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1.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
I'm lost. There are so many options and different configurations/terminology. (Single point, 2-point?). I'm reaching out. Don't know too much about all this.

Here is what I want.

I'm looking to find a nice sling for a Remington 870 Express Tactical. I'm wanting a comfortable synthetic sling for this weapon used for home defense. Pretty sure I want a nylon webbing style tactical sling that detaches quickly. I don't want bungee or anything stretchy. Not willing to drill into the weapon to mount any of this.

I want it to attach firmly to the weapon and not worry about the attachment area being destroyed by use.

Here is a picture of the pre-defined attachment points. Not real excited about the durability of attaching to the buttstock in this location and would welcome other sling options.





Here is a pic of a buttstock option. This looks more durable than the little plastic hole they expect you to use.


What is a 1-pt sling vs 2-pt sling?

I'll start there.
2.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
Two-point attaches at two points, and one-point attaches at one. :-) A traditional rifle or shotgun sling is a two-point, but what people use as "tactical slings" have all sorts of adjustments for wearing and shooting. Not having ever used one, that's all I can tell you about them, except that I'm almost automatically drawn to two-points over one-points, because two-point is what I'm used to, and I gather you pick up some versatility with a tactical two-point as opposed to just throwing a "hunting sling" on there.

As far as attachment points go, I think your buttstock probably already has a swivel stud installed. If it doesn't have a swivel cap installed at the end of the tube, you can find them easily. I'm not sure if two-point tactical slings are ever mounted at the grip for some reason (probably not?) but one-points seem to usually be attached there as far as I know, and for that you buy an adapter that fits between the buttstock and the receiver.

I have only ever removed the buttstock from an 11-87 and there is some design difference between it and a regular 870, but I don't remember what it is at the moment. Something that affects how the stock mounts, I know, but probably nothing that affects the adapter issue. Anyhoo, it's a fairly simple process to remove the recoil pad and buttstock with the proper long screwdriver (unless something has changed) and then the adapter just slips in and you tighten everything back up again.

I have seen recoil pads that have awfully small screw holes, so I guess what I'd do is call a gunsmith if you can find one and ask if you need anything special.
3.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
[url]https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/488972/grovtec-sling-swivel-set-remington-870-express-magazine-cap-with-swivel-stud-locking-swivels-rear-screw-swivel-stud-12-gauge-steel-black?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-Shooting+-+Slings-_-GrovTec-_-488972&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsIvNv56s1QIVVjqBCh0NSwV6EAQYCCABEgK-jPD_BwE[/url]


If the magazine or extended tube on a Tactical model doesn't allow this cap for some reason, then never mind, but I can't image that's the case.
4.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
Thanks, there are a lot of accessories. Looks like Magpul makes some hardware that is pretty nice for attachment between receiver and buttstock but requires a Magpul buttstock. I would think that would be the most comfortable solution as your sling would not be unwieldy. I agree that the 2-pt is probably the way to go.

Hopefully I can find some hardware I like that will fit on the stock 870.
5.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
6.) bluecat - 07/28/2017


I like this attachment for the front.
7.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
I'm certain there's a generic 870 adapter. Might even be Remington branded, but maybe not.
8.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
There's a guy at the gun club I belong to (fortunately it is open to people who own no guns) who has an extended tube with a sling attachment that includes a picatinny rail, but I didn't pay a lot of attention to it so I can't tell you who makes it. Probably a good thing to have. Can't tell you if having your light or whatever (frickin' laser?) mounted up at your front attachment point is good, bad or who cares, but the rail itself is something to think about.
9.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
Seems like if you had the attachment behind the receiver and one on the barrel, you could switch between 1 and 2-pt sling configuration.
10.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
You'd be amphibious.
11.) DParker - 07/28/2017
The Swampmeister has already given you some really good info, but I would start with this:

[QUOTE=bluecat;50465]I'm wanting a comfortable synthetic sling for this weapon used for home defense.[/QUOTE]

