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How all purpose is the 870?

2046 Views 13 Replies 1 Participant Last post by  ShotgunPro, 
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I was heading off to the gun show tomorrow and I have been thinking of picking up a Remington 870. I want to get something for home defense, skeet, and hunting for all matter of game.

Could this gun handle it all?

If so, what would be the ideal barrel length?

I know other threads have mentioned the 870, but what accessories could I use that would integrate all my needs?
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An 870 can be any one of those roles but not all. A shotgun is not always ideal for home defense even with an 18in barrel is can be hard to move around inside a house. but for home defense 18in barrel or shorter ghost sights if you wish. Pistol grip with stock. shell holder on the side.

For skeet a much longer barrel normal stock bead sight i guess. But really you need to figure out what you want.
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I think the primary purpose will be hunting and secondary purpose HD. I mention skeet because I occasionally get out with friends.
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The sell 870 models that come with an 18 in barrel and a longer barrel for skeet and hunting.
Pump Action Shotgun - Model 870 Express Super Mag Combo - Remington Shotguns
That might be your best bet. Just keep the stock standard. I have a tacticool 870 but i still believe simplicity is best with defense weapons. Especially in a home you dont want crap hanging off the gun.

But if this is mostly for sport while i love the 870 there are probably better models for it and you can always get a shorter barrel. Some of the other members might chime in here because i dont hunt.
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SRD said:
The sell 870 models that come with an 18 in barrel and a longer barrel for skeet and hunting.
Pump Action Shotgun - Model 870 Express Super Mag Combo - Remington Shotguns
That might be your best bet. Just keep the stock standard. I have a tacticool 870 but i still believe simplicity is best with defense weapons. Especially in a home you dont want crap hanging off the gun.

But if this is mostly for sport while i love the 870 there are probably better models for it and you can always get a shorter barrel. Some of the other members might chime in here because i dont hunt.
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Buckshot spreads way out through a rifled barrel.
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I use an 870 Express for Hunting and Clays , I have found that a 26" barrel works better on clays unless ther are way out there. my father has an old wingmaster and changed from a 30" to a 26" for this reason.

I have not paterned buck shot with it since i an very fond of my rifle but it paterns well with turkey shot and with a turkey choke.

Can't go wrong with an 870
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SRD said:
An 870 can be any one of those roles but not all. A shotgun is not always ideal for home defense even with an 18 in barrel is can be hard to move around inside a house. but for home defense 18in barrel or shorter ghost sights if you wish. Pistol grip with stock. shell holder on the side.

For skeet a much longer barrel normal stock bead sight i guess. But really you need to figure out what you want.
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This would be a great buy. Then just get you a smooth bore 18.5" barrell for home defense and you have your basic do it all 870. Then if your heart so desires you can modify the s**t out of it with the gazillion accessories that are available to tacticool the 870.

Pump Action Shotgun - Model 870 Express Super Mag Combo - Remington Shotguns
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Yeah get the combo deal.


I bought a Mossberg 500 a little over 10 years ago with the combo barrels. I've hunted turkeys, ducks, pheasants, rabbits, etc. Shot a lot of trap and skeet. Works great. When I get home I would slap the 18.5 on it and set it next to the dresser in the bedroom.
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The 870 or Mossberg 500 are two good all purpose guns just get a 18.5" and a 26-28" barrel with screw in chokes and you are good to go.
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I personally feel the 870 is a little less painstaking to breakdown when it comes time to clean. my moss500 is a pain :) just my two cents. Both are great guns though!
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It can fill all 3 roles, easily, simply by swapping out barrels.

Role 1--Home Defense.

Put an 18" barrel, a +2 magazine extension (will replace standard barrel nut) & mag spring, and if more onboard ammo is desired, a good stock-mounted, velcro/elastic shell holder. Perhaps mount a light on the mag extension, if desired. Put a tritium front bead on--for close-in work, you don't need rifle or ghost ring sights; a luminous bead is better (imho--ymmv). (FWIW--using Foster-type or rifled slugs, this set up will take down pretty much anything in North America within 100 or so yards, depending on your skill level/comfort, so could easily fill two roles...)

Role 2--Clay Birds & Meat Birds.

Put a 24-30" barrel on (depending on personal preference & type of hunting--clays, waterfowl, upland birds...personally, I've found that a 28" is a great all-around barrel). Put the original magazine spring/follower in (and the limiter, depending on your state laws), the original barrel nut, and you're ready to go. Will also work great on small game.

Role 3--Big critter slayer.

Get a 24" rifled barrel with a cantilevered scope mount. Get good sabots. Drop deer out to 200+ yards with aplomb.

There you go...how an 870 can fit all of your needs.

No need to change the furniture around; the standard stock set will work just fine in all three roles.
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I typically shoot 23 or 24 birds in a game of skeet with my Browning BPS 26" barrel. I took my Mossberg 590 with 20" barrel out a few weeks ago and shot 22/25 my first round. I wouldn't hesitate to use an 870 with a short barrel if you're just doing it for fun.
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dodgeramstein said:
I personally feel the 870 is a little less painstaking to breakdown when it comes time to clean. my moss500 is a pain :) just my two cents. Both are great guns though!
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True I think it's easier to really clean the crap out of the Mossberg though (given the magazine tube has been removed previously!) but the 870 is a snap to clean after a few shots, especially if you have small enough hands to twist around in there to let the slide and bolt out:D.
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i'd say its pretty good all-purpose and lots of parts available. i put on a 18" barrel, heat shield, fold-over stock, 6+1 tube.
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