870 express synthetic folding stock - any good?

O

OnlyInAmerica

Inactive
Hi - I'm a Brit in Florida and I need some advice from you fine body of pioneers (we're not allowed to play with guns in UK). I've done a little shooting back when handguns and autos were legal in UK but that was a long time ago. I well remember walking past my first US Walmart Gun Counter and being astounded at the armory alongside the cans of beans.

I'd like a short HD 12ga pump. I don't want to spend too much for something I hope I never use for real but I would like to get a lot of practice in on a range just in case. I've wandered into a few gunshops and looked at Mossberg 500s, the H&R Pardner Pump Synthetic HD ($198) and in the last one saw a 20" barreled, 7+1 shot version of this:

870synfold.jpg


More info at

http://www.remington.com/products/f...model_870_express_synthetic_folding_stock.asp

(for $380 - I think it was some sort of limited run)

Question 1 - anyone know anything about these? I've scoured the forums with no joy. If its any good, would I be laughed off of a range? WOuld that stock be ok for putting many practice rounds through it or would it destroy my shoulder?

Question 2 - I was at first very tempted by the Pardner Pump (the Gun Digest reviewer liked the longer barrelled version). I am worried though that I wouldn't be able to get an integrated forend light for it - I don't like the idea of dangly bits of wire and remote switches. I also wonder about the quality versus (even) the 870 Express (which I guess has cheaper finish but good guts?)

I'm on a bit of a budget but would prefer something new if possible - all the local pawnshops only have longer barrelled stuff it seems.

I thank you in advance for any help.
 
Only,

I would strongly advise buying a full wood or synthetic stock, (not collapsible) if you are going to be practice shooting alot and/or for personal defense, it's better to aim with and control. My two cents worth.


sidekick2:)
 
+1 for Sidekick's advice.

Supersecret uber-tactical black stealth you can't see me stocks are most often useless.

If you want something other than a standard stock...do a search for Knoxx. Skip everything else.

My personal preference is the Remington 870, in the following order:

1. 870 Police Magnum
2. Wingmaster
3. Express.

I've owned a Mossberg 500a and 590, and I prefer the Remington.

But, no matter which you choose...your grandkids will be shooting it long after you're gone. (Which, I hope, isn't for awhile yet.)
 
"http://www.remington.com/products/fi...inch_specs.asp (the bottom one)"

Wouldn't trust my hallway to anything else. Though I do have a louisville slugger as a backup:)

But I would recomend a full stock, preferably synthetic.
 
check out
http://www.galleryofguns.com/GunLoc...ries+like+'%|870')+ORDER+BY+manuf,+unk2,+unk3
They have good prices, shipped to your local gun shop.

If you're really really short on funds you could get someone (who knows what the're doing) to cut down the barrel of one of those "long barreled" ones to a little over 18 inches.

Also, unless you're expecting an army you probably won't need more than a couple shells of 00 buck 12 gauge. You...aren't expecting an army are you?:eek:
 
Has anyone actually fired this gun though?

I like the fact that its an 870. The stock actually felt good when mounted - I do appreciate what other guns are good but am really curious about real experiences with this one.

So - repeat Question 1 - has anyone any actual experience firing this model?

Sorry to be a pain!
 
only,

It won't be just your shoulder that gets pounded.

Sidefolding stocks tend to be really thin on top, where your cheek contacts them. This is not good as it tends to concentrate contact with the stock on a smaller area of your face. IOW, it tends to hurt. Recoil with a shotgun is apt to be sufficient without concentrating any component of it further onto a smaller area .

A pumpgun with an 18" barrel and a standard factory stock is going to be about 38" long. Unless you live in a phone booth, that's plenty short- folding stocks are vastly over-rated for almost everyone. Stick with a conventional fixed stock to learn your basics on, make sure it fits you properly (many shotgun stocks as issued from the factory are too long), get a premium recoil pad installed if the gun doesn't already have one and you will have a lot easier time of it.

Stay safe,

lpl/nc
 
I thank you all - solid stock it will be

What a helpful lot you are :-)

I've been convinced and will now only consider solid stocks.

BTW, what is the point of synthetic v wood (I'm sure this is obvious but not to me!)
 
HD shotgun

Sir: I have used both fixed and folding stock shotguns for work (police officer) and at the range. The only time I believe a folder is a worthwhile addition is when you really need a compact weapon for carry, concealment or deployment - but it is much less comfortable for firing. That being said, for most use, including home defense, the most practical setup, I believe, is the standard configuration (no pistol grip stock) wood or synthetic stock. This gives the best combination of balance, comfort and control as far as I am concerned. I find any pistol grip shotgun stock (folder or fixed) a little more awkward to manipulate the safety and slide release and more clumsy to load the magazine.

These are all merely one man's opinion, but if I only had one shotgun, it would be a standard stocked, 18 to 20 inch barreled (probably the 18 inch) mossberg 500 or 590. OR if you prefer the feel and controls on the Remington, chose that one. Both are excellent weapons. I just find the controls on the mossberg more comfortable for me, and find the skeletonized shell lifter easier and more foolproof to load.

By the way, for home defense wood or synthetic is fine. Synthetic may be a little better for a field gun since it doesn't scratch or ding as easily and won't soak up any water, but in the house it won't make any difference.
Good luck, I hope this helps..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top