870 tactical (non Express)

[paully33]

Hey fellas

I just bought a Rem 870 Tactical (non express) last week, the shop I bought it from did not have any of the express models. my question is, my shotgun just has the small bead sight on it and it has the factory installed extended chamber tube on it. Can I or is it possible to swap barrels that match the Express model with possible choke, or do I have to have a gunsmith mil it to accept a choke. I know that is costly and would rather swap barrels if its possible. I want to put a rail on the receiver and will end up taking it to gunsmith regardless because my receiver is not drilled and tapped. Not sure what my options are with this gun maybe go find an Express model ........

thought opinions suggestions

Thanks much

Paul

[Synchronizor]

First off, Tactical 870 models are Expresses. They may not have "Express" stamped on the receiver, but that's what they are. The real distinguishing feature of Express models is the finish, most have a matte black oxide finish, while a few have a camo pattern or Cerakote. Wingmaster, Police, and other non-Express 870s all have higher-end finishes.

Second, all 870s are 870s. Wingmasters, Expresses, Police models, and every other standard variation are all the same thing under the finish. Some parts may be slightly different, but that has more to do with different models being set up for different roles. Virtually all parts are interchangeable between guns of the same chambering, no matter which model they came from. The big exception is with 870s that are built on receivers with nonstandard magazine tubes. All their innards are the same, but they require special barrels:


As for adding choke tubes, I'm really not clear on your description:

my shotgun just has the small bead sight on it and it has the factory installed extended chamber tube on it.

Did you mean to say it has a factory magazine extension? Or that the gun has a fixed extended magazine tube (see the image above)? Did you mean the gun came with the factory extended choke tube that looks like this?

Slide breaching choke_small.JPG (38.66 KiB) Viewed 5966 times

Without knowing what you have, it's hard to tell you what your options are. It would be a lot easier to answer your questions if you can provide an exact model, an order number, or even a few pictures.

[Zebra62]

Hey fellas

I just bought a Rem 870 Tactical (non express) last week, the shop I bought it from did not have any of the express models. my question is, my shotgun just has the small bead sight on it and it has the factory installed extended chamber tube on it. Can I or is it possible to swap barrels that match the Express model with possible choke, or do I have to have a gunsmith mil it to accept a choke. I know that is costly and would rather swap barrels if its possible. I want to put a rail on the receiver and will end up taking it to gunsmith regardless because my receiver is not drilled and tapped. Not sure what my options are with this gun maybe go find an Express model ........

The model you have purchased (25077 maybe?) is pretty much a single purpose weapon - shooting badguys - and the barrel will not interchange with those from "regular" Express models. For the purpose of this post, I will say "Tactical" or "Express" to differetiate. The reason you cannot interchange the barrels is because the mounting ring on the barrel is moved foreward to compensate for the longer magazine. You can take an Express Barrel and slide it down over the magazine, but you would have no way to tighten it down because your mag cap is three inches or so too far away.

The only other barrel you could interchange with (until VERY recently) was from the Magpul edition of your tactical. That barrel is threaded for a breacher adapter and it has the foreward rifle sight. The barrel is also ceracoted. The part number for this barrel is F407616 and retails for $150 plus shipping and handling. Remington has introduced this year two additional mdoels with the extended magazine giving us a total of four barrels to choose from. One new model is a Magpul edition just like the old one, only ceracoted in a desert tan. The other is just like your Tactical, only the barrel is drilled to accept a breacher adapter. The adapter comes with that model. These two editions are new for 2014 and probably not out in the stores yet. You can get on Remington's parts page and find the barrels and prices there.

If you are lookiing for accessories to transform it into a "tacti-cool" Tactical, virtually every other 870 toy will fit. I looked into having my receiver drilled as you are thinking, but I opted for a Mesa Tactical six round side saddle with rail. Fits like a glove. I have a rail for whatever I want to mount and six additional rounds. Cost a little over a hundred from Amazon and shipped free. I have mine for home defense. Should you want something to hunt with, this one will work but an express with a longer barrel would be better.

Here is a pic of mine along with My Wife's 20 gauge.



Hope this helps your decision.

EDIT: I just went to go preview my post and I see Synchro has beaten me to the punch. LOL. He is much more knowlegdable anyway. You should heed his advice as we do.

[paully33]

thank you for the reply!

I apologize for my terminology, and confusion. My 870 is the top gun of the second picture, without the rail on receiver, no choke and has solid 1 piece magazine extension tube. Stamped on my receiver is 870 Tactical RS61347M. My barrel does not have the ability to accept a choke like the breacher on the Express. That is where I was leaning towards if the gun shop had the express I would have gotten that model instead but figured the guns were the same minus the rail on receiver the sights and the choke.

I would like to "have" the ability to add the breacher, and most definitely want to add the police style sights or something similar rather than just the bead sight on it. I get that they are easily customizable but only want a couple of add ons barrel being one of course . I do like the look of a barrel with the breacher on it. And a rail of some sort.

SO yes looking for a 18.5 in barrel with the guide rings up further, I believe the one annotation said it has to be at 16.5 so that the barrel can be held in place.

I looked on Remington website did not see anything (course I am new to this so its prolly starring right at me) and will continue to look. A far as the MagPul barrels that were mentioned just look at their site?

Thanks again for taking time to help a newbie. I appreciate the comments and suggestions

Paul

[paully33]

One last note....do I just call remington to order that magpul barrel version......I have seen the gun and that barrel with tactical choke and police sights is what I would like........

[Synchronizor]

If you want to add the ghost ring sights and breacher choke from the Express Tactical Magpul model to your gun

you'll need to order the barrel, the rail/rear aperture combo, and the breacher choke.

To order, call Remington's customer service line. Zebra62 gave you the part number for the barrel already, and Remington should be able to identify the matching rail/rear sight and its screws. The breacher choke is a universal Rem Choke accessory. All told, you're probably looking at something like $250 for all the parts. The barrel and choke tube will drop right in, but you'll need someone to drill and tap your receiver to install the rear sight.

Be aware that what you're looking to do is almost entirely cosmetic in nature. The extended choke tube won't improve your pattern or the gun's performance at all (plus it'll require extra maintenance), and the ghost ring sights will only really outperform the bead when shooting slugs at longer ranges. If you're willing to spend the money for that "cool factor", go for it. Just don't be under the impression that these are upgrades that you need to make in order to have a capable combat or defensive weapon.

[paully33]

Thank you sir!

Understood the performance factor, and this upgrade will be solely cosmetic except for some regards of the sights.

Thanks for pointing me in right direction I will call on Monday to get the ball rolling.

Paul

[paully33]

wanted to say thanks to you guys for he help and info. Talked to Remington this morning and got barrel ordered. The guy I talked with was awesome threw in the sights and breacher choke as a bonus! Thank you again for part number and the info I really appreciate it.

Paul

[Zebra62]

Talked to Remington this morning and got barrel ordered. The guy I talked with was awesome threw in the sights and breacher choke as a bonus! Thank you again for part number and the info I really appreciate it.

Paul

Sights and breacher choke as a bonus???? Where can I trip over a deal like that. LOL. Glad it worked out well for you paully. Enjoy.