blackhawk knoxx spec ops generation II build question

[Synchronizor]

Now, what do you think of the barrel I have selected in the link? Any pro's or con's? I'm just looking for a 18 inch barrel so I don't know if I have tunnel vision as to what else I should be looking for.

The only other mods I see in the future is an extended mag and maybe a mounted flashlight. I don't see having a sight since the gun would never really leave the house for the duty it's built for.

If you have any suggestions, I'd like to hear them.

If you're just looking to outfit your shotgun for normal HD, an 18-21" barrel with a fixed choke (anything between Cylinder and Modified) and a basic bead sight or vent rib is a great choice. Unless you're living in a rural area where you expect to have to make long-distance shots, you don't need anything fancier than that. Personally, I like my 20" barrel for HD because I can fit a +3 extension under it. The extra two inches really isn't that big a deal, and my Glock is my first choice if I'm in a situation where I have to move through a building anyway.

Well I have a question for you. I bought my 870 for $250. If I buy the knoxx stock and barrel, I'll have $500 into the gun. Do you think I'm putting to much into it? I don't know what you paid for yours, but I'll have a tactical with the original parts to change it back whenever I feel like it. I wonder what I could get for it if I ever sell it. I know it's not an investment but I don't want to lose too much money if I ever have to sell.

An 870 isn't normally something you buy as a collector's piece, they're working shotguns. If you don't want to sink a lot of money into it, and looks aren't a huge priority, I'd suggest skipping the fancy stock. The sporting-style stocks, in my opinion, are faster-handling, easier to hang on to when someone has grabbed the other end of the gun, and more ergonomic when you need to swing at someone's face or groin. More importantly, there's less to break on them, and it'll be something you're already accustomed to handling. If you're worried about recoil, just get a decent recoil pad for $20, and you should be fine. No reason to use heavy-hitting magnum loads for HD. If the first shot doesn't to stop someone, you don't need a few more pellets in that first shot, you need a second shot as quickly as possible.

[nbk13nw]

Great response! Even though I have gone a little further.. I agree keeping it simple is most often the best route. Make it functional for your particular situation.

[Automag]

I agree with what others said on this subject. But i just wanted to say is that if your shotgun is never going outside, then an 18 1/2 barrel is a perfect choice for HD. Thats why i bought one for my Rem 870 super mag. I also have a 20" barrel with a +3 mag extension. The dif isn't that much, but if i ever find it necessary, id prefer the 20". The reasons are this: you have an extra rd in your gun, they give you a little bit more accuracy at further distance (tighter grouping with 00 Buck, more accurate w/slugs). Also i prefer a good quality pistol grip stock for a HD/Tactical Shotgun, but that's just me. Like what was said, you have to "make it your own".

[Automag]

Awesome looking 870 nbk13nw. Interesting way to mount a red dot dight, never seen that before. Nice detail work, and that Blackhawk looks good on your gun!

[nbk13nw]

Thanks Automag.

[Zebra62]

The sporting-style stocks, in my opinion, are faster-handling, easier to hang on to when someone has grabbed the other end of the gun, and more ergonomic when you need to swing at someone's face or groin.

Thanks, Synchronizer. You answered a question for me. Always get the best information from you.

I have been looking at different aftermarket stocks for my Tactical and I hand't thought about the need to clock someone with the stock. With a pistol grip stock. I would have to repostion my hand, swing it out and back, then repsition my hand again before bringing the weapon back up for the next shot. With the OE stock, it would be one smooth movement and I would never let go of the weapon. One of the MOE stocks from Magpul would work well for this also.

Now, about that recoil pad....

[Zebra62]

nbk13nw, I just took a second look (third?) at your pics, paying particualr attention to the polishing you did. VERY COOL!!.

Question though: The pic inside the receiver I can see some chipping on the right on the outside. Was that caused by the polishing? I have been kicking around the thought of polishing my Tactical and my wife's 20 gauge in the same manner. Also, I have heard tell of buffing out a ridge sometimes on the inside of the barrel that may cause an extraction failure. Did you see this on yours?

Nice Tacticool look for your Tactical. Excellent intimidation factor.

[nbk13nw]

nbk13nw, I just took a second look (third?) at your pics, paying particualr attention to the polishing you did. VERY COOL!!.

Question though: The pic inside the receiver I can see some chipping on the right on the outside. Was that caused by the polishing? I have been kicking around the thought of polishing my Tactical and my wife's 20 gauge in the same manner. Also, I have heard tell of buffing out a ridge sometimes on the inside of the barrel that may cause an extraction failure. Did you see this on yours?

Nice Tacticool look for your Tactical. Excellent intimidation factor.

LOL, I had never noticed that before you mentioned it. You would think that as much as I was in there that would have been a no-brainer.

Anyway, this post made me grab it and break it down again.
When looking at the pictures I had posted it does indeed look like a chip, however, after breaking it down and looking closer it looks like a machining issue. Lack of a good finish from the factor.

I guess that is the hazard of buying a $400.00 Shotgun?... Fit and finish needs a little work.

This picture is shows the blemish as well as the finish that has worn off the edge of the barrel.



Here is a closer one of the blemish.



Here I removed the half worn finish from the edges



Here is a closer one of the factory blemish.

[Synchronizor]

That's not a factory blemish, it's a wear mark from the bottom corner of the breech bolt striking the surface every time the action is closed. All of my barrels show wear in the same spots:

[nbk13nw]

I stand corrected. Thanks for the heads up. I never noticed it when when new and again not until it was mentioned. Makes sense.