Swapping Barrels on an 870

[MrNobody]

How hard is it to change barrels on a Remington 870 shotgun? I have my eyes on a Remington 870 police magnum that has a 14 inch barrel but what I was wondering is could I take the 14 inch off and put something longer on it to take dove hunting?

Oh and thank you for your advice for a threaded 10/22 barrel, I went with one from whistle pig.

[I_Like_Pie]

First off...if you are thinking of buying that gun from someone that hasn't filled out the forms and paid the nice $200 tax stamp...be very leery of the deal. I personally would take that barrel off, crush it with a hammer and saw it in to pieces immediately (like...right now, don't waste time, leave work if you have to...I am not kidding).

Aside from that...it is VERY easy to swap barrels. Turn a screw and put the new one on. The thing is that the barrels almost cost as much as a whole darn gun. A nice Remington choked birding barrel runs $150 and you can get a whole shotgun with the same barrel for a little over $200 if you shop around.

Edited May 1, 2008 by I_Like_Pie

[Guest atomemphis]

Good choice on Whistle Pig, btw.

Depending on the price you might be better suited to get a new 870 with a barrel you like, and getting extra barrels later. Swapping barrels on shotguns are typically incredibly be easy. That being said, my only experience is on my Benelli Nova, and its easier than field stripping any handgun (barrel removal), even glocks. No squeezing triggers, or pulling down on little doodads.

You literally unscrew the magazine end cap, and then pull the barrel off. No tools required, just your paws. Then to further strip the gun, the magazine end cap is the only tool you'll need: The top has a protrusion, same size as the pins in the receiver, made to push them out slightly for you. The inside of the mag cap has a 'ledge' to then pull the pins the remainder of the way out from the other side. The trigger group is ready to fall out.

Removing the pump handle and bolt are then immediately obvious, lift to separate and then remove.

[Guest db99wj]

Check this thread from awhile back. Very nice write up and how-to on an 870. Might be something in there for you.

http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1511&page=2

[MrNobody]

This advice is great, I love this forum.

[nightrunner]

about the 14" barrell'd 870, check out NFA weapons or class3 weapons, i highly suggest NOT getting caught with one that is not registered.

yes swapping barrels on a 870 is very easy