Ammo Questions for Remington 870 Express Combo

[millerts]

Picking up my first shotgun. Never shot one before (experienced in rifle and pistol shooting...inactive shooter for 13 years)

I will be meeting tomorrow for the transfer (FFL) soon. Along with the purchase is some leftover ammo.

Gun Description
18" barrel - assume 20 Guage
28" barrel (adjustable choke) - 12 gauge

Ammo Included
12g birdshot (8s and 7.5s, 1oz and 1.125 ozs)(2 3/4")

From what I make of this...the gun has primarily been used for skeet shooting.

My questions are...based on the above...are as follows:

1. After reviewing the online owner's manual...this gun will take a 3" shell. Are all three inch shells considered magnum?

2. What would be the recommended 12 Gauge shells for:

a. Small Bird (maybe 20 gauge shells?)
b. Turkey
c. Hog
d. Deer

3. What are the general effective ranges for this shotgun? Both the 12 & 20 Guage.

4. What kind of cleaning gear would you recommend? I have stuff I use for my rifle...can I use the same solvents?

5. What is a good source to purchase ammo for shotgun shells?

Appreciate your impute.

[lewdogg21]

Picking up my first shotgun. Never shot one before (experienced in rifle and pistol shooting...inactive shooter for 13 years)

I will be meeting tomorrow for the transfer (FFL) soon. Along with the purchase is some leftover ammo.

Gun Description
18" barrel - assume 20 Guage

Probably not 20 ga. Most likely a Home Defense style barrel for the same 12 ga. 12 ga and 20 ga receivers are different size and not interchangeable. Hence why 20 ga ammo is yellow and 12 ga is red so as to avoid confusion.

1. After reviewing the online owner's manual...this gun will take a 3" shell. Are all three inch shells considered magnum?

Used to be back when 2-3/4" was more the norm. Not sure anymore.

2. What would be the recommended 12 Gauge shells for:

a. Small Bird (maybe 20 gauge shells?)

If you have a 20 ga gun sure. For small birds, ie: quail and dove 7's or 8's.

b. Turkey

Copper coated turkey loads. 4's, 5's or maybe 6's. You will want to pattern your gun with a few different loads to see which works best. There can be a huge difference in accuracy.

c. Hog

slugs

d. Deer

slugs

3. What are the general effective ranges for this shotgun? Both the 12 & 20 Guage.

0-50 yards

4. What kind of cleaning gear would you recommend? I have stuff I use for my rifle...can I use the same solvents?

Yes, Just get a 12 ga or 20 ga brush

5. What is a good source to purchase ammo for shotgun shells?

Wallyword, Sportsmens Warehouse, Cabelas, Gander Mountain