Good morning all! I finally had some time this past weekend to tackle a little "tactical" gunsmithing project I've had on the back burner for a while. To see how it all turned out, check out the video below. As always, be sure to let me know what you think after you watch it!

Howard

https://youtu.be/iYmL2Mk2Tr4

Great video!

Scorpion8 wrote:Great video!

Thank you!

Howard

You obviously put much time, effort and passion into that production...very informative and well done. Excellent presentation!

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it!

Howard

Thanks for linking the video !

I know why the desire would be to remove the detents in the manner that you did, however, I will often just drill them out unless there is a reason that I would need to reuse them.

John A. wrote:Thanks for linking the video !

I know why the desire would be to remove the detents in the manner that you did, however, I will often just drill them out unless there is a reason that I would need to reuse them.

I considered drilling them out, but in the end I opted for the method shown in the video. I'm happy with the outcome, but as I mentioned it was not without its tense moments.

Howard

Nice work on the video and the gun. I have done a couple like that; I have a socket that is just the right size for swaging. I like it better than just removing the detent with a Dremel.

Virginian wrote:Nice work on the video and the gun. I have done a couple like that; I have a socket that is just the right size for swaging. I like it better than just removing the detent with a Dremel.

Thanks. I prefer to swage the detents out of the tube too (obviously). I thought about using a socket but opted for a purpose built tool just to avoid any deviation in the outer diameter of a socket from one manufacturer to the next. I'm probably a bit paranoid, but I was very concerned with the prospect of damaging the magazine tube.

Howard

This would definitely be in the "live and learn" category.

And if you were to severely damage the mag tube, replacements are easy to find, not all that expensive and you already have it disassembled.

In fairness and reality, you could probably find a replacement magazine on ebay for less than the cost of the swage tool and shipping.

But, again, I'm not busting your chops. My Daddy always told me there's a right way and a wrong way to do everything.

I will add that you did it the right way, so I respect that.

This is just one of those instances where there's more than one way to skin a cat.

John A. wrote:This would definitely be in the "live and learn" category.

And if you were to severely damage the mag tube, replacements are easy to find, not all that expensive and you already have it disassembled.

In fairness and reality, you could probably find a replacement magazine on ebay for less than the cost of the swage tool and shipping.

But, again, I'm not busting your chops. My Daddy always told me there's a right way and a wrong way to do everything.

I will add that you did it the right way, so I respect that.

This is just one of those instances where there's more than one way to skin a cat.

Agreed!

Howard

The cost of a magazine tube is minimal compared to the gunsmithing costs to remove and replace that silver soldered in tube and refinishing the receiver.
I went socket shopping with a micrometer. Found it at Lowes. Salesman saw me looking and came over and asked me what size I needed. Will never forget his face when I told him I was looking for one with an 'X' thousandths outside diameter.

This is my take on a tactical conversion. After a few hiccups I now finally have my 1187 running 100% reliable with 24g and 28g birdshot and also the hotter buck and slug loads(mainly home loaded)
To recap, this was a wrecker, given to me by a shooting friend who could not get it to cycle at all.
After sorting the broken parts (barrel anti rotation lug, right handed carrier in a lefty gun and general deep cleaning of rust, crud ,carbon debris, unburnt powder, grease etc. etc., I moved on to functioning and upgrading for IPSC use
Detailed elsewhere, I modified the gas sealing with a 2.4mm gas ring.
I upgraded the extractor spring with a stainless steel metric part from China! (10 for about $1.50)
I initially fitted a DMW speed ramp, but changed to a smooth and rounded stainless steel curved plate attached to the original action release button. I believe the mass of the DMW unit was contributing to occasional fails to cycle. Also, without the "Fangs" of the DMW I no longer get bitten when speed loading. A little easing of the loading port and rear of the fore end smooths out the loading process.
The mag tube was extended using a short Remington extension mated to an old Savage tube with a sleeve over the join. I settled on 11 + 1 capacity as the mag tube "looks" the right length as well as functioning 100% with a new long Nordic spring and Hi-Vis low friction follower. An aluminium ring, grub screw locked to the tube with a nylon U piece above, stabilises the extension and prevents rotation.
An angled fore end grip mounted on an underside piccatinny rail gives great control.
A "match saver" was fashioned from a Prodec cartridge belt clip.
A bobbin type charging handle was fitted.
I fitted a synthetic Monte Carlo stock, to which was added a forward finger groove extension (both found cheaply on an auction site) An elastic fabric spare round holder slips over the stock.
As the gun is a lefty and some parts are just not available, I modified, with a slot for the charging handle, an 870 saddle mount and rail so as to be able to fit a Shield dot and ring optic sight.
To be able to shoot in "Auto class" I made and fitted a fibre optic front sight and ghost ring to the rib.
I fabricated an ambidextrous rotating safety catch (down for Safe, forward for Fire) which has the advantage of interfering with the trigger finger on either side when Safe so eliminating the "Doh it won't fire, oops I left the safety on moments"
This gun is a joy to shoot, very controllable and now totally reliable. Although it is a lefty, as a right hander I find it easier to load as if I run dry it is a quarter rotate to the right to throw one in the breech, then, as I prefer to load with my left hand, a touch further rotation exposes the gate for load two or quad loads. I normally stick with load two for reliability and accurate loading (I can load the dirt with the best of them!!) Additionally, to stroke the match saver round in is simplicity itself using the left hand while retaining control in the shoulder.
I do not ever have a problem with cases ejecting across my line of sight as many people seem to think should happen. This gun throws the empties well clear.
I am very happy with this gun, some have called it a Frankengun, but raised from the dead, Frankengun Lives!

Wow !!

You put a lot of thought and work into that. I'm glad it's working out for you !!