getting my first shotgun...

[SoonerBJJ]

I'm finally entering the world of the "fighting shotgun." I have been wanting to buy my first shotgun for some time but decided to wait as I've been putting a great deal of time and training into my handguns. Initially I wanted to focus on 1 platform but now I'm ready to add to the lineup.

My girlfriend (I know I'm a lucky man) is going to buy me the shotty of my choice... within financial reason. I've decided on the Rem 870 Express 12g in 18 or 20 inch barrel. I decided on the Remington over the Mossberg.

It's primary use will be home defense and I'll definitely be adding defensive (dare I say "tactical") shotgun training to my formal training regimen. I'd eventually be interested in trying clays/trap/etc but I don't know how well my gun will be for those sports.

I'm a minimalist in additions to my guns. I'm probably going to add a Know SpecOps stock with pistol grip and a Surefire light attachment. I'm thinking of eventually adding a vertical foregrip but that wouldn't be for awhile.

I'm going to find a way to carry more ammo on the gun and I know there are many ways of doing this but I don't know much about them right now. I'll be looking into it more.

With the money left over I'm going to buy a bunch of ammo, cleaning supplies/tools, etc.

Any thoughts or advice based on what I've posted? Like I've said this is my entry into shotguns and I'm open to advice. There is alot of BS out here on the internet but it has also been a source of good information for me in the past. Thanks in advance.

[jmb79]

Congratulations! You are about to enter the world of the thinking man's or woman's weapon.

The best use of you money will be on lots and lots of ammunition and range time shooting this ammunition. Taking a training class from a quality shooting school or trainer will also be money well spent.

Getting to know your weapon by using it, especially under the more demanding conditions that a good tactical shotgun class will impose on you is the best way to learn what gear you need and want (in that order).

I believe that a defensive shotgun should have a weapon mounted light. I chose the Surefire 618FA weapon light. This is a replacement forend that has a light build into it. The reason for such a light is the old adage that "you hit what you can't see." Also, you only want to shoot bad guys so target identification is critical.

You will find a lot of people will post about what gadgets and do dads you "have to have" and I admit that I have added a few to my 870. I do not like the various Knoxx stocks with their built in recoil absobing spring systems. I have shot a few and am not impressed. Better you learn proper shooting technique so you don't need the recoil absorbing springs.

After the light, I would recommend replacing the front bead sight, if that's how your comes, with ghost ring sights. Tied with sights for second place would be on board ammo carrier. I opted for a six round side saddle from Mesa Tactical. Mesa Tactical's side saddles cost about twice what Tac-Star side saddles cost but I believe the higher price is more than justified.

Good luck. Remember, the best money is spent on ammo and training.

[SoonerBJJ]

I just brought home our new addition. I got the Rem 870 Express 18" synthetic with 2 shot extension. I won't go into the whole sordid story but I can say that I will never voluntarily deal with Walmart again in such matters. Probably wouldn't be an issue since they are demasculating their hunting/firearms department anyway. It is almost understandable after seeing how completely ignorant (regarding firearms) that their behind-the-counter workers are. I called 12 different Walmart Supercenters within a 25 mile radius and didn't find a single Rem 870 or have a single halfway intelligent conversation with their person selling guns. I finally said **** it and went to absurd lengths to refund a gift card I had received and took the cash straight to the nearest Academy and was totally taken care of by a guy who truly knew his guns. I was much happier giving my money to Academy.

But I digress...

I'm not totally sold on the Knox stock with pistol grip but I've heard many positive things about this configuration for the purposes I have in mind. They may not be appropriate for sporting but I'm not really sure that my 18" barrel is really suited for sporting anyway. I'm open to opinions here.

I'm going to get a Surefire light attachment and the side saddle for sure. I'm doubtful about the vertical foregrip for multiple reasons.

I'm looking forward to putting some quality time in together and I'll be seeking more formal training once I'm more familiar and proficient with this new platform.

[SoonerBJJ]

I understand and agree about the importance of ammo and training. I will be putting in some serious trigger time and then seeking more formal training when I'm more proficient.

I'm also hearing alot of negative opinions about the Knox now that I've brought it up. The factory stock is slightly long and awkward for my size so I'm looking to change this soon. Open to opinions regarding replacement stocks.

[jmb79]

Sooner,

A couple of points/comments:

First, I used to live in Texas. Academy is a great place to shop. They usually have very good ammo prices too. I only use Wally World for cheap ammo. Their gun selection is poor and is oriented towards hunting, not self defense.

Second, I too find the 14" length of pull (LOP) that most 870 have from the factory to be too long for a fighting shotgun. I went with a SpeedFeed IV-s stock. The SF IV-s has a 13" LOP which can be shortend to 12" LOP if you replace the butt pad with SF's SWAT butt plate. The SF IV-s has a conventional stock with a pistol grip attached. See here: http://www.speedfeedinc.com/products.html

If you prefer a shorter stock without pistol grip, try Speed Feed's youth stock which has a 13" LOP or the Hogue stock that has either a 12" or 13" LOP.

There are just my suggestions based on what has worked for me. I hope others will chime in so that you get some different points of view!

[MrMurphy]

Speedfeed's IV-S stock is excellent as noted.


Choate Machine & Tool's Mark VI stock I believe it's called, is a pistol grip type stock, but skeletonized and holds six shells in it. Interesting design.

The Knoxx Specops Stock (collapsible M4 type stock as well as recoil reducing) is solid, and you can adjust the length of the stock to you (or your girl) and if you're wearing body armor/heavy clothes it will adjust.

I carry an M4 every day and the collapsible stock comes in handy, since my length of pull in just BDUs is different from wearing a tac vest, and wearing a tac vest and body armor. Or wearing a goretex jacket, tac vest, body armor. See what I mean? :)