Rail for an 870

[ExSDSO]

So I was looking at my 870 when I realized the top of the receiver didnt have any holes to screw in a rail for optics. I was wondering if anyone out there can recommended a rail system or if its safe and practical to screw into my 870 myself.

[TimK]

You have a few options.

You can get a saddle. Decide first if you want a side saddle as well. If you do, you need a Mesa Tactical saddle mount, which will run you $100 on ebay, or about $130 from Midway USA. If you don't need a side saddle, many brands make a simple saddle mount that attaches a rail for around $50. These are typically good at holding a zero and require no smithing -- they replace the pins already there.

The only other way is to attach a rail would be to mount it between the mag extension tube and the barrel, waaaay up front. Impractically far forward even for a red dot, but find if you need some place to strap a picatinny light mount.

Forgot a third option. Several barrels, typically slug barrels though I'm sure someone does this for turkey barrels as well, come with a cantilever scope mount.

[bankfraudguy]

If it's for a red dot, send it to a smith to be drilled and tapped for a rail.

Or it may be cheaper to buy a new 870 turkey or tactical. They are all tapped now from the factory. I have a $3 weaver scope rail on mine. Didn't need a picatinny (spelling?) rail since the aimpoint micro uses only one slot.

[Blackdog F4i]

IIRC Vang offers this service.

I have though about sending my 870 in to them to have a small pic-rail installed in front of the MMC sight so I can use an Aimpoint Mini or Trijicon RMR on it.

[Hitthegym]

IIRC Vang offers this service.

I have though about sending my 870 in to them to have a small pic-rail installed in front of the MMC sight so I can use an Aimpoint Mini or Trijicon RMR on it.

Have you gotten the VCS mods done to your 870?

[Blackdog F4i]

Nope.....but I would like to.

[ExSDSO]

Whats the VCS mod?

[Hitthegym]

Whats the VCS mod?

The Vang Comp System modifications increase accuracy and reduce felt recoil from the 870. I read an article about his mods in Guns & Ammo (I think) awhile back and they showed that after his mods, it was completely viable to use 00 buckshot at longer distances than would normally be acceptable. If I remember correctly at 25 yds it was a very tight shot pattern from the buckshot with only one pellet going stray by a couple of inches.

https://www.vangcomp.com/