Assuring a good fit with the Remington Model 870 Express Synthetic 18"

M

Mokumbear

New member
I am working on purchasing my 1st shotgun, the Remington Model 870 Express Synthetic 18".

I want to make sure I have a good fit between the weapon and my size.

I am 5'8" and have small hands and not particularly long arms.

Do you think I will want to consider getting an aftermaket stock to
shorten the overall length of the weapon?
(BTW, this weapon will be used for home defense, not hunting).

I hear that Hogue manufactures a shorter stock.
However, I had ordered an exotic hardwood grip for my Ruger P90 that wasn't even close to a proper fit. To their credit, Hogue refunded my money.

Suggestions?
 
Mokumbear

I'm 5'8" with a 33/34 sleeve length. The 870 fits pretty well for me. Mine has a rubber buttstock pad and you may be able to get a slightly thinner one from your local dealer that has enough cushion.
 
Many shotgun stocks are too long for many shooters. It's easier to shoot a shotgun with a stock a little too short than one with a stock a little too long. Thin-walled synthetic stocks, especially those with plug-type recoil pads, are a pain to shorten. I have found the SpeedFeed II 'solid' synthetic stocks easy to shorten than thin-walled factory stocks and a lot more quiet to boot.

If your gun doesn't have one, a premium recoil pad (Remington R3, LimbSaver, KickEez etc) helps a lot.

lpl/nc
 
I'm between 5'7" and 5'8" depending on what time of the day it is and the 870 fits me fine.

then again there are a bunch of companies that make collapsable stocks for shotguns and they aren't that expensive if you really need a good fit.
 
I solved this little problem by buying a Knoxx Industires "Spec-Ops" collapsible stock for my Remmie Synth. 870. Now I have a stock that fits me near perfect and reduces felt recoil by a WHOLE bunch. It's no big deal now to shoot 3" magnum slugs till the box runs out. :cool:

Really, it's the best shotgun investment I've made since going with the 870.
 
Sizing

I own a couple 870s, both synthetic stocks and am also 5'8", 195#. I have zero trouble with arm reach, length of pull and cycling the fore-end. But, I also have a Mossberg Maverick 88 with a Speedfeed II that I love and a Mossberg 590 with the same. If I could do it, I'd get a Knoxx Spec-Ops right now. My buddy has one on his 870 and Lordy, they are right! Shoots like a target rifle, from 2 3/4" to 3" magnums, 00 and Dixie penetrators (a favorite).

If I could just stop buying revolvers.
 
You may also want to try one of the 870 "Youth" stocks, they are designed with a smaller pistol grip as well as a shorter LOP. I'm sure that the shop you are buying from has an 870 Youth model in stock to try out, if it fits you well then it's as simple as ordering the correct one....

Smitty
 
I don't know, I'm 5' 9.5" and the stock 870 with a recoil pad just is just too long for me. When presenting, the stock always catches under may coat or pack straps (if applicable). I've got an 870 with a hard smooth plastic buttplate that saves about an inch off of the length of the stock, and slides easier on clothes than the rubber recoil pad. Recoil, even with slugs, isn't bad, but I've got a wooden stock that adds some weight. You can always buy a shorter Youth stock. I don't know if you can just cut your stock down and sand the recoil pad to fit. I'm not sure if your stock would have a place to screw the pad too if you cut any off. The wooden ones do.
 
Indeed try out the youth models to see if they are a better fit for you. That will be cheaper in the long run than trying to modify a standard 870 to fit your needs. Otherwise the Knoxx specops is great advice. A bit pricey but from what I've seen and handled they are fine stocks. My 870 is still wearing the factory synthetic stock for now. (But I'm 6' and have long arms).
 
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