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I need a tacticool shotgun

3514 Views 34 Replies 1 Participant Last post by  ShotgunPro
I'll post pics of my current shotgun to go with this. I think that I would like to have a new shotgun because for all the parts of turning my 870 into a tactical 12 gauge could garner me a new shotgun. On the other hand...it would also be an easy do-it-yourself project. So, I am looking for one of two things:

1. Parts to turn my current 870 into a tactical shotgun

2.A new shotgun


Criteria that I am seeking to meet:

1. Shorter barrel
2. Rifle or ghost ring sights
3. Pistol grip w/stock or collapsible stock
4. New barrel able to handle at least 3 inch magnum loads

So, all you fellow shotgunners out there feel free to chime in about parts or a particular model. OH, no super duper extra tactical expensive as hell shotguns (though I wish).
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I am leaning towards a Benelli Nova pump.
I just got my 870 and have been looking for tacticool parts as well. I figured I better learn to shoot it "stock" first before I mod it too much to make sure I'm not making it worse. I've bookmarked this thread for future review. I hope you stick with your 870 (for selfish reasons) :). I may still have a Saiga 12 in my future too but I'll have to get a bigger safe first.
Ok, my first mod was really the gun sling (but I'm not sure it counts as a "mod").

Cross fire Gun Sling

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I am leaning towards a Benelli Nova pump.
Get the supernova if you want a shorter barrel and a pistol grip. $20 more and you get ghost ring tritium sights.

$519 MSRP (possibly cheaper elsewhere)
Remington 887 is a nice gun.

Something is alluring me to Benelli, so any Benelli owners out there feel free to shed light on why its so alluring to me.

I still think that Remington 870 and 1100 series guns are pretty much impossible to beat. However, I would love a super nova...
I just got my 870 and have been looking for tacticool parts as well. I figured I better learn to shoot it "stock" first before I mod it too much to make sure I'm not making it worse. I've bookmarked this thread for future review. I hope you stick with your 870 (for selfish reasons) :). I may still have a Saiga 12 in my future too but I'll have to get a bigger safe first.
I would never get ride of my 870 per sey. An 870 tactical would really be ideal to me because its exactly what I need, but they can get a bit pricey.
One word... KSG!!!

EDIT: I missed this part...
OH, no super duper extra tactical expensive as hell shotguns (though I wish).
I don't think you can just change the barrel for 3".

Yesterday, when I shot the mossberg, I noticed a 3" shell just barely fits in the bottom of the receiver, and the action moves just enough to chamber it. It was originally able to fire 3" shells before I started, but there's no way a 3.5" shell is gonna fit in there. I dunno if some pump guns were designed strictly for 2-3/4" or not, but you might want to check into whether you can just slap a barrel on there, and fire 3" mags. I know my 870 says right on the side of the receiver express magnum, so maybe there's a difference.

If I had that shotty, I'd just chop the barrel off even with the nut, and put some fancy sights on it. That super long mag tube is just cool. Then find a stock you like. Maybe go with that stock above, and put a red dot on there or something. I'd rather have rifle sights though.
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Something is alluring me to Benelli, so any Benelli owners out there feel free to shed light on why its so alluring to me.
to me, the fit of the gun to my body is perfection. the little things make the gun, in my opinion. 870 fore grip is smooth and flat. the Benelli is shaped that gives the user a locked-up-solid grip for more controlled cycling.

The built in shell ejection (chamber clearance) feature is nice and easy to use, and doesn't add to any obnoxious levers or buttons.

bolt design is simple, durable, and elegant all at the same time, trigger removal is a snap, and the fit and finish is superb.

takes 3 1/2 inch shells and cycles them just fine (although you may want the mercury recoil suppression device installed in the stock if you're going to shoot those).

I've had my Nova for longer than i've had XDs (8 years?) and it still functions like it was brand new, and i use it pretty hard.
Yesterday, when I shot the mossberg, I noticed a 3" shell just barely fits in the bottom of the receiver, and the action moves just enough to chamber it. It was originally able to fire 3" shells before I started, but there's no way a 3.5" shell is gonna fit in there. I dunno if some pump guns were designed strictly for 2-3/4" or not, but you might want to check into whether you can just slap a barrel on there, and fire 3" mags. I know my 870 says right on the side of the receiver express magnum, so maybe there's a difference. If I had that shotty, I'd just chop the barrel off even with the nut, and put some fancy sights on it. That super long mag tube is just cool. Then find a stock you like. Maybe go with that stock above, and put a red dot on there or something. I'd rather have rifle sights though.
Mine just says Remington 870 Express, but has an M serial number. If I am not mistaken, an M in the serial number means it is in fact rated for 3 inch magnum loads, but not 3 1/2 inch.
to me, the fit of the gun to my body is perfection. the little things make the gun, in my opinion. 870 fore grip is smooth and flat. the Benelli is shaped that gives the user a locked-up-solid grip for more controlled cycling.

The built in shell ejection (chamber clearance) feature is nice and easy to use, and doesn't add to any obnoxious levers or buttons.

bolt design is simple, durable, and elegant all at the same time, trigger removal is a snap, and the fit and finish is superb.

takes 3 1/2 inch shells and cycles them just fine (although you may want the mercury recoil suppression device installed in the stock if you're going to shoot those).

I've had my Nova for longer than i've had XDs (8 years?) and it still functions like it was brand new, and i use it pretty hard.
Thanks for your input!
Some reviews and project write-ups I've done on my Super Nova.....it now serves as my backup shotgun for training classes.

Benelli Super Nova Tactical Shotgun - 1

Mesa Tactical Sureshell Shotshell Carrier - 1

Benelli SuperNova magazine extension - 1
One word... KSG!!!

EDIT: I missed this part...
I vote this route
I just ordered a Mossberg 930 SPX (Blackwater Edition) a few weeks ago.
I vote this route
Me too, except good luck getting your hands on one for a "decent price" for the next 2+ years.
Some reviews and project write-ups I've done on my Super Nova.....it now serves as my backup shotgun for training classes.

Benelli Super Nova Tactical Shotgun - 1

Mesa Tactical Sureshell Shotshell Carrier - 1

Benelli SuperNova magazine extension - 1
Great review on the Nova! Especially the extension tube! I'll be checkin out more of your gun reviews after im done typin' this!
Just get another 'tactical' 870 and mod it to what you want.

Parts are not too expensive.

The most important reason for that (to me) is continuity of platform. Whether using the 'tactical' shotgun or the longer barreled hunting one, the ergonomics are the same, the manual of arms are the same, the manipulation is the same. You decrease the chances of an accident by using the same platform, different length.

Just my opinion. The 870 is a great weapon.
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