The Remington 870 for Home Defense: Part 2

A few basic tips for modifying the Remington 870 for use as a home defense gun. Changing out parts and adding accessories is typically pretty straightforward, but there are some quirks you should know about in advance.
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[@DesmoProfundis]

My dad left me some of his guns when he passed, one of which was an old 870 Express. It came with the two barrels so I swapped out the 28" one for the 20, put a mag extension on it and a side saddle. A problem I ran into was the stock wooden slide hit the saddle when I tried to chamber a round. Some work with a dremel and the slide was quickly modified to work. Maintaining the wooden stock and slide has the effect of reminding me that this was my dad's gun. Adding a few bits of tacticool gear make it more effective and mine now. Thanks Dad for the badass boom stick.

[@Bayan1905]

The Remington 870, it's like having a set of Legos, they are so easy to accessorize.

[@mjohnson6703]

Bayan1905 I love it.

[@thatguy4087]

An overused comment I heard about Glock’s constantly

[@amudlifecrisis]

You have a great on screen delivery style! Great informative drama free videos!

[@LuckyGunner]

Thanks man. We don't need no stinking drama.

[@Fafafohi]

The red sa

[@_MJA_]

Been a broadcaster, an exec. producer, for a few huge corporations over the past couple of decades. Your ability to present this detail as a Tool and betterment for a Tool deserves high praise. Thank you for taking the time and delivering a clear communication about this 12GA. Thank you also for excluding anything related to emotion and opinion related to guns & ammo.

[@BayAreaBrenner]

I’ve been mulling over getting a shotgun for home defense for a while now. Still have a lot to learn, but these videos have been so helpful.

[@westtennesseeprepper2552]

The 870 home defense is a great gun mossberg 500 is also a great gun cost wise 500 is less expensive both have endless possibilities to customize

[@BayAreaBrenner]

Randy Edwards thanks for the reply! My family had a decent-sized collection of guns when I was growing up, but they pretty much just lived in the safe and I didn’t absorb much knowledge. I appreciate folks like you helping me get a handle on the details!

[@lightbender5605]

Joe Brenner Stop mulling. Do it! Welcome to the club of prepared Americans.

[@awesomefearsome]

Excellent. I learned a lot from part 1&2. I am new to shotguns so I need all the help I can get. Thanks.

[@2averagenoobs108]

Oh boy, being into cars is already expensive, now getting into guns is going to kill my bank account lmfao

[@FrankSafe760]

Faqs bro

[@christophersitzmore3855]

Good solid information for setting up the 870 for home defense. Thank you for not making the shotgun overly tactical.

[@norwegiannightmare8843]

I really like the idea of having one shot gun with different barrels

[@greatscott8680]

Hands down, this is the BEST shotgun video I have ever seen!

[@alanchihuaha7237]

Good tip. I never would have of thought of turning a wingmaster into a home defense style gun.

[@TheHGudat]

I'm looking into buying a shotgun for home defense and I love your videos man. You're doing a great job keep it up!

[@barneygo2010]

Thanks kindly for the Parts 1 and 2 videos. So well explained. So simple and straightforward. Thanks for the lack of drama and sensation. Most professional all around. I’ve shared this video set with my 870 fan boys. All the Best!! Peace Be The Journey!

[@joehatton729]

Great videos - between the home defense shotgun videos and the DA/SA handgun videos, I've become an instant fan. I have my 870 Express Tactical (I was initially purchasing on a tight budget) setup with an adjustable pistol-grip stock, side saddle, forearm grip with a laser/light combo. Four out of six is a good start.

[@bwhip]

If you're converting an old (pre 80s) 870 for defensive use, you should really consider a flexitab conversion kit. It will allow easy recovery from jams where a shell becomes wedged between the shell carrier and the bottom of the slide block.

[@iammaximus614]

Is that for the barrel or for the mechanism?