If this is in fact primarily (or exclusively) intended to be a home defense weapon then that application is what needs to drive your choice. Given that, my first question would be, "How do you envision carrying your 870 in that role?" In most cases the purpose of a sling is to make a long gun easier to carry while walking over non-trivial distances. In the case of a rifle it can also pull double-duty as a stabilizer when shooting off-hand. But that's not going to apply here. So if this shotgun is relegated to use for potential home defense (and practice at the range), and you're not going to be schlepping it through the woods...then do you really need, or even want a sling? In a scenario where you're maneuvering through your house (hallways, doorways, etc) and manipulating the weapon in the process a sling is going to be nothing more than something to get snagged on a doorknob, or get your hand tangled up in.

On the other hand, if I'm reading too much into the quoted line above, and this is really a multi-purpose shotgun that will also see duty in the field, then.....

{Emily Litella}

Never mind.

{/Emily Litella}
12.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE]9. “Left hand, right hand, it doesn’t matter. I’m amphibious.” – former NC State basketball player Charles Shackleford[/QUOTE]


[url]https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/top-15-dumbest-athlete-quotes/[/url]
13.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=DParker;50476]The Swampmeister has already given you some really good info, but I would start with this:



If this is in fact primarily (or exclusively) intended to be a home defense weapon then that application is what needs to drive your choice. Given that, my first question would be, "How do you envision carrying your 870 in that role?" In most cases the purpose of a sling is to make a long gun easier to carry while walking over non-trivial distances. In the case of a rifle it can also pull double-duty as a stabilizer when shooting off-hand. But that's not going to apply here. So if this shotgun is relegated to use for potential home defense (and practice at the range), and you're not going to be schlepping it through the woods...then do you really need, or even want a sling? In a scenario where you're maneuvering through your house (hallways, doorways, etc) and manipulating the weapon in the process a sling is going to be nothing more than something to get snagged on a doorknob, or get your hand tangled up in.

On the other hand, if I'm reading too much into the quoted line above, and this is really a multi-purpose shotgun that will also see duty in the field, then.....

{Emily Litella}

Never mind.

{/Emily Litella}[/QUOTE]

Point taken and I agree. The sling won't be used for in-home defense, but I want the ability to sling it if I have to go for a walk.
14.) DParker - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;50479]Point taken and I agree. The sling won't be used for in-home defense, but I want the ability to sling it if I have to go for a walk.[/QUOTE]

Well, yeah...you don't want to be seen at Starbucks improperly accessorized. :-)

15.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
Give me all your [INSERT OVERPRICED STARBUCKS PRODUCT HERE].
16.) Wild Bob - 07/28/2017
"Here Sweetie, hold my fat free mocha latte, does this sling make my butt look big???"
17.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
"I got your 3-inch Grande right here..." [:racking motion:]
18.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;50473]Seems like if you had the attachment behind the receiver and one on the barrel, you could switch between 1 and 2-pt sling configuration.[/QUOTE]

I would think a two-point sling with the rear attachment forward on the buttstock (in the area of the grip) would interfere or could interfere with handling the weapon. Might be awkward to wear, too. I don't know. I know I'm not in love with my loop sling right there at the grip of my percussion cap muzzleloader, if I even owned such a thing.
19.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
Not sure if I missed this in your original post or if you edited for clarity, but it sounds like the shotgun DOES NOT already have a rear swivel stud and/or you're concerned about its durability. I can tell you that no matter how many canoe accidents I've had, not one has been caused by a swivel stud malfunction, whether in a wood stock or synthetic. You can always epoxy the sucker in if you don't trust a simple screw. (And really, is a screw ever really simple?)

