Bought my first shotgun today (870)

[tonb]

Purchased an 870 security, 7+1 with the 20" barrel from Big 5 today.

I've fired shotguns before, I've just never owned one, actually any gun for that matter. While this is my first gun purchase my wife has two, a 9mm pistola and a .22 Ruger rifle.

The gun is/was on sale for $299, reg $369. It was a pretty good deal and basically exactly what I was looking for. Other than the 1911 .45 which will be my next gun, I wanted the shotgun first because of the versatility it offers. Out of the box it is a great home and camp security gun and with a plug I can still take it hunting.

I figure I might get a few strange looks in the field with that huge mag tube, but hey, I'm not out to impress my fellow hunters with looks.

Anyway, just thought I'd say hi. Seems like a good group here with a wealth of knowledge. I'm sure I'll have to call on it at some point here.

[Cato]

I just bought my first shot gun last Friday. I was going to get the $299 special but I wanted a shorter barrel and got the 18" model. Big 5 was good enough to give me the sale price of $309. Now I'm out to get accessories and ammo!

[tonb]

I thought about that 18" one too, but I dunno.. just ended up going with the 20" This is a loaded question, lol, but what difference does 2" really make? I originally wanted a pistol grip folding stock, but the more I think about it, the less comfortable it sounds, it's been a good 10yrs since I fired a pistol grip. But I do forsee a heatshield and sling in the near future.

[Cato]

I've fired my friends HK shotgun that has a pistol grip and I hated it. I thought my watch was going to stop after firing a few shells. I felt like I had just gone through 200 .40 SW rounds. I would rather have the recoil go into my shoulder than my wrist. I dont think the 2 inches makes much difference but I liked how the magazine tube is even with the barrel. Just my preference.

[WINGEDSWORD]

First Shotgun

You can never go wrong with an 870. Ive had several over the years my current one is an express model with a 28 inch Rem-choke barrel and a second very unusual barrel. It is a factory rarity. It is an 18 inch cylinder bore
with a ventilated rib! I've never seen another one like it. I've never seen the need for an extended magazine. If you expecting to face multiple assailants you're in the wrong place with the wrong weapon. It certainly isn't needed for home defense. And riot control is the job of the Police and military. Ive also never found a folding stock that is comfortable to shoot, much less a pistol grip only. With the standard stock and recoil pad, it's a very comfortable gun to shoot!

[Cardinal Sin]

Congrats. I have a 870 (Rem) and a 1300 (Winchester). Love them both. Buying some other brands real soon. Take care of your gun and it will last you a lifetime. Shotguns are always fun . . think i'll take one out and shoot later in the week.

[CalNRA]

get some snap caps and practice the motion of racking, raising, aiming, firing the shotgun and ejecting the spent rounds properly. The more you do it the better your form will be and less beat up you will be on the range with live rounds

[joel1316]

I just bought an 870 on Sunday. Since its not a "hunting" shotgun, is there still a plug in the tube to cap capacity?

[tonb]

I think I've shot down the pistol grip idea, it really felt pretty comfortable in its stock form. Really, other than a sling, heatshield and some sort of foregrip light for HD I don't see many other mods necc, ok well maybe a different choke if I do hunt anything with it.

joel1316: From what I gather, if you can't find a long enough plug you can make one with great ease out of an aluminum tube or wooden dowel. There's really not a whole lot to em.

I know this is a dumb question, but setting aside the obvious such as barrel length, I'm honestly still not getting the difference between the "hunting" 870 shot guns and the "security" ones. Since the projectile (other than slugs) is many small items, barrel length should not increase velocity or really accuracy for that matter since choke sets spread right? No?