[@bwhip]

@@iammaximus614 For the mechanism. It comes with a new shell carrier, breech bolt and slide assembly (the block that the breech bolt rides on). It worked perfectly on my early 70s Wingmaster. www.rem870.com/2014/02/09/remington-870-carrier-conversion-kit-flexitab/

[@Houston1906]

Very good vid! Picked up some great tips for updating an old Wingmaster.

[@americanmilitiaman88]

A good way to remove the dimples is a magazine tube dent remover. I upgraded the extractor to a non MIM and carrier dog sprint and magazine spring with police magnum springs

[@joshuachappell]

This video was exactly what I was needing help on. Thanks so much and you do a great job.

[@HappyIdiot_Alien.]

Great video, I have been thinking about turning my 870 super mag express into a defensive shotgun but haven't had the time.

[@dlbrazelton]

Yours are the most informative and easy to understand videos online PERIOD!

[@abc456f]

I have the 870 express tactical magpul edition. Comes with the magpul sga stock and magpul forend. XS ghost ring sights, picatinny rail, Rem tactical choke. A few upgrades to set it up just how I want it. Replaced mim extractor with non-mim, replaced plastic follower with aluminum one. Replaced factory mag spring with Wilson Combat extended spring. Replaced safety with wilson combat oversized safety. Streamlight tlr-1 on forend with magpul cantilever mount. Replaced front bead sight with XS tritium sight. QD mount in stock and on replaced mag cap to work with magpul ms4 gen 2 sling. Had a Mesa tactical aluminium side saddle but the shell holders all had different levels of retention, plus was a pain to disasemble and reassemble to clean/oil trigger assembly. Went with an Esstac velcro six shot side saddle, great retention. I do have the police model dog carrier spring but my gunsmith said if the current spring isn't giving me any problems, the new one might introduce some, so I'm holding off on that for now. Gun has been 100% reliable. Cerakote finish, not a sign of rust in 9+ years. It's easy to maintain, I've found the most important maintenance item is keeping the forend rails nicely lubed. Not dripping but well coated. Keeps the action very smooth. MPro-7 lube works well for me. This was my first gun and I couldn't be happier with it.

[@seanmichael8202]

Hey, man. I really appreciate the input regarding this firearm. I bought my Dad's 870 (pretty sure it's an express) and since, I've been wanting to buy the shorter barrel and some slightly more tactical accessories. I love the original furniture, so for me, this video was more info than I'd probably need, but in agreement with most other comments on this thread, this is a stand up channel. New subscriber this evening. Thank you

[@SantanaH18]

Sean Michael w

[@jtron25]

Excellent video!!! Great delivery.

[@Bushy_P]

My 870 is set up with the standard front bead sight, magpul stock and forend, an enlarged safety, the elastic shell cards with Velcro backing, and Remington extended magazine with a better follower and spring from the same company that made my shell cards and enlarged safety (can't remember the canadian companies name off hand).

[@stwhite5135]

Thanks. Good no great video. Very professionally done by you and the producer and editor.

[@MrAwsomeshot]

removing the detents from the mag tube takes about 30 seconds with a couple tappered impact socket. I used a little case lube a 3/4 in dowel and a mallet. you can prob even just use regular sockets just make sure you dont own them because they are pretty. no two sockets will have the same outside diamiter but I believe I used a craftsman 15 16 17mm. Drive them one after another down the mag tube. if u have a dremel and a stead hand you can throw a 200-300 grit sanding drum on and clean it up after and then run a fat patch of never-dull on ur cordless down the tube to polish the shit out of it. don't forget to apply a thin coat of oil.

[@shellcracker18]

MrAwsomeshot I took a dremel to mine. Took about 10 min

[@Shadetree_Mechanic]

informative and to the point... you got yourself a new subscriber !

[@letun3481]

Excellent video!!! Thank you!

[@davidjordan3073]

Great delivery!!!

[@biscuitplays9531]

Wonderul video that was just what I was looking for and by the way love the ammo deals best place to get ammo

[@mikebeezy8353]

This is a lot of the info I needed thank you.

[@78645901]

Thanks for explaining rifled bars. and modified differences Really dig your site.

[@cobymela]

Great video. Thanks!

