I have needed a good shotgun since I sold my Supernova Tactical. I have avoided some of the local ones due to high prices and the fact I could not find any good Police Models.
A buddy of mine had this one and is willing to let me have it for 250.
Now I HATE blued finishes and the wood furniture. But I am thinking that for the price this would be a great starting platform. Your thoughts?
My 870 Police Magnum is blued steel and wood. I think it lends a bit of class to the proverbial blunt insturment.
Put a Surefire 618LF light on it, and maybe a Mesa Tactical shell holder.
I cut the stock down 2 inches and put an R3 pad on mine. Personal preference, however.
Then save your pennies for a Rob Haught shotgun class. 
Definitely a great buy.
You should be able to get a quality park job done on it for a bit over $100.00 or so.
I’d put a Speedfeed or Hogue “Youth” stock on there and a Surefire forend.
Enjoy!
He is here at the end of March. Hence my need for a good shotgun 
Why the Youth Stock?
The shorter stock tends to be easier to mount, and manipulate for most people. Especially with a squared-up stance used by most LEO and military personnel. Bladed, it’s not so hard. I believe it also assists with the “push-pull” method taught by Chief Haught.
If you are built like a Wookie, it’s not a big deal to have a regular stock. For most mortals, a shorter stock helps bringing a shotty up faster from a low ready, and also when wandering through buildings.
Think of a lever and a fulcrum. A shorter lever moves faster.
Chief Haught had a class not too long ago, and Grant posted an AAR about it. If you have not seen it, there was some very good discussion about length of pull.
Good luck at the class, I envy you. My goal for the year was a Vickers Tactical pistol class, a Haught shotgun class, and a Magpul Dynamics carbine class.
My boss has other ideas regarding my free time, however. 
I’m wookie sized and I definitely prefer the shorter LOP, and I shoot slightly bladed.
Far easier and faster to mount the gun with the shorter LOP.
In my experience, a shotgun needs very few things to be effective: Good sights, a white light, a proper-length stock, a side-saddle and a sling. A 1- or 2-round mag extension is nice to have, and I like an aftermarket mag follower and safety, generally either Wilson/Scattergun or VangComp.
That said, you can do a lot with a factory-plain 870 riot gun. The accessories make it more versatile, and more effective, but the user behind it makes the most difference. Spend your money on training and ammo, find out what works and what doesn’t work for you, and buy accordingly.
Disclaimer: I’m Rob Haught’s son, so my views are quite possibly biased.
LHS, some may call you bias, I call it being in the know.
I look forward to (hopefully) attending your fathers class at the end of March. Joe at Superior Firearms told me about it and I am hoping to get the time off work.
id definitely snag it for that price, but im a little partial to 870s. heres the part where i p*ss some folks off…screw Benelli and their overpriced guns. :eek:
I think I may still get it. However I picked up a new 590A1 18.5 incher today in a trade that will be my training gun I think.
Now I just need a Mag extension, Ghrostring sights and a shorter stock.
Mr. Haught, thanks very much for adding your advice. If you do not mind, may I ask you a question?
I have a steel mag follower from Hans Vang, and his +2 mag extension as well. Do you or your father have a recommendation for a replacement 8-round mag spring? I’m using the factory one currently.
(kwelz, I apologize for the hijack. I just could not resist an opportunity to speak to the source. )
No apology needed. It saves me having to ask later.
First thing’s first, my Dad’s “Mr. Haught”. I’m simply Matt.
Secondly, I don’t have nearly the experience or expertise with the shotgun that Dad’s developed over the years; I have only what I picked up growing up. I’m a database administrator, not a SWAT instructor, so take my opinion for what it’s worth. I’m an amateur with a good coach, he’s the pro.
As to your question, I haven’t yet messed about with alternative springs. I still have the factory spring in my 870 Police, which sports a Remington factory 1-round extension. Hans makes good stuff, though, and you might want to ask his opinion about what design works best with his follower.
Hello, Matt, and thank you for your reply. I look forward to visiting West Virginia, and training with your father.
A good idea about contacting Vang Comp. I will email Hans, and ask him about.
“May your backups run perfectly, and may you never need them.” The DBA’s prayer. 
Your dad speaks highly of you.
Scattergun tech AKA wilson Combat has Nice replacement Springs and Highly visible Followers that help you to see under stress conditions the tube is dry.I run one in My 870 tactical with a set of Scattergun tech Ghost rings
Yep, you got a good deal. Great base gun as you stated to build it to your own specs. Start with looking at Wilson and Vang Comp and then go from there. Sho us what you end up with and give us a range report too.
We still have a spot for you in class.
Why must you torment me so!
I wish my work allowed me the time but sadly there is no way I can get away from the campaign for the class. Heck I don’t even know when I can get back into the shop to pick up the stuff I have on order.
Even if I could I am such an amateur with a shotgun that I think you all would spend more time laughing at me than you would shooting. While I am sure it would be great amusement for all, I don’t think it is what you are paying for LOL.
Add to that I don’t have a kit for shotgun and it just doesn’t look promising all around.
We have all you need and I can get you up to speed on shot gun.