870 HD Light

[Mainah]

I've got a factory standard Express Magnum with a 18.5" barrel, and I want to add a light that doesn't cost more than I paid for the gun 20 years ago. Any advice is appreciated, thank you.

 

[L-2]

I don't know or understand the OP's budget/finances or what was paid for the subject 870 twenty years ago.

Here's one suggestion which will work, a Streamlight TLR-1HL, ~$150 and it can be used on a rifle or handgun, instead. Here's an Amazon link:
https://tinyurl.com/2wcpexwr

Also, some type of Picatinny rail will need to be attached somehow to the fore-end, barrel, or mag tube.
Here's a Pic-magtube-mount for ~$32:
https://www.gggaz.com/remington-870-flashlight-mount.html

While just a Pic-rail section can be bought and probably screwed onto an existing fore-end for ~$11.

 

[GeauxTide]

Can't make any recommendations without your budget. You need a rail and light, so what did you pay for the 870?

 

[Mainah]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. My budget is $150.

 

[stagpanther]

L-2--that's pretty cool, I took a look at what they have and I would highly recommend going with the fore end integrated option as opposed to putting a rail attachment on. Firing a hefty recoiling shotshell while holding the foreend with your hand up against a rail attachment can bite you.

On second thought--L-2's suggestion is probably the better option cause it stays static with the magazine tube holder rather than going along for the ride when racking another shell.

Never mind!

 

[PzGren]

I got the Feyachi FL14-MB Tactical Flashlight two years ago. It still works well and for $36 you get a good deal.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VFHM175/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[FoghornLeghorn]

I put a Streamlight integrated forearm on my 870. Simple job and works fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...4940&sprefix=remington+870+for,aps,136&sr=8-3

 

[Screwball]

Here's one suggestion which will work, a Streamlight TLR-1HL, ~$150 and it can be used on a rifle or handgun, instead. Here's an Amazon link:
https://tinyurl.com/2wcpexwr

I used to run those on my 870s… low round counts did this.

I have TLR-1s on rifles and handguns, some with thousands of rounds. I’d be fine with those failing more than maybe within 60 rounds. But that’s just the recoil characteristic of shotguns.

I switched to Inforce WMLs on the shotguns. Zero issues so far.

 

[davidsog]

https://www.streamlight.com/products/detail/protac-rail-mount-1

https://palmettostatearmory.com/streamlight-protac-railmount-1-long-gun-light-88058.html

The light is simple, very rugged, and provides plenty of light for HD. It is multifuel so you do not have to have special batteries or worry about charging it. This light is not plastic or polymer. The bulb is LED so it will stand up to shotgun recoil.

Mount it with this:

https://www.gggaz.com/remington-870-flashlight-mount.html

As I am right handed, the Taclight is on the non-ejection port side with just the push button end cap operated with my support hand thumb. Simple, clean, robust, and effective....

Get a cheap flip up lens cover to protect your light and prevent Light AD's too.

https://monstrumtactical.com/monstrum-tactical-flip-up-rifle-scope-lens-covers/

$142 dollars and some change. Shipping and taxes will put it just over your 150 dollar budget but close enough for some high quality equipment you are betting your life on.

 

[tlm225]

I have a surefire fore end on my 870 that I installed 25 years ago and used as a duty shotgun until I retired. It now serves as a HD shotgun. It's held up without a failure all these years.

If I needed to replace it today I would probably go with the Streamlight that Foghornleghorn referenced. Streamlight makes a good product and the price is right.