[@gale212]

damn. this is exactly what I was looking for.

[@rodneymorris2695]

😊love this I would to see more of theses thank you 😊

[@iammaximus614]

Great info 👍🏽 Now I can upgrade my 870/CHP wingmaster

[@aronbennett4760]

Awesome video

[@yetisuncle666]

if you have an 18 inch or shorter barreled shotgun for home defense. the absolute most important item, other than shells is a white light. its critical on any home defense weapon. you dont wanna blast any un-intended individual. positive target identification is critical in home defense.

[@aulii11]

Great information - thanks!

[@jeffweaver955]

That gun looks badass now!!

[@iwantosavemoney]

I like your build but I think am going to go with the 500. Thanks for sharing

[@Jim125]

Great Video!! I learned a lot.

[@lucienblue4763]

great video

[@apexsquad5078]

all of these upgrades besides the barrel should fit on the h&r. saves a lot of money as well!

[@pw3543]

Great video thank you

[@salc9593]

A very informative and instructional video's

[@dljohnsonii2610]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@MrAwsomeshot]

number 1 upgrade for a Remington 870 being spec'd for HD is a non-Mim extractor.

[@iammaximus614]

MrAwsomeshot What do you recommend & where to buy? Thanks 👍🏽

[@VanillaGorilla502]

The Surefire DSF-870 light forend is 💰!

[@simon_96]

very nice informative vid

[@jdcraft92]

Thanks for the video 😎

[@amotorcyclerider3230]

Fantastic. Could you provide links to the parts you replaced? It would be very helpful.

[@dolato84]

Great video bud

[@Evil_Teddy]

taking the stock off a new 870 express is hard as hell. they practically glued the long bolt into the receiver.

[@mattieboy01]

Love your vids. Where can i buy these accessories, or maybe what would yall recommend as the best place?

[@brocklanders5587]

Trip to the gunsmith should be about the same price as the stock 870

[@w0210230]

Take my damn up vote and subscription! Talk about straightforward and no B.S.

[@iammaximus614]

Great info👍🏽 How@part manufacturers & numbers for these tactical upgrades Pls list below Btw, I got the chp police short barrel version awhile ago & have been really happy with it 🇺🇸🤠👍🏽

[@johnanderson5279]

I've watched a number of your videos and just gotta say, thanks for all the good information. Your presentation is spot on. I'm toying with the idea of getting a form one on file for my new 870. it came out of the box with an 18inch barrel and plus two tube & pistol grip. I've replaced the forend and pistol grip with Magpul goodies. I really like the SGA stock because I have some what short arms. Anyway, I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work!

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

The Remington 870 is one of only a few models of firearms that you can build from top to bottom without using a single factory part other than the receiver.

[@alexmoquin9994]

I found both the handle and the stock on Amazon LOL but it is a nice budget build for blowing away thieves and murderers lol

[@usptact]

Nice 2 part series! Please make more! What's situation in 2019?

[@geico1975]

Sweet!

[@glennhynes5263]

870 Remington? Ok fine, but it's just a hop, skip and a jump to 'a board with a nail in it,' or 'a big rock.' Lol Love your wonderfully logical vids.

[@ruffxm]

Come at me with a board with a nail in it and stare down the barrel of my 870. See who wins... Comments like that typically come from emasculated men with small dicks.

[@taylormartin107]

I own a 12 gauge Police Model with an 18" barrel with HD kit. I have been considering putting a longer barrel to shoot skeet, but have a couple of questions. 1. Do the express and police models have the ability to accept the same barrels? Would you be able to put a 28" express barrel on the police model.for example? 2. Some of these barrels get pricey. Would I be better off to just buy a different gun for skeet? By no means do I want to become a pro. Just want to have fun shooting with buds. Thanks in advance for your answers.

