The tactical shotgun in urban operations

Posted on January 29, 2010

Interesting article by Ryan J. Morgan about use of tactical shotguns during Operation Iraqi Freedom: The tactical shotgun in urban operations

Candewman (CDM) Clamps – Story of Creation

Posted on January 23, 2010

Scott Dew, owner of the CDM Gear shared the very interesting story of creation of his unique clamps:

So, I started making clamps about 4 years ago but I actually started out doing a lot of custom, one-off stuff for people. I was also designing an adapter like the Mesa Tactical stock adapter about the same time they did. This all started with the FN TPS shotgun. You may know that it has a stock that adapts an AR15 stock and pistol grip to the shotgun. I liked the look and started developing my own.

Mine was a little more complex and had a built in scope rail. It was going to be investment cast and then machined. It was really nice and better than anything on the market. I didn’t make it because Knoxx was coming out with a recoil reducing stock and I felt that it would revolutionize the stock adapter industry.

I didn’t want to sink a lot of money into something that was going to be outdated so I stopped development. Looking back, I should have continued ahead with my plans…and I still might.

In the meantime I was still making clamps but they looked like everyone elses out there. I like simplified form and after looking at the clamp assembly with the scope ring and the rail and everything I felt there was a better way. It litterally came to me in my sleep and I got up about 3 in the morning and started drawing the cad work for the MOD-C, which stands for Multi Optional Design Clamp. I’ve included a .jpg so you can get an idea of where the idea came from.

I also worked on the patent, which is still in process. I have a provisional patent that will be converted to a regular patent application in February. I will be doing the actual patent work as well.

The clamps can interchange with other components as well, such as rails and the Sling Swivel dock. The sling swivel dock is made out of steel, instead of aluminum. I believe the steel to be a better way to go than aluminum for long term durability.

Since the sling swivel dock needed a hole for the sling swivel, I lined it up with the bolt hole for the clamp. I followed through with the rails putting an access hole in the same place for the clamp.

With other clamps you need to take the rail off to take the clamp apart. You don’t need to do that with mine. I am the only maker that does this. I also wanted to have the light or laser as close to the shotgun as possible. I don’t believe there is another railed clamp out there that holds the light as close to the shotgun as mine does. It is also the lightest of it’s kind on the market.

Scott, thank you very much for sharing this story with me and readers of the Rem870 blog!

More information about CDM Clamps: http://www.candewman.com/

Military Grade RD410E Open Red Dot Sight

Posted on January 19, 2010

Some more information from Theodore:

I have also replaced my Nikon Monarch Dot sights (cylindrical) with a Military Grade RD410E Open Red Dot sight (33mm aperture) which gives the gun a more tactical rather than hunting look and feel. I also greatly prefer the open sights due to the much better Field Of View and improved aim ability you have.

See my previous post : http://www.rem870.com/2009/11/15/remington-870-in-greece-sights-scope-mount-swivel-stud-swivels/

It is also much easier to aim with having both eyes open with the new Open Red Dot sight. I am sorry to say that my Nikon sights – now useless, cost me 5X more than these new sights – Lesson – do your research. It will save you a lot of money $$$€€€€.

Removing Dimples on Remington 870 Magazine Tube

Posted on January 17, 2010

A lot of Remington 870 owners want to install a magazine extension on their shotguns. But there are dimples in magazine tube which must be removed first. And all of us are afraid to break our favorite shotgun during this process.

Theodore has sent me a fantastic instruction on dimples removal. I know that many Remington 870 owners are searching for such instructions and I am happy to share it with you. Many thanks to Theodore for his work and photos.

How to Remove Dimples in Magazine Tube of the Remington 870 Shotgun:

This is Theodore, and after following your holiday poll on shotgun gift ideas, I too decided to buy myself one of the most sought after shotgun X-mas present: a +2 Rounds Magazine Extension. Being loyal to the Remington brand I purchased a original Remington +2 mag extension (SKU. 19420) which was in stock from my country’s official Remington importer.

