870 Vang Comp safety update

C

cavediver27

New member
Thanks to information I got from members of TFL I just got done installing a Vang Comp safety on my newly purchased Remington 870 HD w/ 18" barrel and 2 shell extension. The only thing I really didn't like about this SG was the POS 'j' lock safety. I also looked at the Wilson version but decided on the Vang Comp. Ordered it from Brownells for $10.00 plus $3.50 for first class USPS and I got it in 2 days. It took all of 10 minutes to install it and and it fit and works perfect. I can also confirm that the factory detent and spring work properly with the new safety.

IMHO, this is a must upgrade for any 870, especially one used for HD.

Now for another question:

The orange plastic magazine spring follower appears 'flimsy' to me. Is there any history of these failing and causing feeding problems? Does anyone make a better quality follower?

Thanks in advance for any comments.
 
New 870s come with a plastic saftey that has an internal lock that looks like a "J". Luckily my HD 870 was made in 1956.
 
Glad to hear your safety install came out all right,Wilson combat makes an improved follower.
 
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Great work!

I believe I have heard of the plastic followers splitting, though I don't think I've heard of any disasters. In a fit of vanity, I replaced the plastic followers in my Remingtons with the aluminum ones from Brownells (red anodized). There are also hi-viz hi-impact plastic versions with a teat that you can feel (to distinguish the follower from the stern end of a shell without looking/in the dark) available from Vang, Wilson, and others.
 
"J" Lock

I actually like the j lock on my 870 combo, I dont think it needs to be on the HD models but if you dont like it then dont use it.
 
Can you describe how you installed it. Thanks.

Installation was easy. I removed the trigger assembly, used the smooth end of a 3/32" drill bit to push out the cross pin that retains the safety spring (keep your finger over the top so the spring doesn't fly out) and with the tension off the detent ball the safety pushed right out. The detent stayed in place so I just slipped the new safety in, placed the spring back in place, pushed it down with a small flat blade screwdriver and then pushed the cross pin back in. Just that simple.

Although I'm quite used to working on my own firearms I've never owned or worked on a Reminton 870. I was impressed with how easy it is to do a complete field strip. Makes it nice to do thorough cleanings of the trigger assembly, bolt and slide.
 
JNewell said:
...In a fit of vanity, I replaced the plastic followers in my Remingtons with the aluminum ones from Brownells (red anodized)...
Click to expand...

I use those too. Really a quality product.
Another thing to make sure is done when you replace the follower, always clean and dry-lube the tube. Makes the follower slide much smoother. I use EEZOX but Super Lube should work too.
 
[QUOTE]'75Scout wrote:
New 870s come with a plastic saftey that has an internal lock that looks like a "J". Luckily my HD 870 was made in 1956.[/QUOTE]
__________________

Although the safety looks like it is made of plastic it is actually made from steel, just like the Vang Comp replacement.
 
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