[@uziel5000]

I'm new to firearms but glued to lucky gunner videos very informative. I have to ask: after all those mods,(you essentially changed everything but the main body (sorry dont know the correct term) is it really worth it? Or is it way more expensive to get a shotgun that has all those things from the factory? Or is there a practical reason why the modding option is better? Or maybe shotguns don't come with all that stuff built in? Pardon the ignorance just trying to put everything together(no pun intended😉)

[@John5.56]

Other than maybe finding a shotgun with a tube magazine that holds a couple more shells most of them come pretty similar. You can find some that have magpul furniture on certain models etc but they're going to be a lot more expensive compared to the base model. I think a lot of people go with the base model that way they don't spend a bunch of extra money on the factory magpul or upgraded furniture to later find out they want something else or want to put a forend that has a light or a different stock etc etc. So they just get the basic model and upgrade as they see fit.

[@wesley_makes]

Many go through this process because there is already some sort of waterfowl gun in the family and the conversion process is really quite simple. If you’re starting from nothing, you may be best served to buy a gun that is already mostly the way you want it. That’s what I did. I found a police trade-in on Gun Broker that was already configured as a fighting shotgun. I added an XS Big Dot, a light, a SINGLE-POINT sling, and my gun is just about how I wanted it for far less than an equivalent new model. Add ammo and training, and it’s nearly perfect!

[@MarAgt]

My 870 w/21” turkey barrel and red dot already on it. Just put in the improved choke and take the plug out of the tube when you’re not hunting. Best of both worlds. Oh, and keep the wood stock. Paul Harrell said it best over on his channel. When the police respond to his house after its over, I just want to look like a scared old man w/a pump shotgun.

[@kmd12327]

More videos!!

[@MartyInLa]

What do you think of SpeedFeed stocks? I think they make for a better handling shotgun, and don't screw up your sight picture. On the down side, they are more money, and not as fast to reload from.

[@streetoutlawracer]

Chris, who makes the one-round magazine extension shown in your video? Thanks for another good video ...

[@LuckyGunner]

+streetoutlawracer Vang Comp Systems

[@igun4fun352]

Hi Chris, with the Magpul stock your running what size cheer riser did you go with ?

[@jackiejackie9755]

The guy on the video--solely based on appearance--seems like a typical, anti-gun SJW from Seattle. All jokes aside, he does an excellent job with these videos.

[@Ideo7Z]

That's what's cool about him. He looks normal. Not a Matt Best wannabe with full sleeved tats, operator beard, grunt style/1776/BRC t-shirt, 5.11 defender pants driving a lifted Taco/Forerunner covered in Molon Labe, Magpul, 3%, Gadsden flag and Glock stickers.

[@maedhros0111]

@@Ideo7Z it is what a concealed carrier should be!

[@AkSaggsAlot]

Who makes the rear sight that you have installed?

[@adamdula6090]

what brand you recommend to install scope mount on Remington 1187 for red dote sight ? Thanks!

[@austinnevitt7922]

velcro backed side saddles and some velcro from walmart mounts to the side of the receiver and is usually cheaper and doesnt require any part replacement. just another option for a budget minded person.

[@LuckyGunner]

Yep, that works too. I actually mentioned that option in the video originally but cut it for brevity.

[@austinnevitt7922]

+Lucky Gunner Ammo It was a good video even if I am a Mossberg guy ;)

[@todd19631]

do they make a 20 inch vented rib smooth barrel ? with maybe glow in the dark sights??

[@LMP314]

I was think about buying the super mag of home defense. Should that be a good starting point ?

[@DutchLee58]

If you have a rifled barrel you can still shoot bird shot. You'll just have tocut the top of your shells, use the bird shot and mix it with wax to make a slug. The wad should be able to make a good seal and keep wax from getting all over your gun powder. If you want to know more look up taofledermaus they do alot with shotguns. I had to add this the benefit of a wax slug compared to a normal slug is that it transfers alot of energy into the target when it hits.

[@srichampootv]

Is that the Magpul MOE forend on the thumbnail?

[@gunchief0811]

Mossberg makes alot of modern shotgun barrels. For many shotguns.

[@timon0x31]

Personally, I’d never use a hard side saddle. I’d use a Velcro mounted one so you can peal them off and slap another one on. If you don’t want to put the Velcro directly on your receiver then get a Vangcomp version.