If you do wind up using a swivel cap, I'd go with a steel version as I posted, rather than the slightly less expensive Uncle Mike's, which are ubiquitous. I don't know that the Uncle Mike's of today are not steel, but I can tell you I had one fail on me a long time ago. I don't remember what the issue was or if I was at fault somehow, but I remember the stud was in danger of popping out, or was too loose for my taste, or something.
20.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
I guess the difficult thing is answering the question of where it is to be mounted. Once I know that, then I can go after options. Obviously the front mount is beyond the pump mechanism. It's the rear attachment that is in question -above receiver, in hole in stock, webbing around stock.
21.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
I'd vote webbing around the stock (butt) off the island. Just seems like a PITA.
22.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;50493]I would think a two-point sling with the rear attachment forward on the buttstock (in the area of the grip) would interfere or could interfere with handling the weapon. Might be awkward to wear, too. I don't know. I know I'm not in love with my loop sling right there at the grip of my percussion cap muzzleloader, if I even owned such a thing.[/QUOTE]

You might be right about that.
23.) DParker - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;50499]I'd vote webbing around the stock (butt) off the island. Just seems like a PITA.[/QUOTE]

I agree.

And a couple more questions seem in order at this point:

[LIST=1]
[*]What kind of stock do you have on the gun now? (In fact a photo would be even better)
[*]Is your anticipated method of carry going to be over-the-shoulder, low-ready...or sometimes one and sometimes the other?
[/LIST]
24.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
It is a factory stock with a hole that would accept the swivel mount. Look at the very first pic I posted. Not a great pic but that's the best I could find.

I don't know how I'm going to carry it. I didn't realize I had so many options. Basically it's a shtf scenario where I need to put it over my shoulder and carry on with my regular duties.
25.) DParker - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;50507]It is a factory stock with a hole that would accept the swivel mount. Look at the very first pic I posted. Not a great pic but that's the best I could find.[/quote]

Ah, OK, the factory polymer stock.

[QUOTE=bluecat;50507]I don't know how I'm going to carry it. I didn't realize I had so many options. Basically it's a shtf scenario where I need to put it over my shoulder and carry on with my regular duties.[/QUOTE]

Zombies!

So maybe this is yet another opportunity for me to spend someone else's money. Given the gun's intended role, have you considered replacing the stock with something a little more geared toward that purpose? I have a [URL="https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1006670519/blackhawk-knoxx-specops-gen-2-adjustable-length-of-pull-recoil-reducing-stock-with-forend-remington-870-12-gauge-synthetic-black"]SpecOps stock[/URL] on mine that I've been very happy with, even though I primarily use my Mossberg 500 for birds, bunnies and squirrels. In addition to noticeably reducing felt recoil, the adjustable length of pull is great for dealing with different clothing thicknesses. And I've always favored a pistol grip as the more ergonomic option. Plus...note the sling attachment options.
26.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;50507]It is a factory stock with a hole that would accept the swivel mount. [/QUOTE]


Freakin' Remington. Left off a ten cent part on a $400 shotgun?


Is the gun used? All the pics I've seen show a sling stud in the buttstock. If so and I were to install one, I'd definitely epoxy it.
27.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
Gun is brand spanking new (well, new to me, I found it at the bottom of a river, probably someone had a canoe accident). You are right. You have this great tactical shotgun and then you have to rig up something that should have been a huge feature of the gun from the start.
28.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=DParker;50510]Ah, OK, the factory polymer stock.



Zombies!

So maybe this is yet another opportunity for me to spend someone else's money. Given the gun's intended role, have you considered replacing the stock with something a little more geared toward that purpose? I have a [URL="https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1006670519/blackhawk-knoxx-specops-gen-2-adjustable-length-of-pull-recoil-reducing-stock-with-forend-remington-870-12-gauge-synthetic-black"]SpecOps stock[/URL] on mine that I've been very happy with, even though I primarily use my Mossberg 500 for birds, bunnies and squirrels. In addition to noticeably reducing felt recoil, the adjustable length of pull is great for dealing with different clothing thicknesses. And I've always favored a pistol grip as the more ergonomic option. Plus...note the sling attachment options.[/QUOTE]

Look nice DP. Might have to go that route rather than dress up a pig.

Here's another of the same ilk.

