Generic question for modding shotguns

[Rode Hard and Put Up Wet]

I just sold a couple of NEF shorter barrelled shotguns. I have a Mossberg 500 in the house (actually at someone else's house, but I plan to go get it soon). I am interested in a Remington 870 police or a Winchester 1300 defender, but the price differential between those and the "standard" lines is over double... at least most of the time. I am wondering how to do mods to these various weapons to create my own version of the personal defence shotguns.

I posted elsewhere about adding a mag extender to the Winchester 1300 and cutting off the barrel.

I wonder about the same thing for a Remington 870.

Are there other mods which need to be/could be made to make the gun a reliable home defense weapon? Also, are their similar accoutrements available for the 20 gauge versions of these guns (as well as the Mossberg 500)?

You can't be too short on info with me. Any links you know of where people have done the same is appreciated. I am probably the world's cheapest guy, and had rather spend hours on the mod and save the $$$, if the end result does not compromise reliability.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bailey Boat]

On the 870 the best thing you can do for reliability is to replace the plastic follower with an aluminum model.
I don't mess with Winchesters or Mossberg's....

 

[Trevillian]

A lot of the "special purpose" guns from Remmy, Win, Mossy, etc. are nothing more than extra time on the line for "smoothing" the action or some such. Some times metal instead of plastic or "more robust" parts in general.

The older stuff IMO, as far as Remmys and Winchester, draw a premium not only for special purpose models but even base models because they were built with quality in mind, an extra eye for fit and finish and just in general more quality. In this day and age where margins, bottom lines and cheaply made but still adequate mass production parts are at the forefront. Quality is a touch more relative than in the past.

My experience is mostly with Mossberg. I have 500's in 12, 20 and .410 (looking for the discontinued 16g but anyways) My base Mossberg 500 in 12g is all I'll ever need. Extra barrel bought so I have a 28" hunting barrel and added the 18.5" for HD. So many rounds through it that the action is slick as glass.

The 590 line is the "Premium" or "Heavy Duty" version of the 500. If I want one of those out of mine. I can add a metal trigger housing/assembly. Change the magazine tube (590's tubes are thicker and open ended, also allows for extended mag tubes, not possible on a base Mossy) and then the barrel (590 barrels are thicker) and I'd have basically the premium/hd Mossberg. The only thing that can't be retrofitted is the 590 action. Same material, but a little thicker or "beefier".

For DIY "slicking" the action will go a long way on any manufacturers shotty. But changing out hard parts to get it there mostly, again just my opinion mind you. I'd go ahead and pay that premium up front if you just have to have "THE" premium version.

 

[RedneckFur]

For a cheaper HD shotgun, you can buy a used Remington 870, and then get yourself a replacement 18.5" barrel from mossberg. Then a +2 extension, and you'll be good to go.

The premium HD shotguns are nice, but unless you plan on running competitions with it, you really won't need all the bells and whistles. Put together your own, and spend the money you save on ammo and range time to get in some practice with it.

 

[coxter69]

Hate to jump in here so late, but Southern Ohio Gun has Rem 870 Police Magnums for $229-$259 depending on the configuration you want. I got a 20" barrel model with a speedfeed stock for $229. It is definitely a used gun, but doesn't look to have been shot much. Added a +3 extension for $60, shipping was around $20, $15 transfer fee from my FFL. Still way less than a new one and functions perfectly.