at my LGS had the cheek riser or not but it looks like it would be comfortable to use but on the other hand a conventional stock wouldn't have a pistol grip jutting out from the end of the receiver.

Anybody also have suggestions for a good shotgun red dot? I'd be looking for an optic I could throw on a QD mount. That way I can easily remove (and not lose zero) it if I need to make the gun more compact.

I'll update the thread with any developments.

 

[Butcherbill]

You can drill out the dimples and debur the holes with a file or swage the dents out, both work well. Swaging looks better but a bit more skill is involved, there’s a tool you can buy to do it or you can use a deep socket and slowly pound them out.

 

[0357]

Going through this myself with a 14" model.
Hopefully this info will be of value to some.
The s&j +1 extension has different threads then my grizzly and I can not use it.
(Update- I got ahold of a 870 cap to confirm whether or not my grizzly threads are 870 compatible.They are Definitely not.)
Other notable differences I have came across so far are..
I installed a jumbo safety and discovered the spring and ball detent in the grizzly uses a cylindrical shaped piece with a little tit protruding instead of a simple ball bearing like on a 870.
The ball bearing supplied with the jumbo safety does not fit but the safety does work with the original cylindrical detent.
I also ordered the upgraded carrier dog spring only to find the one that came from factory was stiffer/better then the "upgraded one" from s&j.
Also S&J has, to put it nicely PISS POOR customer service and will not answer emails so I suggest shopping elsewhere.

 

[EL34/6L6]

The S&J +1 will fit thread wise, but the mag tube has dimples.
A Moe forend fits, but like all 870 forends it's tight on the Grizzly. You need to sand the forend tube to take off a 1-2mm of material.