After watching the 5 stand in action at CR it looks like a fun break from staring at dots on paper. But I need a sg for it. What I have is a Rem 870 tact 18" with a pistol grip. Prob not the best option but would it be viable to swap barrels to maybe a 28" or is the over-all gun to awkward & heavy? Or I'm open to a in-expensive dedicated sg just for that. Any suggestions on a starter sg that doesnt have a pricetag that will make me puke on my keyboard?

I actually went a couple of weeks ago to Thunder Mnt. to do a little trap shooting with a friend. I took my Rem. 870 Express Tac. I did good at the practice range but the barrel is way to short to do the trap. I would recommend something with a longer barrel or maybe getting a choke.

Honestly, try buying a used 26" or 28" barrel. and throw a nice cheap stock on it if you dont want to use a pistol grip. I did the opposite, i bought a wingmaster 26" and bought a used 20" barrel from a forum member.. It's too easy to change barrels to buy a dedicated SG.

Find a cheap single-shot break-action H&R. I believe there's one in the marketplace for $100. No need to get anything fancy.

I love my single shot and it breaks clays all day long, only problem is the kick like a mule and you're SOL if you're shooting something with doubles.

 

I think a barrel and choke for the 870 would be the ticket if you can find one for a reasonable price. Also, is it pistol grip only or pistol grip with a stock? if its pistol grip only it will be useless for clays...at least moving ones.

Rem 870 with a normal stock and a 28" barrel is fine provided you aren't doing simo pairs, then you'll be outta luck!

Rem 870 with a normal stock and a 28" barrel is fine provided you aren't doing simo pairs, then you'll be outta luck!

 

Even for report pairs, it would be better if the shotty was "broken-in" some and he has to remember to not "short-stroke" the thing in haste. Not as easy as an Over/Under or SxS, but can be done.

 

I'm hoping my son gets a Winchester or Remington Shotty soon so he can do Sporting Clays with the guys out in Iowa.

It has a regular stock. Is the pg gonna be a something that gets in the way or will it be ok? Another question- is a ribbed barrel necesary,thinking a 28" Not up to date on shottys, ribs, chokes etc. And not too worried about dbls yet to newb for that! BTW- am watching 2 deer 20" outside my window now. Had turkey w 6 chicks on my deck last week

use a 28 in barrel for 5 stand...have fun pumping and shooting...Nothing more fun than 5 stand or clays with a pump...

You are not going to like a pistol grip for this type of shooting. Pump is just fine, simo pairs will be tough, but sometimes very do-able. I have done them at Lehigh on most stations, but not all. Short-stroking is an issue, but it is also really good training for home defense.

Honestly, try buying a used 26" or 28" barrel. and throw a nice cheap stock on it if you dont want to use a pistol grip. I did the opposite, i bought a wingmaster 26" and bought a used 20" barrel from a forum member.. It's too easy to change barrels to buy a dedicated SG.

 

just so happens to be some barrels priced right for sale here so.... and if the p grip gets to be an issue i can lose it too but I can see it coming now- getting another sg just for clays and keep this A-tacs for other issues but like someone said it'll be good training in the meantime.

You can pump anything with enough practice

When Thunder Mountain had 5-stand, I used my M12 occasionally. It's doable.

 

An 870 was THE trap doubles shotgun for years beginning in the 50's. http://www.joeletchenguns.com/pump.htm

Tray the 870 and see how you do with it. Sounds like a fun experiment.

I shot trap and skeet with my 870 growing up. You'll want a longer barrel with changeable chokes. Buy an extended skeet choke for skeet, a trap choke for trap and then experiment which works best for the types of scenarios you have on the five stand.

For Trap, is a Full or Modified choke recommended?

How quickly can you acquire and hit the target? I suggest to use Full or Improved Modified as a starting point. Also, #8 tends to smoke them better than # 71/2. If you are late in hitting the birds then # 7 1/2 and a Full choke is your best bet.