Barrel question

[csiress2]

I just bought a Tactical with 18" barrel and 2 shot extension.
If I want to go skeet/trap shooting, can I simply buy a longer barrel, say 28"?
Reason I ask is cause I have seen other 870s with 2 shot extension that are screw on but mine isn't.
Mine is a solid tube.
Does that make any since???
Thanks for any imput!
Craig II

[jpfrog]

Are you sure it's a solid tube? Reason I ask is because I had a HD Tactical version from the factory that had an extension on it...of course, if I wanted to remove it I would need a standard cap, but it was still removable. I thought all factory 870s had the standard length tube, as creating a new, solid extended tube would require a different manufacturing step since it's attached to the receiver.

Also, all 870 barrels are built with (to my knowledge) a ring that fits over the magazine tube at the point where the standard tube ends, to allow the magazine cap to secure the barrel in place. Tube extensions accomplish this as well by screwing into the standard tube and locking the barrel in place- with a solid tube, I'm not sure how this would be accomplished.

Can you post pictures?

[csiress2]

Please see picture.
I also measured the distance from the end of the receiver to the ring of the 18" barrel and it's 15.25".
I hope this helps.
Thanks so much!
Craig II

[csiress2]

I just found a better pic on this site:
General Discussion/Rem 870 Express Tactical whit BlackHawk stock. (81404)
my stock is different, but the barrel and shot extension are the same.

Craig II

[jpfrog]

Well there's a horse of a different color. I looked that configuration up on Remington's site, and it appears that is THE ONLY model that comes with the longer one-piece magazine tube and different barrel. All of the others on their site are standard receiver/mag tube configurations with standard barrel ring locations, and mag EXTENSION tubes to add extra capacity...see all of their other tactical photos below:
http://www.remington.com/products/firea ... -camo.aspx

http://www.remington.com/products/firea ... round.aspx

http://www.remington.com/products/firea ... tical.aspx

http://www.remington.com/products/firea ... -grey.aspx

http://www.remington.com/products/firea ... agnum.aspx

http://www.remington.com/products/firea ... recon.aspx

I know those don't help you solve your problem of wanting to put a standard 28" barrel on to shoot skeet with, but since I've never seen your configuration before I don't really know if it's possible. It appears that your shotgun was specifically designed for LEO/Military/Home Defense where the extra capacity is needed without the reliability issues that can sometimes be associated with the extension tubes.

You may want to call Remington Customer Service to see if they have an option. Or, buy another 870 for shooting skeet!

[csiress2]

Thanks!
Will have to call them to day.
My wife may not go for that idea

Will post any info

Craig II

[csiress2]

Just called Remington and the tactical version with 6 shot magazine tube can ONLY have tactical barrel.

Wanted to let ya'll know.

Craig II

[jpfrog]

Just a thought- for the cost of buying a 28" or 30" barrel for your HD rig to shoot skeet, you could easily find a nice used 870 in its original configuration to shoot clays with. As an example, I recently purchased my 1976 870 Wingmaster in 12 gauge with an original 28" smooth barrel. It wasn't in perfect condition- the wood had some dents and scratches, and even a crack near the receiver, and the metal had some surface rust and bluing wear. The action is smooth as butter though after 36 years of use, so I bought it for $225 at a local pawn shop with plans to refinish it and give it a new, higher grade wood stock, although it'd do just fine for clays and birds in its current condition. I see 870 Wingmaster listings on gunbroker.com daily for much more if they're in similar condition (and about the same if they're completely torn up), but good condition used Express models go from anywhere between $175-$225 all day long. A new barrel for shooting clays or hunting would set you back about the same amount of money.

If you want to spend a tad bit more, you can usually find an 870 Express brand new at Cabela's for around $299 on sale and around $279 at Academy (if you have them in your area).

[csiress2]

Thanks for the input!
I am thinking that that is the way to go!
I really like the idea of buying an old 870 and putting some tlc into it.

Craig II