Rem 870 & Options... Noob need Help!

[.40Cal]

Hey guys,

I've narrowed it down to 870 (after considering the Moss 590 A1). However, I'd like to know the options available for a small barrel such as 18" - 20" for HD. The basic 870 comes with 18.5" barrel, with cylinder bore, I think. I am kind of interested in playing with different chokes...

1st question - where can I find detailed & illustrated info that explains how chokes work and which kind of choke would accomplish what? I have a fairly good idea as to how they work, but I'm no expert.

2nd question - can a 18" - 20" barrel come with choke options from factory? Any such barrels/combos for Remington 870?

Most people say cylinder bore is fine for HD purpose, since you would shoot 00 buck, or something similar. However, I think playing with chokes gives more choices in distance & patern, etc. And also would be a good choice if hunting.

(After I learn this well, then I'll talk about Slugs and rifled barrels - another topic though)

Thanks...

P.S: Can someone also direct me where I can find a cheap "good" price on a Remmy 870? Thanks again!

[Black Majik]

I'm not sure about the express 870, but for my Wingmasters, I have 18", 20" and 28" barrels with either fixed or screw-in chokes. Usually newer manufacture barrels have screw in chokes, whether that applies to the Express models I'm unsure.

There are a few great forums that dedicate better to shotguns. First would be www.shotgunworld.com

Next, check www.thehighroad.org in the shotgun forum, Dave Mccracken covers the 870 pretty well with different uses of each choke.

[JonS]

The tactical comes with threads for rem choke. I have one, put in a superfull turkey choke and throws most of it's pellets in a 8 inch circle at 25yards haven't got to pattern it beyond that. I'm curious to know if it's good for hunting too.

[aippi]

Threaded barrels with choke tubes work fine for shot, however, buck shot and slugs may very well limit the life of the barrel.

If you are going to dedicate a shotgun for HD then a fixed choke is best.

As for Remington barrels, the is an 18.5 with bead sight in matte fiinsh with Rem Choke and the same barrel with the crap PC coat. there are no 18.5 rifle sighted barrels with Rem Choke.

The 20" rem choke barrel has Rifle sights and a matte finish and cost way to much and that extra 1.5 inche has no benifit and simply adds weight and length to the weapon.

[shooterdude]

Threaded barrels with choke tubes work fine for shot, however, buck shot and slugs may very well limit the life of the barrel.

If you are going to dedicate a shotgun for HD then a fixed choke is best.

As for Remington barrels, the is an 18.5 with bead sight in matte fiinsh with Rem Choke and the same barrel with the crap PC coat. there are no 18.5 rifle sighted barrels with Rem Choke.

The 20" rem choke barrel has Rifle sights and a matte finish and cost way to much and that extra 1.5 inche has no benifit and simply adds weight and length to the weapon.

Have you ever heard of a barrel wearing out from buckshot or slugs? While many manufacturers do warn that you need specified chokes for steel shot that's about it. Shotguns don't make high pressure like rifles and the smooth barrels with lead projectiles just aren't going to wear out in your lifetime unless its abused which is not wear.

Typical HD barrels are cylinder bore and designed for close up so they spread your shot as quick as possible.

[.40Cal]

Typical HD barrels are cylinder bore and designed for close up so they spread your shot as quick as possible.

That makes sense.

But I live in an Apartment. If you know how apartments are, then you'll know that I don't have hallways, staircases, and long or big rooms. I have only 2 bedroooms, and a living room. Everything is a little compact. Besides we are connected wall to wall. So I am a little concerned about the 'spread'. I don't want the unintentional pellets going through walls to the other side. I would prefer a narrow (tight) patern. This, of course, only matter in a HD situation - which is probably never going to happen. ...but speaking of HD, isn't that what we all prepare ourselves for...

Thanks... plz keep it coming...

[shooterdude]

That makes sense.

But I live in an Apartment. If you know how apartments are, then you'll know that I don't have hallways, staircases, and long or big rooms. I have only 2 bedroooms, and a living room. Everything is a little compact. Besides we are connected wall to wall. So I am a little concerned about the 'spread'. I don't want the unintentional pellets going through walls to the other side. I would prefer a narrow (tight) patern. This, of course, only matter in a HD situation - which is probably never going to happen. ...but speaking of HD, isn't that what we all prepare ourselves for...

Thanks... plz keep it coming...

Guess what? Tight or wide spread the shotgun blast with 00 buck is going through the walls of several of your neighbors.

Check this out: The Box O' Truth

[prc77]

That makes sense.

