Well I had started a thread a while back on my 870 and converting it from a standard 870 express with a modified choke to an all out turkey gun. Here is the gun with the tom I had harvested this year. The bird was a 19.5 pound 2 year old with an 8 1/8" beard. The gun was just a factory reminton 870 express 12 ga with a factory modified choke.
(http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g346/mrichardson06/DSCN4291_zpsc891c65b.jpg) (http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/mrichardson06/media/DSCN4291_zpsc891c65b.jpg.html)
at the scene of the harvest
(http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g346/mrichardson06/2013-05-18_07-22-00_128_zps171e7264.jpg) (http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/mrichardson06/media/2013-05-18_07-22-00_128_zps171e7264.jpg.html)
I had added a BSA scope and Barska rail along with a Tru Glo Gobble Stopper choke pictured here.
(http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g346/mrichardson06/25e1eba9-d5fe-4d01-93d8-c7115b617978_zpsf74f90ac.jpg) (http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/mrichardson06/media/25e1eba9-d5fe-4d01-93d8-c7115b617978_zpsf74f90ac.jpg.html)
The gobble stopper put up great numbers at 35 yards even with high brass.
(http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g346/mrichardson06/2013-06-30_21-31-50_832_zps9e6023f3.jpg) (http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/mrichardson06/media/2013-06-30_21-31-50_832_zps9e6023f3.jpg.html)
I have since shot it with my turkey shells and it throws a great pattern. I recorded 34 hits in the gobblers head and neck area at 30 yards. With a little fine tuning it should have a lot more than that.
I was going to be done here, but I got a great deal on a Blackhawk Talon Stock from eBay. This stock reduces recoil by 70 percent and has a very well placed thumbhole stock. The stock also has a storage compartment in the rear as well. I am very happy with both the looks, and the quality of the construction on this stock. I was against putting on a different stock because I assumed it would only add to the appearance to the gun. This stock does that, and a lot more. While playing with it in the living room I now see that the thumbhole stock makes it a lot easier to hold the scope steady. The recoil reduction system on the stock will also be a lot better for quicker target acquisition on follow up shots, and reducing the pounding that an 870 express can give you, even with just 3 " shells. Here is what my 870 express looks like now.
(http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g346/mrichardson06/2013-07-24_23-37-03_832_zpsed36c0c8.jpg) (http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/mrichardson06/media/2013-07-24_23-37-03_832_zpsed36c0c8.jpg.html)
(http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g346/mrichardson06/2013-07-24_23-37-19_641_zps1f4d49f0.jpg) (http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/mrichardson06/media/2013-07-24_23-37-19_641_zps1f4d49f0.jpg.html)
I am planning on now finding the best ammo to work for this gun and choke. I will also be fine tuning the scope. The stocks recoil reduction system is not currently working correctly because the original buy had removed a key that keeps the spring compressed until the top section of stock is put in place. I am in the process of finding out how to compress the spring to get over this issue.
I am also seriously contemplating getting a short barrel in the future. 22-24". This gun is a tad heavy right now, and a bit combersome with the 28" barrel, but will wait on the shorter barrel for a few years (maybe). Once I find the best load, and choke combo this gun will be sure to be a turkey slayer. I may get the rest of the parts dipped to match but not sure that it will be worth the $175.00 average. Many have asked why I had put so much into this 870, and why I did not just purchase a used 1187 in 3.5" or something like that. This gun was a gift to me from my cousin for graduating college at the top of my class. I harvested my first turkey with this gun, and plan on making that a yearly routine. This old girl has never been abused and will continue to get the love and respect she deserves. She may one day end up finding a permanant spot the hands of my son or grandson, but for right now, you could not give me 1,000 for this rig.
It was a lot of fun watching my standard issue 870 express go from a run of the mill shotgun, to a head turning future turkey slayer. I feel that even with all the mods that were done to this gun coming up to around $250.00 or so, the turkey I harvested this year would agree that the standard 870 express with a factory choke, and a simple bead will still do the job. This gun is now my personal favorite, and will be sure to put a lot of birds down before its retirement, which should be about the same time that I retire. Thanks for the look, and IS IT TURKEY SEASON YET?? :turkey2:
Congratulations. It's always a pleasure to build exactly what you want and your gun looks great.
I don't know of course but the original owner of that stock may have blocked the recoil reducing feature because he had a scope on his gun. That feature, while helpful, can create a problem with eye relief when you have a scoped gun. Just something to consider.
Thanks again,
Clark
Good deal!
To save money you can have your barrel cut down and re-tapped. I think $50 is an average price.
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Point taken on the different eye relief.
I may do some inquiries on getting it cut down. Is this something that I would contact a local gun smith about?
Just a bit nervous to do that and have something go sour with the gun. Also if i cut it down, that will make using my 870 as a trap gun a bit tough. I do however have a single shot that I am reconditioning to be a grouse gun, so maybe having a dedicated turkey gun may not be a far stretch.
Thanks for the tips.
A local gunsmith should have the capabilities. I see that Sumtoy on here offers the service. Fwiw--I really like the 23" pipe on my 870.
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That is the length i was going to go with. seems most guys are happy with 23"
Very nicely done! I really like the modifications. Congratulations and Happy Hunting. :turkey2:
Blackhawk sent me the information to get the stock back to working condition. Great customer service and super fast reply. I will let you all know how I make out.
My barrel cannot be cut and still except chokes at 23" :( looks like i will have to start saving pennies for the short barrel.
Sharp looking setup you got there bowmike!
one good looking turkey rig