Looking To Build An 870, But I Am A Shotgun Noob.

[302w 83]

I am looking to build an all around shotgun, but I think I am attempting to kill too many birds with one stone. I LOVE the look of short barrel shotguns, similar to this:

 

 

Thing is... I don't know much about shotguns. I want to use this for killing clay birds, and home defense. I haven't been skeet shooting in years, but I know that most people prefer 26-30'' barrels, and I am looking for a 20'' or so. I imagine that a 20'' with a full choke might be okay for skeet, but nothing great.

 

I also don't know much about 870's in general. Express or whatnot. I want a 12 gauge, but I dont know what.

 

Educate me please, and excuse my noobishness.

[hd2000fxdl 422]

For the price of 870's get 2 and set up each for what you want to do with them.

[SpecialK 193]

For the price of 870's get 2 and set up each for what you want to do with them.

 

This.

[RecessedFilter 222]

I am not fully knowledgeable about 870's but that looks to be a factory 870 in the picture you posted with wood furniture. So buy that model if that's what you want. Then you could simply buy a 28-30'' VR barrel with removable chokes and have one multi-use shotgun for different applications. That's what I have, and that's what most people do.

 

Or you could go the expensive route of buying two 870's and have one for HD and one for clays.

[hd2000fxdl 422]

I am not fully knowledgeable about 870's but that looks to be a factory 870 in the picture you posted with wood furniture. So buy that model if that's what you want. Then you could simply buy a 28-30'' VR barrel with removable chokes and have one multi-use shotgun for different applications. That's what I have, and that's what most people do.

 

Or you could go the expensive route of buying two 870's and have one for HD and one for clays.

 

I am prepared for the 3 bears, got's a 410, 20 and 12 ga all at the ready, so I can say, and this one's is just right.

[Ray Ray 3,566]

For the price of 870's get 2 and set up each for what you want to do with them.

 

This please

[lunker 274]

Get one nice shotgun (i.e. Remington 870 Wingmaster) and own multiple barrels. One 30" for clays. One 18.5" for bad guys in your house. One 26" for bird hunting. One rifled slug barrel for deer.

[302w 83]

Well... I appreciate the imput, but I really want one shotgun. Preferably, with one barrel so I could get used to it and the way it shoots. Really though, I dont want one gun to be mediocre with two things, and if I had to have two barrels than so be it. How would a 20" barrel with full choke do for clays?

[Jon 264]

Well... I appreciate the imput, but I really want one shotgun. Preferably, with one barrel so I could get used to it and the way it shoots. Really though, I dont want one gun to be mediocre with two things, and if I had to have two barrels than so be it. How would a 20" barrel with full choke do for clays?

 

Very difficult. I find a modified choke to be best when shooting clays. You can also get a barrel with a remchoke system and swap out chokes based on what you're doing.

[hd2000fxdl 422]

Well... I appreciate the imput, but I really want one shotgun.

 

It close to building a hot rod, you have a choice, Dependability, Power, Price: Pick 2!

 

It's really hard to get all that on 1 shotty, not one that will be optimum for all you want at the same time that is.

[M4BGRINGO 139]

I have a 870 that my wife uses, two barrels. One is a Skeet barrel, the other a Mod barrel. One gets used for Sporting Clays, the other for Trap. It works fine for her.

 

I'd buy two of them if I were you, doesn't cost that much more than buying a new spare barrel. I would also buy used, these things last forever and there isn't much to go wrong with them.

 

I bought one as a spare from a forum member on here so my gunless buddies could go shooting with me.

 

I know there are one or two for sale on our bulletin board at OBRPC too.

[302w 83]

OBRPC?

 

It looks like I want an Express Magnum. I want one with the most capabilities, if that makes any sense.

 

Really, I guess it comes down to finding what barrel works best for me. I will probably wind up buying one with some gargantuan barrel on it, then sitting back and looking at it.

 

BTW, j0n, I figured that a short barrel with full choke might be equivalent somewhat to a longer barrel with a modified

[henrym 19]

as much as I dont wan to encourage anyone to buy a shotgun with a muzzle break, the 870 express tactical has a shorter barrel that accepts the remchoke system. It might work for informal clay busting if you can find the sweet spot with the right amount of choke.

