New 'Tactical' Shotgun questions

[GM-GUY]

Never bought one of these and kind of hate the term but everyone will know what I am talking about this way.

Earlier this year I was in the market but had to delay my plans as I needed a new vehicle - now I am ready for take two.


http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/tactical/shotguns/model-870-express-tactical.aspx

This Remington fits the bill as it has a rail (for mounting my extra red dot), is a pump action, and can mount a rail up front for a light.

A 'Turkey stock' would be nice, but I can always add one later. Looks like I can use different chokes also which is a plus.

I already have an 870 Wingmaster from 1980 and it is flawless and I already know how to work on the model so no learning curve.


Does anyone have one of these? What do you think of the finish durability and function? As good as always? Is the $500 a reasonable price point or can they be had cheaper?

Who sells these in Mass, or can I buy in NH with no issues (I haven't bought out of state since 1993).

 

[Len-2A Training]

Give Jim McLoud (MFL) a call about the Interstate Arms (IAC) clone to this. He sells the IAC Hawk 982 for $200.

According to Jim, one of his customers has run >1K rds thru it with no issues and Jim has sold almost 100 of them. Jim also told me that most of the parts are interchangeable with the Rem 870 (2 parts are known to be metric and thus non-interchangeable).

IAC is a large (mostly police firearms) distributor in Billerica. They are the wholesale arm that was affiliated with Ivanhoe's gun shop in Watertown back in the 1970s-80s.

Worth checking out:
http://www.iacshotguns.com/982pump.html

Yes, you can buy in NH. They do 4473 & NICS and you are on your way. You need to send in the FA-10 as REGISTRATION (only - no info on source, only gun description and your info) within 7 days of bringing the gun across the line to MA.

 

[Sully]

Give Jim McLoud (MFL) a call about the Interstate Arms (IAC) clone to this. He sells the IAC Hawk 982 for $200.

According to Jim, one of his customers has run >1K rds thru it with no issues and Jim has sold almost 100 of them. Jim also told me that most of the parts are interchangeable with the Rem 870 (2 parts are known to be metric and thus non-interchangeable).

IAC is a large (mostly police firearms) distributor in Billerica. They are the wholesale arm that was affiliated with Ivanhoe's gun shop in Watertown back in the 1970s-80s.

Worth checking out:
http://www.iacshotguns.com/982pump.html

Yes, you can buy in NH. They do 4473 & NICS and you are on your way. You need to send in the FA-10 as REGISTRATION (only - no info on source, only gun description and your info) within 7 days of bringing the gun across the line to MA.

Len, do you know if the barrel on the IAC is interchangeable with an 870 barrel? I assume it's not, but just curious.

EDIT: Did some research, amazing what actually looking can do. It's possible, but with some work apparently. Post 13: http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=11766

 

[Len-2A Training]

Jim told me that the threads on the cap and the tube are metric on the IAC Hawk. Otherwise he believes all other parts are interchangeable.

Giving IAC a call in Billerica might get you a definitive answer.

 

[ScottS]

The barrel on the Hawk 982 is not interchangeable with an 870, as the mag tube on the 982 is longer, and the "ring" on the barrel is in the wrong place, if that makes sense.

I've had mine for a few years now, and I love it. I've used it in 3 or 4 3-gun matches, and it's never burped once. All metal parts, too, unlike the later 870's. Ghost ring sights. Hell of a value.

ETA: the comment on the non-standard threads is correct. If you want an extended mag tube, you have to get one specific to the 982. There was a guy on one of the shotgun forums a while back making/selling them (that's where I got mine), but I heard he's no longer doing that.

 

[GM-GUY]

Looks like the IAC is similar to the NEF Protector. I need one that I can mount a rail on so I can mount the Trijicon RX30 - I might be able to do a side-saddle with shell holder and rail or I might pull the rear sight and drill and tap the receiver.

I take it MFL is Manchester Firing Line?

Thanks for the info - the money I save on the gun will allow me to put the light on and rail for the sight for what I would have paid for the 870 alone.

UPDATE: ********************************

On a whim I tried Match Shot in Gardner - walked out with a Mossberg 590A1 'Blackwater'
9 shot, Ghost Ring & Rail setup, 20" Imp Cylinder barrel (no screw-in choke), Speed Feed Stock and a Bayonet Lug - they also gave me a Gun Sock (won't get that at Dicks)

Best part "MADE IN USA"


I did field strip to a bare receiver and had a little difficulty getting it back together, had to get it all lined back up right and it's all set. Did a clean while apart and a light lube also.

Next week when the kids are in school is range time