Tapping 870 Express Receiver?

[Surrey Boy]

I'm looking to put a rail (and optic) on my 870 12ga. Before I get it tapped, is there any advice to offer?

I hope to mount a Bushnell Trophy red-dot optic and use it for both ducks and big game with different barrels. It's been a much better gun in tight terrain than my Remington 750 and will be hunted with regularly.

 

[sherlockbonez]

Why not just get a slug barrel with rails instead. In theory you wouldn't have to resight in your gun, which should save you a few bucks in slugs each time you change over.

 

[Superbrad]

I put a saddle mount on mine.... saves you having to tap and very solid.... red dot for ducks?....

 

[Winchester-1897]

I bought a barrel with cantilever and put a shotgun scope on it. The barrel is set up for interchangeable screw in chokes.

 

[hiredgun]

I had my 870 Express drilled and tapped for a scope base. No problems after ten years; scope maintains zero. My gun is a dedicated fully rifled deer gun- it is not used for any other purpose, so interchangeable barrels are not required. Often the cost of rifled barrel with canteliver scope mount is about the same as a new shotgun. Go figure.

 

[Surrey Boy]

I put a saddle mount on mine.... saves you having to tap and very solid.... red dot for ducks?....

It has four reticles, good for both shot and slugs.

Thanks for the replies and advice, everyone. I'll be thinking about it.