[RecessedFilter 222]

Lol is that the Remington pump with the stupid door-breaching brake on it? Oh god...I dunno if he wants to join SWAT anytime soon! But you do have a point with that and the interchangeable chokes if I am on the right track?

[hd2000fxdl 422]

OBRPC?

 

 

Old Bridge Rifle and Pistol Club or OBRPC

 

Or click the link in my signature, just updated them all to take you right to the websites.

[vjf915 456]

Preferably, with one barrel so I could get used to it and the way it shoots.

The shotgun itself will essentially feel the same with different barrels, but the spread will be different. That's the purpose of having multiple barrels. If you have 2-3 different barrels, it will be easier to cover the different roles you would like this shotgun to fill. You can do what you want, it's your money and it will be your shotgun.....but everyone here is well experienced and giving you great options.

[henrym 19]

Lol is that the Remington pump with the stupid door-breaching brake on it? Oh god...I dunno if he wants to join SWAT anytime soon! But you do have a point with that and the interchangeable chokes if I am on the right track?

 

that is in fact the one. everyone needs to be able to call of duty told me so

[302w 83]

Well... I figured out what shotgun I want, per se. An 870 Express Magnum with a 20'' Remchoke barrel and wood furniture. Unfortunately, there are no 20" remchoke barrels.

 

I also hate the vent-rib look. I dont know what sights I want, ghost rings or a front bead.

 

I could also buy a 26" barrel later, which makes me happy.

[this_is_nascar 162]

Lol is that the Remington pump with the stupid door-breaching brake on it? Oh god...I dunno if he wants to join SWAT anytime soon! But you do have a point with that and the interchangeable chokes if I am on the right track?

 

 

Probably talking about this one. It's actually a nice gun for HD/SD. I wouldn't want to hunt or shoot clays with it, but for opening up a hole in the badguy's torso, it does the job well.

 

 

[Krdshrk 3,878]

Honestly - do you REALLY think you'll need an express magnum? You're going to be shooting 3.5" shells?

 

There's a guy on Gunbroker who sells remington barrels - There's a 20" with rem choke and rifle sights:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=264790510

[Jon 264]

Nick the express mag has a 3" chamber. The express supermag is the one with the 3.5" chamber.

[Luke_WO 11]

FWIW, some places won't let you bust clays with a short barrel gun. For example, Lehigh Valley's website says that any gun used there must be minimum 24" long. Not sure how strictly that's enforced, or how often you find rules like that. Just something to keep in mind.

 

Go with the multiple barrels. It will be the same gun (same trigger, stock, receiver, action, etc.), you can just do different things with it thanks to the differing barrels.

[M4BGRINGO 139]

Get the 3.5" chamber! I need one to try-out.

 

Just wanna see what these magnum shells will feel ike.....................

[Jon 264]

Get the 3.5" chamber! I need one to try-out.

 

Just wanna see what these magnum shells will feel ike.....................

 

Any plans for tomorrow?

[M4BGRINGO 139]

Yes Jon, the wife and I are going to Lehigh for some Sporting Clays! Taking her 870 and my Browning for a fun ride.

 

Don't worry, one day I'll try those 3 1/2" shells out.

[Socom 19]

I am looking to build an all around shotgun, but I think I am attempting to kill too many birds with one stone. I LOVE the look of short barrel shotguns, similar to this:

 

 

Thing is... I don't know much about shotguns. I want to use this for killing clay birds, and home defense. I haven't been skeet shooting in years, but I know that most people prefer 26-30'' barrels, and I am looking for a 20'' or so. I imagine that a 20'' with a full choke might be okay for skeet, but nothing great.

 

I also don't know much about 870's in general. Express or whatnot. I want a 12 gauge, but I dont know what.

 

Educate me please, and excuse my noobishness.

 

That is one damn sexy shotgun!

[Ray Ray 3,566]

Do NOT get the 3 1/2 inch chamber, makes the action too long and you'll end up short-stroking it. Get a plain-jane 870 at the gunshop and put on the pieces you deem necessary..

[302w 83]

Its looking like I want an 870 tactical, but then dumping the muzzle break and tupperware for some wood furniture. Although I want the 3" chamber, so I am probably going to just buy an Express Magnum with nice furniture and spending more moolah than what I want to spend on a fancy barrel later.

 

Edit:

I want an 870 Magnum, 20" remchoke barrel, with the exact furniture in the picture. Is it so much to ask?