When zombies rise, most of your customers will rely on a trusty pump-action shotgun for home-defense duty. Unfortunately, the number of shotshells they carry is limited to the few shotshells that fit in a single tube magazine, and everyone knows undead travel in packs. 

Clever new shotgun designs address the capacity limit with multiple tubes, which allows owners to rotate fresh loads into position if the gun runs dry. The cutting-edge approach isn’t an ideal fit for everyone’s budget, though, especially when their significant other insists “The Walking Dead” isn’t a documentary. 

Your customers are likely among the millions who already own at least one of the standard-capacity, combat-proven designs, anyway. There are also thousands more hanging on FFL shelves, waiting for ATF adoption paperwork to clear.

Magazine extensions are a popular method of minimizing empty gun concerns. If that tube runs longer than the barrel, however, it compromises the nimble handling required to survive up-close-and-personal attacks. 

Saddle-mount carriers that hold spare loads on the firearm are another solid upgrade. They are relatively inexpensive, and a quick mention at the counter often results in an impulse purchase. Seal the deal by discussing options and offering installation. It’s the kind of value-added service that turns occasional customers into loyal patrons.

Mounting one — even a quality unit with solid anchoring — isn’t difficult. It takes only a few minutes and some knowledge. Here’s a quick look at how it’s done on the highest-selling pump-action shotgun in history, the Remington 870. 

Safety comes first, as always. Don safety glasses, then, keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction, engage the safety if not already activated. In the 870, it’s a simple crossbolt at the front of the trigger guard. 

Depress the action lock lever at the front left of the trigger guard. Then, while keeping fingers off the trigger, cycle the pump several times. Repeat that action several more times after shotshells no longer eject. Afterward, ensure the follower is visible, indicating no ammo remains in the tube.

Expose the chamber by sliding the pump action to its rearward position. Inspect the chamber carefully to make sure no shotshell remains. Use a flashlight if necessary.

Close the chamber once you’re satisfied the gun is safe. That position relieves some pressure on the trigger group, which slightly eases installation effort. 

Open the selected saddle carrier, inventory parts and consult the manufacturer’s directions. Thread the provided screws that mate to one another to ensure no time-consuming binds are encountered later in the installation.

Inspect the flat side of the aftermarket carrier that mounts adjacent to the receiver. Make sure there are no burrs or blemishes that can mar the firearm’s finish. Remove any dust, grit or grease. 

Once clean, find the carrier’s rubber gasket and index it with the unit’s back. Make sure all required holes align. Then remove the adhesive covering and affix, rubbing with finger pressure to create a solid bond.  

Place the shotgun on a soft work mat. The side of the receiver that will not wear the carrier should be on top and visible. Now, push the two pins that hold the trigger group out. In some cases, finger pressure is sufficient, but don’t be surprised if it takes a few gentle taps with a punch to start things.  

Carefully rotate the front end of the trigger group out and inspect the hollow tube that holds the front pin in place (holding the elevator). There’s a small clip on it that, unless removed, impedes insertion of the new shotshell carrier screw. Gently remove the clip using needle-nose pliers. 

Replace the trigger group carefully, aligning it for screw installation. Maintain control of the elevator tube during this process, however. With sufficient shift, its spring could leap free to parts unknown.

Index the shotshell carrier on the customer-preferred side, with holes aligned. Thread the screws on and hand tighten on both sides to hold it. Don’t forget required washers.

Tighten to specifications. Avoid the temptation to over torque — doing so risks stripping or breaking the new screws. In some cases, it can even bind an otherwise smooth-cycling shotgun. If in doubt, follow the installation manual’s instructions.

The final step is to check for fit and function. Determine if the mount is flush and solid. Then, using the the action lock lever, ensure the shotgun cycles smoothly and elevator functions properly.

Now you’re ready to hand the shotgun back to the owner. Don’t forget to mention a firing-line session is in order, along with the fact you happen to have plenty of target loads in stock.  

   

Photos by Sagi

One—Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction and engage the safety if it is not already activated.

Two—Depress the action lock lever, at the left front of the trigger guard, and slide and pump back and forth until completely sure the tubular magazine is empty.

Three—Open the chamber by moving slide the pump to its rearmost position and inspect the chamber. Ensure no shotshell remains. Use a flashlight if necessary. 

Four—Open aftermarket saddle carrier. Inventory parts and consult manufacturer’s directions.

Five—Inspect the carrier side that will be adjacent to the shotgun’s receiver. Look for burrs or debris that could scratch the gun’s finish, and clean if needed.

Six—Affix rubber backer to the carrier, carefully aligning holes.

Seven—Push slide forward, closing the chamber, which slightly relieves pressure on the trigger group. Then, from the side that will not wear the saddle carrier, drive the pair of pins out that hold the trigger assembly in the receiver. 

Eight—The forwardmost tube on the trigger group has a small clip that needs to be removed. It’s easy to do with needle-nose pliers, and if you leave it, the new screw may not slide through freely. Here is what it looks like removed and the original tube going back in the elevator assembly afterward. 

Nine—Affix screws and washers and tighten to manufacturer instructions. Avoid applying too much torque, which could bind the pump action’s otherwise smooth operation. 

Ten—Finally, check fit, inspect finish and function test. You’re ready to send another happy customer out the door, but remind them a firing-line session is in order, along with plenty of reloading practice.