It is a Wingmaster with the shiny stock and good bluing. 2 3/4 receiver. This 12 gauge will become my main slug gun but the slugs I want to use will are not in the adjustment range of the iron sights on the barrel so I figure to add a red dot or a scope. So I look around for a suitable base and it appears at least some of the newer receivers are already drilled and tapped and there are bases available for them. Anything wrong with drilling and tapping an older receiver with the current base hole pattern? The slugs in question are the 300 grain Monoflex and SST loads from Hornady.

Following this as I’m looking at doing the same for an 870. Seems like tapping for a rail up top would probably look the best. That being said, I’ve also seen some “saddle” type pieces that go over top of the whole receiver and appear to use the existing push pin holes for the trigger assembly. IMO it doesn’t look as clean, but some have shell holder loops on the side that would more fit what I’m trying to do for a home defense set up.

So after doing some more research I think I found what I’m going to go with. It has a low profile design that’s supposed to let you keep your cheek weld down on the stock like it needs to be. I’m reading some of the saddle’s and picatinny rails can make the optic sit up high and therefore awkward. That kind of concerns me, and probably would you for what you are trying to accomplish. It comes with the RMR optic base plate which is the exact same as the Holosun 507c x2 that I’m going to put on mine. They are proud of them, but the reviews are great. I think it should rock!

I would probably use a Sig Romeo 5 if I went red dot but will most likely mount a scope of some sort so I need a picatinny rail for flexibility. I also have a long neck so a somewhat high mount won't bother me.

That’s a good point. You might want a little magnification on longer shots and to add clarity if it’s in some brush

And a bit of light gathering ability in the evening.

It's been a long time since I had to shoot slugs for deer. I remember that cantilevered scope mounts were the way to go on pump/auto guns. Not cheap but you should be able to find a used one on the net.

https://www.mossberg.com/store/remi...t-mounted-scope-24-matte-blue-92356.html

I much prefer a receiver mounted scope or red dot. I had a cantilever style barrel for my 20 gauge Remington 870. The scope set up too high so I removed the cantilever arm and drilled and tapped it for a Remington 7400 base. This worked much better for me. I want this action drilled and tapped like the factory actions are so I can use a scope base that is both longer and designed for the 870.

I think it was Sapper Titan on here that had his worked over so be could mount a thermal for hogs and coyotes

The only thing I see wrong with tapping an older Remington 870, especially one in very nice shape, is that it ruins any collector value.

Granted there have been millions of them made. But I just hate seeing nice old guns get butchered up.

I should just buy a beat up Express and get it done.

Please. please, please, save the barrel for collector value. Look around and advertise for a Hastings Paradox barrel for it. Cantilever scope mount, 2 3/4" chamber and shoot the Hornady 300 gr SST in it like your best rifle. Proven killer!!!

That would be the route Id go before messing with a nice blued Wingmaster