[I]Magpul SGA Stock for Remington 870
The Magpul SGA Stock for the Remington 870 may be a tad pricier at $109.95 but it is definitely worth the money if you want a reliable and durable stock. For one thing, it is an ambidextrous stock which allows you to adjust the length of pull to one that you are comfortable with. This kind of adjustability is not available with the factory stock that comes with the Remington 870.
[/I]
29.) DParker - 07/28/2017
Oh, and I also added the [URL="https://www.midwayusa.com/product/837245/blackhawk-knoxx-specops-powerpak-system-modular-cheek-piece-synthetic-black"]SpecOps Cheek Piece[/URL] to mine...



It makes a big difference on comfort when you shoulder the gun...and the holder for extra shells and the watertight battery storage are nice little bonuses.
30.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=bluecat;50512]Gun is brand spanking new (well, new to me, I found it at the bottom of a river, probably someone had a canoe accident). You are right. You have this great tactical shotgun and then you have to rig up something that should have been a huge feature of the gun from the start.[/QUOTE]

I'd call them up here in North Cackalacky and sweet-talk the tar out of them until they sent you a stud. No way that's not a factory error. Get them to throw in a hat for your aggravation. Don't tell them Swampy sent you, and don't spend any time at all trying to look up the part number on their ridiculous list. You'll never find it. If you're extremely lucky, the guy on the other end of the phone will, though.
31.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
Tell them if they don't cooperate, next time you'll buy a $2300 Benelli....LOL
32.) DParker - 07/28/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;50516]Tell them if they don't cooperate, next time you'll buy a $2300 Benelli....LOL[/QUOTE]

Tempting...

33.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
Imagine showing up for the dove opener with THAT! :grin:
34.) bluecat - 07/28/2017



Is there an advantage to having the sling mounts on the side of the gun? Just seems awkward to me (visually).
35.) Swamp Fox - 07/28/2017
Probably lies flatter against your body, but I agree with you on the visual.
36.) bluecat - 07/28/2017
I don't have the luxury of experience, so I'll take your word if it isn't anything to be concerned about. There are many mount options and they are to the side.
37.) Swamp Fox - 07/31/2017
[QUOTE=DParker;50514]Oh, and I also added the [URL="https://www.midwayusa.com/product/837245/blackhawk-knoxx-specops-powerpak-system-modular-cheek-piece-synthetic-black"]SpecOps Cheek Piece[/URL] to mine...

It makes a big difference on comfort when you shoulder the gun...and the holder for extra shells and the watertight battery storage are nice little bonuses.[/QUOTE]

Does the cheekpiece help with recoil at all, instead of having an unadorned "tube" on or under under your cheekbone? Not concerned so much about an AR-15, but I wonder about something stouter, and particularly about a shotgun.

Also, I think I notice that if you want a shell carrier on your buttstock, you're SOL with a cheekpiece? Surely someone has a solution to that. I haven't tried to figure out if you ever put a shell carrier out past the receiver.
38.) DParker - 07/31/2017
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;50536]Does the cheekpiece help with recoil at all, instead of having an unadorned "tube" on or under under your cheekbone? Not concerned so much about an AR-15, but I wonder about something stouter, and particularly about a shotgun.[/QUOTE]

The cheekpiece? No. The stock itself is what contains a recoil-reduction mechanism.

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;50536]Also, I think I notice that if you want a shell carrier on your buttstock, you're SOL with a cheekpiece? Surely someone has a solution to that. I haven't tried to figure out if you ever put a shell carrier out past the receiver.[/QUOTE]

Although it isn't obvious because of the straight-on angle of the photo, the Midway link shows you the side of the cheekpiece (opposite the side you put your cheek against) that sports a holder for 5 spare shells.
39.) Swamp Fox - 07/31/2017
Well, that makes sense. I saw a stock over the weekend that if you added the cheek piece, you couldn't add a shell carrier, or at least you couldn't add the shell carrier the site was recommending as an accessory. I thought that was kinda dumb, considering they were from the same manufacturer, if I recall.