870 Express Tactical : Taking advantage of stock top rail

[anvil313]

Hi all,

Are there any side saddle shell holders that take advantage of the the top XS Picatinney rail that comes standard with this gun? The mesa http://mesatactical.com/products/suresh ... 2-ga-7-in/ all seem to come with their own integrated rail. I'd like to get some use of the fact that this model came with a rail.

Any suggestions for other uses of the rail..if I install a sight I lose the use of the stock sight correct?

thanks guys

[Zebra62]

Howdy, Anvill313. Welcome to the forum. Stop by the "new members" thread and introduce yourself when you have the chance.

Are there any side saddle shell holders that take advantage of the the top XS Picatinney rail that comes standard with this gun? The mesa http://mesatactical.com/products/suresh ... 2-ga-7-in/ all seem to come with their own integrated rail. I'd like to get some use of the fact that this model came with a rail.

As far as I know, there aren't any side saddles which would attach via the rail over your receiver. That rail is for optics. I have the basic 870 tactical model 25077 which came without the upper rail, ghost ring/front blade sight or threaded barrel for the breach adapter. Just a no frills get the job done 870. Works good for that too.

The side saddles you need to look at are just simple side saddles without anything over the top of the receiver. They vary in many ways in regards to how they mount on the weapon, how they secure the rounds, how many rounds and type of material used in construction. One popular side saddle is from Condor and Roman Tatical and uses Velcro to attact a strip to your receiver. When it is empty, peel the strip off and stick another on. It doesn't matter which side saddle you use as long as you are proficientwith it. Pick one and go practice.

I chose to use this one on mine: http://mesatactical.com/products/suresh ... 2-ga-5-in/
The rail on this model is raised slightly to allow the shooter to look underneath and see the front bead. Poor man's ghost ring if you will.
I found the image I wanted to insert when I originally replied. A little fuzzy, but then so am I. Shrugs.

Any suggestions for other uses of the rail..if I install a sight I lose the use of the stock sight correct?

Installing an optic will negate the use of your ghost ring unless you can get an optic with a peek through mount. I haven't seen any like that, but then again I haven't been looking either.

[anvil313]

Ok got it...thanks for the info!