saddle mount vs drill and tap

[wvlimbhanger]

I'm working on a couple Rem 870 20 gauges and trying to decide how I would want to mount a scope. 

Should I drill and tap the receiver to add a base or use a b-square saddle mount?

I've not been much of a fan on saddle mounts but wondering if there is enough metal in the receiver to firmly secure screws to.

Thanks

[VaTuRkStOmPeR]

Tap it.

[misfire]

I have one that is drilled and another with a saddle mount. Prefer the drilled and tapped, but the saddle mount has held up for many years

[Greg Massey]

All mine are saddle mount, that way you can still see your sights, i wouldn't trade saddle mount for tap. I have one that's tap and most time i don't ever carry that gun. These new saddle mounts hold up great. Saddle for me all the way...

[Dr Juice]

All mine are saddle mount, that way you can still see your sights, i wouldn't trade saddle mount for tap. I have one that's tap and most time i don't ever carry that gun. These new saddle mounts hold up great. Saddle for me all the way...

X2.

[stinkpickle]

I use a universal rib mount and cut it down to size.  It's solid, yet easy to remove and easy to install. 

http://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/rings-mounts-amp-bases/mount-sets/universal-cantilever-rib-mount-prod1770.aspx

[rblake]

Drill and tap. If you are shooting Mag loads, I would recommend have it drill/tap for 8-48 instead of the standard 6-48.
Are you in WV? I know an excellent gun smith who did all mine.

[VaTuRkStOmPeR]

Drill and tap. If you are shooting Mag loads, I would recommend have it drill/tap for 8-48 instead of the standard 6-48.
Are you in WV? I know an excellent gun smith who did all mine.

What he said.

Higher structural integrity to endure the brutality of high pressure and high KE turkey loads.  Additionally, I use lock-tite on my screws and I actually epoxy the base to my receiver.  No saddle mount will give you that level of precision and durability.

Additionally, from a cosmetic perspective, saddle mounts will scratch the hell out of your receiver.  My guns are tools but I do my best to take care of them and minimize unnecessary damage.

[Greg Massey]

Never had a saddle mount scratch my guns and ive had them on and off and ive never had a turkey loads make one come loss. And like I said ive killed birds with sights and the scopes and red dot. I also think a lot of my 5 turkey guns.

[Rapscallion Vermilion]

Those of you that like the saddle mounts, any preference, pros/cons between the b-square, aimtech, or sun optics mounts?  This would also be for an 870 20 gauge.

[owlhoot]

B-square on mine for 10 years , been of and on a few times , no scratches. Take it off easy and don't use a mallet to put it on  No problem with sight in moving around. Sits so bead can still be used if battery goes dead on dot scope.

[Greg Massey]

B square, I think is the only one that makes a mount for the youth 870, I think..Its a great mount and it comes with nice scope rings for around 50 dollars.. the old 20 gauge mount is to big for the new youth 870 - 20 gauge.

[Dr Juice]

B-square on mine for 10 years , been of and on a few times , no scratches. Take it off easy and don't use a mallet to put it on  No problem with sight in moving around. Sits so bead can still be used if battery goes dead on dot scope.

Same experience here. Well said.

[SKFOOTER]

I use a universal rib mount and cut it down to size.  It's solid, yet easy to remove and easy to install. 

http://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/rings-mounts-amp-bases/mount-sets/universal-cantilever-rib-mount-prod1770.aspx

I mounted one of these on my Franchi Affinity 20 gauge with a Mueller Quickshot and love it!