Freedom Trading Co. x Vang Comp Systems M81 Project

There are a lot of custom shotguns out there, but this project wasn't about adding parts just for the sake of adding parts. The goal was pretty simple: start with one of the best pump shotguns ever made and build the version we would actually want to own and shoot.

The foundation for the project is a factory-new Remington 870 Police Magnum. Not a sporting model and not a refurbished trade-in gun. The Police Magnum has earned its reputation over decades of law enforcement use, and it remains one of the best starting points for a serious defensive shotgun.

From there, the shotgun was sent to Vang Comp Systems.

If you've spent any time around defensive shotguns, you've probably heard the Vang Comp name before. Their work has influenced the way modern fighting shotguns are built, and many of the modifications that have become standard today can be traced back to what they've been doing for years.

For this project, the barrel was cut down to 13 inches and received the full VCS Barrel Modification along with porting. The shorter barrel makes the gun incredibly compact and easy to maneuver, while the Vang Comp work helps keep the gun controllable and predictable when shooting buckshot or slugs.

One of the things we appreciate about Vang Comp is that their modifications aren't flashy. Most of the work is focused on making the shotgun shoot better, handle better, and feel better without changing what makes an 870 great in the first place.

The receiver also received a full edge break and deburr treatment. It's one of those details that doesn't jump out immediately, but you notice it the second you start handling the gun. Sharp edges disappear, manipulations feel smoother, and the shotgun simply feels more refined.

The shotgun was also modified to work with side saddles, giving owners flexibility if they choose to add onboard ammunition storage later.

While most people picture black synthetic furniture when they think of an 870 Police Magnum, we decided to go in a different direction.

The shotgun wears a Vang Comp walnut stock set with Fleur-De-Lis checkering. It's not something you typically see on a defensive shotgun, which is exactly why we liked it. The walnut adds character without making the gun feel like a safe queen.

The stock was shortened to a 12.75-inch length of pull, which makes a noticeable difference when mounting the shotgun quickly or running it from unconventional positions. The recoil pad was also trimmed down to reduce snagging on clothing and gear.

The forend received matching modifications as well, creating a package that feels purpose-built rather than pieced together.

For optics, we chose the Aimpoint ACRO C-2 with the orange housing, mounted using the VCS ACRO Mount. The ACRO has become one of our favorite enclosed-emitter optics, and it feels right at home on a shotgun like this. Durable, simple, and easy to pick up when the gun comes to the shoulder.

To finish the project, the shotgun was sent to Weichel Coatings for a premium Woodland M81 Cerakote application.

M81 is one of those patterns that never really goes out of style. Pairing it with the walnut furniture wasn't the obvious choice, but once everything came together, it felt like the shotgun was always supposed to look this way. The combination gives the gun a unique appearance without looking overdone.

What we ended up with is a shotgun that blends a lot of different ideas together. A classic Remington 870 Police Magnum. Modern Vang Comp performance upgrades. Traditional walnut furniture. A modern enclosed-emitter optic. And a Woodland M81 finish that ties everything together.

It's not a clone of anything. It's not trying to replicate a military gun or a police shotgun from a specific era.

It's simply the version of an 870 Police that we wanted to build.

Build Specifications

• Remington 870 Police Magnum

• Weichel Premium Woodland M81 Cerakote

• 13" Barrel

• VCS Barrel Modification with Porting

• Defender HighBall Bead Sight

• Full Edge Break and Deburr

• VCS ACRO Mount

• Aimpoint ACRO C-2 (Orange)

• VCS Oversized Safety

• VCS Follower

• VCS +0 Magazine Configuration

• Wolff 24" Magazine Spring

• Modified Receiver for Side Saddle Compatibility

• VCS Walnut Fleur-De-Lis Stock Set

• Trimmed Walnut Forend

• 12.75" Length of Pull

• Reduced-Snag Recoil Pad

Available Here Now