quick question

[chiefcrash]

I'm lookin' at getting a 870 with an 18" barrel for my first shotgun...

you think the 18 inch barrel would be usable for trap shooting? or should i get another longer barrel for when i take it to the trap?

[chickenfried]

One possible problem with the 18", some trap ranges have minimum barrel length requirements. The trap range closest to me has a 20" min barrel length requirement.

[chiefcrash]

well, barring any strange range rules, would the shot pattern produced by an 18" barrel make busting clays nearly impossible?

[blkA4alb]

Not at all, I got the mossberg with two barrels, the 18" and 28". There is obviously more recoil with the shorter lighter barrel however. But I have shot trap with the 18" barrel . Its quite amusing (and feasable.)

[Fjold]

It depends on how the barrel is choked. The problem is that most 18" barrels have no choke in them. Trap is usually shot with Full, Trap1 or Trap2 chokes (tighter than full).

[edbon9]

from the 16yd line an IM choke will bust 'em.. that's what I use up to the 24yd line if you are starting out then choke the gun a little lighter, some guys I know use Light Modify (.15 restriction) on their guns.

[blkA4alb]

My 18" barrel is open bore . And yes I've shot trap with it effectively.

[edbon9]

well thanks for the compliment ted an IC will work but it won't make you state champ as they say.