{"id":63404,"date":"2016-09-13T17:12:38","date_gmt":"2016-09-13T21:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=63404"},"modified":"2016-09-13T17:12:38","modified_gmt":"2023-08-20T05:38:22","slug":"nfa-not-nfa-nighthawk-custom-870-sbs-12-ga-full-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/nfa-not-nfa-nighthawk-custom-870-sbs-12-ga-full-review\/","title":{"rendered":"To NFA or not NFA? Nighthawk Custom 870 SBS 12 Ga.\u2014Full Review"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Based<\/a>

Based on the venerable Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun, Nighthawk Custom offers a full line of enhanced tactical shotguns. Shown is a custom-built, short-barreled-shotgun NFA variant direct from the manufacturer.<\/p><\/div>\n

For more information, visit https:\/\/www.nighthawkcustom.com\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To purchase a Nighthawk Custom 870 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/Search.aspx?T=Nighthawk%20870<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To purchase a Remington 870 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/Search.aspx?T=Remington%20870<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So which is right for you? An NFA short-barreled shotgun (SBS), or a traditional 18-inch or longer-barreled tactical shotgun? Well, I like both and have several examples of each. I started my career in law enforcement in 1978, and \u201criot guns\u201d in those days tended to be a Winchester Model 12, an Ithaca Model 37 or the venerable Remington 870<\/a>. All three were 12-ga. pump guns and normally had 18-inch cylinder bore barrels. They had wood stocks and fore ends, bead sights, and were either blued or parkerized. While not pretty, they were what we had and they served us well for many years. Over the years, I became very attached to the 870 and added several to my collection. They served as a camp gun, car gun, and in the role of home defense. It is safe to say that I have rarely been very far from one 870 or the other!<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The heart of the 870 design is the robust ordnance-grade steel receiver.<\/p><\/div>\n

Introduced in 1949, the 870 competed directly with the Winchester Model 12. The 870 proved to be reliable, rugged and earned the respect of sportsmen and law enforcement alike. Now, sixty-seven years later, the 870 is still in production and is the choice of hunters, law enforcement and security professionals worldwide.<\/p>\n

The key to the 870\u2019s durability and long life is the nearly indestructible receiver that is machined from an 8-lb. block of ordnance grade steel. The steel lined forend operates the action through two, non-binding action bars that provide strength, reliability and a smooth, consistent action. The fire control system features a disconnector that requires a deliberate trigger pull for each shot. In other words, the 870 will not slam fire when the action is run with the trigger in the rearward position. The trigger assembly features a crossbolt safety and is easily removed for maintenance by simply punching two retaining pins.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The shotgun is equipped with a four-round “sidesaddle” for carrying spare ammo within quick reach.<\/p><\/div>\n

Over the years, Remington has worked to update the 870, but the basic design and engineering has changed very little. Magazine extensions have increased the capacity from four rounds to six rounds in the tube the 18-inch model and seven rounds in thev tube of the 20-inch model. Wood stocks and fore ends have been replaced with more durable injection molded polymers and, on some models the simple bead sight was replaced by rifle type sights.\u00a0 The \u201cFlex Tab\u201d carrier was introduced to prevent a shell from becoming lodged between the shell lifter and the bolt when the action was short stroked. Other than that, it remains true to the original.<\/p>\n

The Next Level<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While the standard patrol officer and armed citizen are most often armed with an 18-inch model, some law enforcement and special users have a requirement for a more compact shotgun. Perhaps the most famous special purpose 870s were produced for the United States Marshal\u2019s Office. Coined the \u201cWitness Protection 870,\u201d some of these guns featured a modified pistol grip and a 14-inch barrel. The United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with most other federal agencies, have ordered large quantities of fully stocked 870s with 14-inch barrels and with bead or rifle sights. Along the way, and for the same reasons, the short barrel 870s became the darling of the commercial NFA market.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The sample shotgun was equipped with a Duracoat-finished Magpul SGA stock.<\/p><\/div>\n

SPECS<\/strong><\/h2>\n