But I live in an Apartment. If you know how apartments are, then you'll know that I don't have hallways, staircases, and long or big rooms. I have only 2 bedroooms, and a living room. Everything is a little compact. Besides we are connected wall to wall. So I am a little concerned about the 'spread'. I don't want the unintentional pellets going through walls to the other side. I would prefer a narrow (tight) patern. This, of course, only matter in a HD situation - which is probably never going to happen. ...but speaking of HD, isn't that what we all prepare ourselves for...

Thanks... plz keep it coming...

That's why you aim a shotgun. You want all 9 of those pellets in the bad guy.
I don't want a spread, I want the shot to stay as tight as possible, for as long as possible.
IMO these are the best HD 12ga round out there

http://www.tds-us.com/viewitem.php/tds/pd1795732/FEDERAL_TACTICAL_00_9_BALL_BUCKSHOT_LE132-00_-_5_ROUND_BOX

[.40Cal]

Different Models...

http://www.tds-us.com/viewitem.php/t..._-_5_ROUND_BOX

Looks good.

Anyone knows where I can find the comparision/difference in different 870 models. It seems everyone says they're all the same, yet they have - 870 Express, Magnum, Super Magnum, Tactical, Special Purpose, Police, and regular 870 Models. And where can I find the 18", 6+1 for $299. I have read that's what they're selling for, but the info was incomplete, since the source wasn't mentioned.
Where can I find the info on these...

Would it be ok to have a 18" barrel with choke?

Thanks

[twotap]

18" barrel -no choke needed
H/D #8 shot -no buck or slug.You do not want your shot to leave your apartment do you?? buck or slug will guarenteed.
Get some training.Worth every dollar and every minute.
Chokes are used for sport to change the pattern at 30+ yards (simplified).
go to remmington's website.It's that easy...

[prc77]

18" barrel -no choke needed
H/D #8 shot -no buck or slug.You do not want your shot to leave your apartment do you?? buck or slug will guarenteed.
Get some training.Worth every dollar and every minute.
Chokes are used for sport to change the pattern at 30+ yards (simplified).
go to remmington's website.It's that easy...

Good read

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=109958

[twotap]

I agree good read but that is ballistic jell and only a part of it.Any buck or slug will leave the room and/or your apartment or house according to the training I have recieved and experienced.At that point it is no longer an asset but a liability.Set up two pieces of sheet rock 4" apart like a wall and set another 10 feet away and see what happens with slug,buck,and bird shot when you are say 8 feet away.Only the bird (#8)shot does not go thru the wall. Then think IF a loved one was in the next room?? OR neighbor sharing a wall. Getting hit with the wad at in the house distances would probably be enough to put the hurt on and that comes after the lead. JMO but heh ask my wife I'm useally wrong.

[Josh Jackson]

Having seen more than one person that has been shot at close range with bird shot (#6-8 size range) at distances of less than 20 feet, with far less than lethal results, I would personally not trust the lives of my loved ones to #8 shot. Yes, buckshot will penetrate through several walls if you miss. I would however venture to guess that the longest shot you have in your apartment is less than 10 yards which out of an 18 inch barrel would give you an average shot spread of approx. 10 inches.

+1 on getting training. With training and practice using the buckshot inside your apartment should not be an issue because you should be able to make your hits.

[weezil_boi]

+1 on getting training. With training and practice using the buckshot inside your apartment should not be an issue because you should be able to make your hits.

Im sorry, not being a smart arse here... but I believe this is NOT good advice. 00 or slugs in an apartment is just insane. Id say #4 will work just fine. If you are not sure... by all means, head to the hills with some drywall and 2x4s. I have. And I know exactly how various shotgun ammo will behave in a home or apartment. If you are 100% sure that none of your 9 pellets will miss... its still a bad idea

Thats just my 1.5 cents, maybe Im wrong. But I have actually simulated walls at "home and apartment" distances and the results are sobering.

I have #4 followed by 00 followed by slugs. 9 all together.

[5150bronco]

I agree good read but that is ballistic jell and only a part of it.Any buck or slug will leave the room and/or your apartment or house according to the training I have recieved and experienced.At that point it is no longer an asset but a liability.Set up two pieces of sheet rock 4" apart like a wall and set another 10 feet away and see what happens with slug,buck,and bird shot when you are say 8 feet away.Only the bird (#8)shot does not go thru the wall. Then think IF a loved one was in the next room?? OR neighbor sharing a wall. Getting hit with the wad at in the house distances would probably be enough to put the hurt on and that comes after the lead. JMO but heh ask my wife I'm useally wrong.

where is a good place to get training you have had? good points guys. thanks.