M14 Forum

inchoate · September 15th, 2010, 04:03 PM

I've been offered a second hand Wilson Combat TR-870. The price is steep, but probably do-able. I have lots of experience with autoloading shotguns (Brownings, Benellis), but very little with pump actions. Is there anything in particular about these I should keep an eye out for?

mercman · September 16th, 2010, 06:22 PM

I would say that it would really depend on your needs. You can purchase several 870P(police) shotguns for the price of a TR-870 and then doll it up to fit your needs. Do you really need a Knox collapsible stock? Do you really want a dedicated Surefire forearm? Would a Choate pistol grip full stock or a picatinny forend with a white light work just as well? What happens when one of those 'high end' parts breaks? I have 4 870's myself that I have modified for police work; upgraded shell carrier, Remington extended mag tubes and rifle sights on one. I also added the orange tactical followers and GG&G sling mounts. I had thought about sending a few out to Scattergun Technologies (Wilson) and having them upgraded to 3" chambers. Only one of mine is a 3" right now.

inchoate · September 17th, 2010, 08:01 PM

The one I have the chance to get has regular synthetic hardware, it looks pretty basic. I was under the impression that the internals have been given the once over, and that the finish is better than a regular 870.

If I've been misled and they're not much better than a regular 870 I'll go a different route as it's not exactly a low budget firearm.

mercman · September 17th, 2010, 08:06 PM

My understanding is that the internals may have just been stoned to make them smoother and maybe some stronger springs than a standard 870. How much is being asked for the SG?

inchoate · September 18th, 2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercman

How much is being asked for the SG?

about 1K.

I'm starting to realize that I could make more or less the same thing for a lot less money. It would also give me a good excuse to learn up on pump actions.

gunnutbmg · September 18th, 2010, 05:24 PM

do it yourself there is no way that Wilson's could put that much work and refinement in the 870 " as if it needs it " and used no way its worth 1K

mercman · September 18th, 2010, 10:27 PM

Agreed! If you start with an 870P you shouldn't have to do too much to it to make it every bit as good as the Wilson 870. Plus you'll have fun doing it.

DaveH · September 19th, 2010, 05:32 PM

Also- those "dedicated" Surefire 870 forearms are heavy as lead. I bought one and then quickly dumped it after I put it on my 870.

dmelt1030 · September 27th, 2010, 01:26 PM

I had a custom 870 Scattergun built by Wilson a while back. I agree with the above posters that you should order the parts you want and build it yourself. Knowing what I know now, I probably could have saved $300-$450. The total cost was right at 2k, but I learned my lesson. In my opinion, the best modification for your 870 is a Hans Vang Comp System. He modifies the barrel and cone to increase accuracy and felt recoil. It's a must-have mod. I did this after I purchased from Wilson, so I know it makes a significant difference. The next shotgun addition to my collection will be either a Benelli M4 or FN SLP Mk 1. I would like to get into 3 gun competition next year, so a semi-auto shotgun is a must.

TB · April 1st, 2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercman

My understanding is that the internals may have just been stoned to make them smoother and maybe some stronger springs than a standard 870.

Negative Ghostrider

Give WC a call and ask them the hard questions.

All they’re doing is putting the WC parts on and a refinish over the Express factory finish (yes, their 870s start out as 870 Express models). Lotta money to say you have a WC/ST 870.

Not that the Express is bad in any way. If I recall, there are five or six small parts that are different between the Express and the 870 Police, we’re talking like $18 woth of parts here and of course the finish. Give J.D. a call at http://www.aiptactical.com

hammer 1 · April 1st, 2011, 03:20 PM

Yea, I bought one of the express tactical ( the extended mag version), replaced the sights with the scattergun tech sights, replaced the stock with the speed feed, and a side saddle shell holder. Bought 200 rounds of cheap high brass shot loads and shot it smooth. Total cost, about 600 if I remember right, a sling is around 30 more. I got what I want and nothing else, there is a incredible aftermarket following around the venerable rem 870.

Wayne M · April 1st, 2011, 04:17 PM

WAY too much money. Buy an 870 yourself and set it up the way you'd like. The internals will smooth themselves up as you practice with the weapon. You also can save a bunch of money by passing on a Surefire forend. Get a mount of some kind either for your mag tube or the forend and mount a Streamlight LED light of some kind. I've got them all and Streamlight puts Surefire to shame when it comes to LED lamps. Don't misunderstand.....Surefire is good, they just value them WAY too much. Streamlight will outshine them for lots less $.

Gem1950 · October 24th, 2011, 07:40 PM

Wayne M · October 25th, 2011, 03:49 PM

You don't need to put that kind of money into an 870 to get a great tactical shotgun. Get the basic and do it yourself and as noted shoot it smooth(check SGAmmo for some cheap practice shells).

And stay away from that Surefire fore end. They do work but way too much money. Get a rail of some type and mount a TLR1 Streamlight on it. Brownell's sells a nice tri rail setup for your extended mag tube that works fine.

mjconnau · October 26th, 2011, 10:13 AM

I love my 870 and can't imagine what I could spend $1,000 on, that would make it $1,000 better. Just because Wilson charges that much for it doesn't mean that it is worth that much.
Of course, if you have one of those jobs where your time is worth $2,000 an hour, having them do the work for you may in fact be cost effective. Do you have one of those jobs? And if so, can I be your friend?