This is a quality extension and has a great fit and I strongly recommend it. It is exactly as you describe it on your site: http://www.rem870.com/2009/09/07/original-remington-870-2-round-magazine-extension/
The reason I was weary of installing such a product until today is because I could not find in my heart to to use a drill, dremel, or file on my gun to remove the dimples in the magazine. It gave me the impression of damaging my gun. Of course, hammering a socket inserted in the magazine tube to force out the dimples is out of the question – and should NOT be attempted. You will only damage your gun!! This site covers this topic very well here: http://www.rem870.com/2009/08/06/how-to-install-remington-870-magazine-extension-and-remove-dimples-in-magazine-tube/

Reading the comments from the above posts, a reader named Ken posted on November 10, 2009 an alternative “dimple curing” method on the Rem870.com Blog, using a combination of the socket method and then a basic metal working method such as auto body work for a smooth final finish.

After some thought, I decided to attempt and remove the dimples from my gun without the use of a drill or dremel. I decided to modify Ken’s method above and replace the hammer and socket method of the first phase of his procedure, with a vice build to fit exactly around the inner (~23mm) and outer (~25.5mm) surface of the magazine. I initially wrapped a single layer of paper masking-tape around the outer front of the magazine tube to protect it from scratches. Tightening the vise initially flattened the dimples 80-90% of the way. You will be surprised at just how hard and strong the magazine tube metal is. You will need to apply as much pressure with the vice as you can, to make sure the dimples pop out as far as possible. Too much pressure it not enough! – just make sure your inner and outer guides fit your magazine tube flush on both the inner and outer side.

Then I could insert an oiled socket (approx 23mm diameter) which would fit snugly in the magazine tube and apply a basic metal working method such as auto body work for a smooth final finish. Make sure you have a good handle on the socket and that you can easily remove it if required. Do NOT force or hammer the socket into the magazine tube. It should fit snugly – if not, it is the wrong size. The secret is to use a metal working hammer (soft metal and light weight) and GENTLY tap on the OUTSIDE of the tube (over dimples) until the “dimples” blend in with the rest of the tube. The use of the socket in this instance in NOT to force out the dimples the remaining 10-20%, but to act as a counterbalance to the gently tapping action you are going to be applying on the outer area of the dimples and make sure that your magazine tube remains perfectly round in the process.

It really does work very well …. and you do get a perfect round finish. Done properly, the magazine will retain its finish. If not, a little gun-blue will mend any markings.

The method I describe above if done properly, results in minimal modification and no damaging of the original part. However, I think that you need to feel confident “very!!!” about how good a “handyman” you are. If not, I recommend that you use the drill or dremel method instead which always and quickly gets you the required result, every time!

Here follows some pictures, steps and parts required if you wish to try this out.

This is a simple 2-piece water hose connector. The reason I chose it was that it had the correct diameter required for the outer guide of my vice (~25.5mm). Copper is also a soft and easy to work with metal that won’t damage your magazine tube as it is much softer. Just cut it and retain the part you need. As long as you get the diameter right use what you find.

To create the inner guide of my vice I used a spanner bolt bit that was the correct diameter (~23mm) for the inner guide of my vice and also acted as a socket.

After cutting it, the one piece acted as the vice guide (Note the one ended is grinded to allow it to fit in the magazine tube as initially the dimples will stop it from entering), and the other longer piece acts as your socket.

This is the vise I used.

You will require some nuts & bolts.

This is what you are trying to make and assemble.

This is how you need to assemble your vice. Note the inner guide is grinded down on the bottom end so that it will initially fit into your magazine tube over dimples.

This is everything you will need.

Prepare your magazine tube for the procedure. The paper tape protects the tube from any markings and allows for a nice tight fit – no slack. It is very important to mark the areas you are going to be working on.

Insert the vice and apply as much pressure as you can. If your inner & outer vice guides are the correct size, there is no way you can damage the tube. Be sure you carefully align the application of pressure exactly on the dimple. This should pop 80-90% of the dimple out. Apply on both dimples.

Now you can insert the socket and gently start tapping out the remaining dimple. The secret is to use a metal working hammer (soft metal and light weight).

You end up with the dimples completely remove. If you insert your finger you will not be able to feel them at all.

Gun Blue the area where the dimples used to be – inside & outside.

