Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing 870 receiver question

Will be shotgun-only deer hunting for the first time in 2023. Thinking about a Remington 870 slug gun. I’ve heard that the receiver is the same overall shape as the 740, 760 receivers. If that’s true then scope bases for those rifles should fit the 870. True statement?

There is a base (I believe it is a Weaver 459) that should work

My work computer will not allow me to look and make sure

a cantilever barrel works better, no movement scope to barrel. Receiver mount will always have the play of the barrel fit

I’ve been seeing those as I review slug guns. First thought was just the opposite: they look flimsy. Your point is well taken though. Thanks.

If legal, a rifled barrel is far better. Actually I am getting ready to sell a package Winchester 1200 with a rifled slug barrel and a smooth bore...

I have drilled and tapped a 20 gauge 870 Express reciever for a 7400 scope base, worked fine. I cut the front base screw just right where when tightened it put some pressure on the barrel extension, it has shot very well for a smoothbore and a rifled barrel I removed the cantilever mount off of..

Rifled barrel is better if shooting sabots. Also cantilever mount works great. And even though the distance is short a rifled choke tube works for sabots.

Current production 870 receivers are drilled & tapped for a 3 screw base.

Older LE/Tac 870 receivers were drilled & tapped for a 4 screw base.
(Mesa Tactical manuf a 4 screw picatinny base)

It rifling is allowed, skip ahead and do yourself a big favor by checking out the Savage 220F.