how to attach sight to remington 870 20 gauge
Attaching a sight to your Remington 870 20-gauge shotgun can enhance accuracy and target acquisition. Several methods are available, each with its own advantages. Below is an overview of the most common approaches:
1. Drilling and Tapping the Receiver
This permanent modification involves drilling and tapping holes into the shotgun’s receiver to mount a scope base or rail.
- Advantages: Provides a secure and stable platform for various optics, including scopes and red dot sights.
- Considerations: Requires professional gunsmithing to ensure precision and maintain the firearm’s integrity.
Note: Some users have successfully mounted red dot sights by drilling and tapping the receiver and installing a Picatinny rail.
2. Saddle Mounts
Saddle mounts are designed to fit over the shotgun’s receiver without permanent alterations.
- Advantages: Easy installation and removal, preserving the original condition of the firearm.
- Considerations: May sit higher on the receiver, potentially affecting the shooter’s cheek weld and sight alignment.
Example: The B-Square 870 Express Super Magnum Scope Mount attaches by replacing the trigger pins with machine screws, allowing for a stable mount without drilling.
3. Vent Rib Mounts
For shotguns equipped with a ventilated rib, specialized mounts can attach directly to the rib.
- Advantages: No modification to the receiver is needed, and the sight remains close to the bore axis.
- Considerations: Compatibility with the specific width and height of the rib must be ensured.
Example: The Warne Shotgun Rib Red Dot Mount allows for the attachment of a red dot sight directly to the vent rib, providing a low-profile solution.
4. Barrel with Cantilever Mount
Some barrels come with an integrated cantilever rail for optics.
- Advantages: Offers a stable and aligned platform for mounting sights, directly attached to the barrel.
- Considerations: Requires purchasing and installing a new barrel, which can be more costly.
Recommendations
- Assess Your Needs: Determine the primary use of your shotgun (e.g., hunting, sport shooting) to select the most appropriate sighting system.
- Consult a Professional: If considering permanent modifications like drilling and tapping, seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith to ensure proper installation and maintain safety standards.
- Explore Non-Permanent Options: If you prefer to avoid modifying your shotgun, consider saddle or vent rib mounts as effective alternatives.
For a visual demonstration of installing a saddle mount on a Remington 870, you may find the following video helpful:
By carefully selecting the mounting method that aligns with your shooting preferences and equipment, you can enhance your Remington 870 20-gauge shotgun’s performance with the addition of a suitable sight.
Bob learned about farming from his grand dad. So, the decision to leave the city and start homesteading was not a difficult transition. He now lives with his wife and two kids on their 30 acre property in Ohio.