Even though the inside of the tube has no dimples, you will still be able to see a mark on the outer side of your magazine tube created by the factory punch.

Finished Product. I am very happy with my Remington +2 Rounds Magazine Extension. It really looks sexy.

I never added the original Remington magazine clamps as it is much easier to clean and service your weapon without it on. Furthermore, the clamp is such a tight fit that it will scar your barrel and magazine extension. The magazine extension is such a sturdy fit that you also don’t need it – apart for mounting a sling. Therefore, I am planning to use a front and endplate sling mount instead (many manufactures to choose from, I’ll keep you posted).

Having successfully cured my “dimple problem” I am extremely happy with my original Remington upgrade, knowing that my magazine tube has retained its factory finish with no visible modifications.

Special thanks to Ken who started me on this idea. Also, thanks Vitaly for providing a platform where we can learn from each other and exchange ideas.

Best Regards,
Theodore

Remington 870, Command Arms Cheek Piece, Mesa Tactical Stock, Single Point Sling

Posted on January 10, 2010

Dear readers of the Rem870.com blog,

J.R. have sent me update about his Remington 870 shotgun. I am really happy to receive photos and updates from readers of the blog. Here it is:
“Hi Vitaly, Just an update on the 870 project. I have installed a Command Arms cheek piece on my Mesa Tactical stock to raise the cheek height for my optics. The cheek piece fits and works perfectly. I have also made a custom single point sling which works great and I am very happy with.”

ATI Remington 870 Collapsible Stock for Remington 870

Posted on January 8, 2010

One of the readers of my blog shared his experience about the ATI Remington 870 Collapsible Stock for Remington 870:

“I have ATI M4-style stock but I don’t use it. It’s a crap.

First of all there are gaps between parts of the stock especially when it is fully extended. Second disadvantage is that you need to take it off before disassembling your shotgun. Third problem is that this stock works good with high sights and you need additional cheek piece.

Also, ATI forend is a pain too, I can’t take it off, it stuck. And when I decide to change it I will have to contact an armorer.

As an alternative, I have ordered SpeedFeed stock and it works perfectly without any problems above.”

Thanks to http://llandaff.livejournal.com/ for this short review.

TacStar Forend Grip

Posted on January 7, 2010

TacStar Forend Grip looks cool and I decided to ask owners about it. Short answer is: looks good but not as functionable as expected. Also, the material is not very good (hard and slippy) and it is not possible to have a good and reliable grip.

Remington Supercell Recoil Pad

Posted on January 6, 2010

I have received a letter from Theodore, a Remington 870 owner. He tried to install a Remington Supercell Recoil pad on his shotgun but it didn’t fit, so please check that you are buying a recoil pad which will fit your Rem 870.

From Theodore:

This is Theodore and I have finally received my Supercell Recoil Pad for the Remington 870 (SKU. 19471). The pad seems as if it probably could do a good job absorbing recoil but I never tested firing my Remington Model 870™ Express® Deer Gun with the new pad!!!… to see if it performs as advertised. Why? Well I was very disappointed to find out that it does NOT fit !!! … I know it is strange. I spoke to the official importer and he too confirms this. He immediately refunded me and apologized but all I wanted was a Supercell Recoil Pad for my Remington 870. Anyway, I did some research and I think that “870 express” stock is a different size to the “870 Wingmaster” or Model 1100 stock, which might fit the pad – I don’t know! Lesson. If you wish to purchase this particular product, I recommend you visit the store with your Gun in hand (so to speak) and make sure it fits your stock.

Installation is very easy – only two screws – don’t forget to squirt some oil into the two little holes in the pad of your stock before you unscrew your old or install your new pad to prevent “wounding” your pad during installation.

I have left my old original recoil pad on my gun and I am learning to deal with the recoil. It is a painful leasson, but I prefer it this way. I hope this review of the above product might assist fellow readers of Vitaly’s Rem870 site.

sdfsdfsd

4000 Visitors in December 2009

Posted on January 3, 2010

Happy New Year to all Rem870.com Blog Readers! This blog had more than 4000 readers in December, 2009.

Check often, a lot of interesting articles coming soon…

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