Optics on 870

[Beards n bbq]

Shooting fiber rifle sights on my 870 now and thinking about going with some type of optics. Is it ok to use the saddle type base or would it be much better to have gun drilled and tapped for base and is that something I can do or better left to gunsmith. Is there a favorite red dot or scope I could pick up for 150 or less? Mid 50's and starting to have some issues using open sights.

[chadly]

I've got the saddle on one of my 870's.  I'ts been on there 25 years.  Works well but it bothers me I can't clean between it and the gun.  For that reason I won't use it in any rain.  I've taken it off a couple of times to clean but then you loose your zero.  If it were me I would take it to a gun smith and have it drilled and tapped.  Just my opinion. 

[j.goebel]

I used to use fiber optics made the switch to a vortex red dot in mine two years ago wish I did it sooner. It helped increase my range and accuracy.

[OJR]

I have an 870 with the ShurShot stock (think that's what they call it) with an aluminum saddle mount and a Bushnell 1x28 Trophy Red Dot. Have used it two seasons and so far after about 25 rounds thru it, sighting in and killing 4 turkeys all is well.

[Greg Massey]

Red dot and scopes with saddle mounts , i like having the capability of still seeing my bead ....

[Ozarks Hillbilly]

Not a fan of saddle mounts I would have a Smith drill and tap and use a EGW picatinny mount. Mount a Vortex venom and don't look back

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[scwildman]

I have a saddle mount on my 870 12ga and 870 20ga. I use Tru Glo red dots on them. I like being able to see under the saddle mount to use my regular bead sight should I drop my gun or otherwise do something that might knock the sight out of whack. When I remove the saddle mount, I leave the red dot attached to the mount. Have never had any issue with having to sight in the red dot again.

[tomstopper]

Red dot and scopes with saddle mounts , i like having the capability of still seeing my bead ....

This. If your battery dies or your red dot just fails, with the saddle mount you can still get on target. Have had mine set up like this for years now and have not regretted it.

[renegade19]

Saddle has worked great for me on two different 870's.

[shatcher]

Call William at Sumtoy and get one of his little mounts made for a Burris Fastfire or Vortex Venom footprint (same footprint on those).  Have a gunsmith put it on for you.  Great little set up.  I have one on a 20 gauge 870.

[Gobble!]

Have a saddle on one 870 but find I prefer my drilled and tapped setup much more.

[Greg Massey]

Have a saddle on one 870 but find I prefer my drilled and tapped setup much more.

Why do you feel a drill and tap is any better ?    I have both and i don't see were the drill and tap gives you any advance over the saddle mount as long as you take care of your gun... My saddle mount let's me see my bead and I've killed turkeys using both bead and scope on the same gun.... Now i will agree the drill and tap is fine for a Weaver rail and cosmetic purpose ... but it still limits your gun in my opinion ... just curious my you feel the drill and tap is better ?

[Tom Threetoes]

If you have a vent rib get an Aimtech Rim Rider mount and mount your optic on the rib scout style. you can shoot with both eyes open and the gun carries easier without a receiver mounted optic. Plus no modifications to your gun is necessary.