[@oso1165]

After watching both of the 870 videos I'm so glad I bought a 590a1 instead 😂😂😂

[@boi1der522]

Does the year of any wingmaster you get matter in durability or life shelf of a shotgun?

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

Great video where do I buy this kit thks

[@jcortez1314]

I bought an 870 express tactical home defense as my first gun. I bought it for home defense, obviously. After I purchased the gun I remembered I needed a light and went backed to ask for a light. The salesman told me I had to modify the barrel to attach a light 😐. Any suggestions?

[@jcarreon380]

I need to replace my trigger group, do you have ideas on a good aftermarket unit I could swap out

[@chriskeelor799]

Had a question about the barrels. Does the barrel length matter upon buying the gun? If you buy a long barrel shotgun can you change to a short or do you need to buy short first?

[@LuckyGunner]

Depends on the gun. If you get one of the common pump action guns -- Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 -- the barrels are very easy to change and readily available. It may not be as easy to find barrels for other shotguns.

[@DipsetTheAdon]

whats the best mag extension for 18 inch barrel?

[@fakemoustache4223]

Where to buy parts in europe?

[@genep.6008]

Great video. What's the (a) Magpul stock model#; (b) fore end make/model, and (c) shell carrier make/model? Thanks again.

[@genep.6008]

I rewatched, it's a Surefire fore end.

[@johnpaullywoodsvecjr.4620]

Hello! New to defensive shotgun. I’ve heard that any long gun design/built with defensive use in mind should also have a sling? Can I hear back on some pros and cons of having a sling please? Thanks!

[@ruffxm]

Are you going to be protecting yourself at home or will you be scaling walls and crawling under razor wire? Use some common sense. Do you NEED a sling???

[@badkarma2202]

Anyone know off a carrier that has a raised lip that will line up with the magazine tube permitting smoother loads?

[@jessejustsick]

Who makes that +1 mag extension? I'm having a hard time finding one that I like. Thanks!

[@LuckyGunner]

Vang Comp

[@jessejustsick]

Nice! Thanks!

[@tonymachuca9471]

Any brand recommendations for follower and extended magazine spring?

[@crash5309]

Wilson combat...comes with the mag extension....

[@thechosenone818]

Ya where u get all the stuff links

[@juanjeroncic1007]

i have a question, what about the marine one?

[@edritchie270]

I’m new to this and recently purchased a 870. Where can we buy aftermarket parts like these for the 870?

[@ruffxm]

www.cheaperthandirt.com/parts-and-accessories/parts-by-gun-model/remington/870/

[@THESKINIMIN1234]

So you weren't saying that its horrible to buy a new 870, but that it would be better to buy an older used one instead, right? I haven't been able to find a used 870 around me, and don't really want to buy online because I prefer buying in person. Would it be a worst case scenario if I were to buy a new version, or is it getting better to do so?

[@Lilnasty-jo3dc]

What's a Boost? New 870s are Garbage! It's a crap shoot! Buy at your own risk. Freedom Group has ruined Remington along with other once good brands!!

[@tellyintokyo]

How about buying an 870 Police as is? If used, take it to a gunsmith for an overall check and if good leave it as is??? As a home defense weapon what kind of gun fight do you imagine you will be in? If you require more than shots you are already dead. But I love the looks of those Magpul stocks.

[@holden32123]

How much should I consider paying at a local pawn shop for a police or wingmaster model 870?

[@LuckyGunner]

+Holden Stanfill Something in the neighborhood of $300-400 is probably about right. Wingmaster might be more depending on age, features, and condition

[@anthonyridge2323]

If you're going the pawn shop route, I know for a fact that the season affects shotgun prices. My local gunshop has an old WELL worn Wingmaster, it's price right now is $375, during the summer it was around $250. So keep that in mind as well.

[@silentbigsteve3429]

@@anthonyridge2323 Guess I got a steal on my wingmaster... Bought it for $200. $215 with tax.. lol