Well, I’ve always thought the Magpul 870 stocks were ugly (the forends look good IMO…) but the flat dark earth version is a little more aesthetically pleasing than the rest; at least to me. Here’s a run down of the pros and cons for the stock and forend:
Stock
Pros:
-12.5’‘-14.5’’ adjustable LOP
-Very easy to install
-I find the grip angle very ergonomic
-The fit with the receiver is great
-The grip area allows for better retention in the event of a gun grab attempt
-Adjustable cheek risers for use with optics availible
-A couple different options to attach slings
-Standard 870 recoil pads can be used with the stock (requires an additional Magpul adaptor)
Cons:
-Cost (anywhere from $85-100)
-It’s ugly looking
-Only available for Remington 870s at the moment; Magpul says the Mossberg versions are in the works
Forend
Pros:
-Cost (between $25-35 most places)
-Ease of installation
-Modularity (slots accept standard Magpul rails and accessories)
-Very solid fit; no wobble like some forends
-The built in handstop really helps you get a positive grip to run the gun hard even with sweaty hands
-Looks good
Cons:
-Creates wear marks on the barrel/mag tube (doesn’t bother me but it may bother some)
Here’s a video of me shooting my 870P with the SGA furniture and discussing some of the pros and cons of the setup:
I have a black Magpul fore-end on an 870, and added a magpul light mount (used the cantilever mount) and an old X200. I did not use any loc-tite. After a box of field loads I noticed the light mount had loosened relative to the fore-end. Am trying to figure out what I did wrong.
Did you use any loctite or other means to keep the light mount secured to the fore-end? How many rds have you put through it since installing the light, and have you checked for looseness in the light mount relative to the fore-end?
After firing a few hundred rds through the gun with the Magpul fore-end installed, I gave the gun a good thorough cleaning the other day. Had the fore-end off the gun and noticed that the castle nut in the fore-end had loosened somewhat, maybe a third to half a revolution. In the installation instructions Magpul specifically warned against over-tightening the castle nut as it can cause damage to the fore-end or the gun. I used the supplied wrench to tighten the castle nut and cranked it down hand tight (IMO). Any thoughts? Have you run into this issue?
Did you use any loctite or other means to keep the light mount secured to the fore-end? How many rds have you put through it since installing the light, and have you checked for looseness in the light mount relative to the fore-end?
I have the black on 2 of my other 870s with the same light mount—it came loose after about 100 rounds of 7.5 and 50 of speer 00 buck. I loctited them (blue) and haven’t had an issue on any of them since (rough guess 500 rounds).
I have a question about the forend. Is there a way to mount a sling attachment to it? Anyone see this as a bad idea? I’m getting an 870 soon but am trying to figure out the best way to attach a two point sling to it.
I see two possible disadvantages of placing the sling mount on the fore-end. One is that if the hammer is not cocked, the fore-end may move as you sling or unsling the gun, or as you move around with it slung, especially if you carry it muzzle-down. Another possible disadvantage is that the sling mount could provide an additional angular protrusion on the fore-end to slam into your hand during recoil.
I have ^this^ one on an 870 and like it a lot. I have an Insight M3 mounted on the right side. I have no experience with the MagPul one but their stuff is always GTG so one of these to should meet your needs.
This type of sling mounting plate attaches to the shotgun underneath the magazine tube cap. The Magpul SGA forearm extends past the point where the magazine cap screws on. Therefore this type of sling plate will prevent you from fully closing the action when chambering a round. Not a good thing!
The rear end of the Magpul forend on my 870 stops just forward of the receiver. Won’t be a problem with an 8 round Mesa Tactical side saddle. The Youtube video at 5:24 shows the clearance between the rear end of a “tactical forend” and the front end of the side saddle. The clearance would be the same with the Magpul forend. Hope this helps.
