Short Barrel Issue

[Voxtrion]

Hi all,

I am in a bit of a dilemma. I have a Remington 870 Express 18" but most of the ranges in my area require a minimum 24" barrel length to shoot trap and skeet, (and Sunnyvale has a 26" minimum.)

I would like to shoot trap and skeet so I have two options.

Buy a longer barrel for around $200.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/10-0408552

Or

Sell my shotgun. I doubt I will get any more than $300 for it.
And buy a new one probably for around $500.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express.aspx

I don't think I would use this for HD as my current one is locked away in the closet. I have a XD9 for home defense.

Please let me know what you think.

[devster55]

I would buy a new barrel cause you already have this gun. So you will have a gun with a long and short barrel. Instead of a new gun with only a long barrel.

[ChuckDizzle]

Buy the new barrel, shooting skeet and trap is a lot more fun with the barrel length they require, plus you got a good gun for dove season.

[SandHill]

Close call, but on your criteria I'm gonna vote buy a barrel. Shop carefully on EBay and Gunbroker and I bet you can get one significantly under $200.

Alternatively, you could buy an 870 field and security combo, don't shoot the gun, keep the long barrel and sell the gun with the short barrel in the marketplace section. I bet you end up with a new barrel for under $200 that way.

In the meantime, Metcalf in San Jose allows 18 inch barrels for skeet and trap. For the shorter skeet shots, you might surprise yourself at how well you do. Trap will probably be an exercise in frustration.

If you really need a fix while waiting on the right barrel, go to Coyote Valley Sporting Clays. They will rent you a Browning Citori for $0.10 a shot, 50 shot / $5.00 minimum and you can dream about the day your options vest.

[Thefeeder]

><

Check ebay for a deal on a barrel

Reguardless of where you buy, make sure the barrel takes interchangable Rem chokes

Shoot at Metcalf Shooting Range, they allow 18" barrels for Skeet and Trap

take advantage of the Norcal Skeet Clinic held at Metcalf to learn the basics

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=405000

[ceh383]

I'd get the barrel...
Here's a new 28" barrel for $159.99

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/430162/carlsons-barrel-remington-870-express-12-gauge-3-28-vent-rib-rem-choke-red-fiber-optic-sight?cm_vc=ProductFinding

[Brandon04GT]

Put it up for trade....I'm sure lots of long barrel 870 owners would love to swap for an 18" for HD duties.

[anti]

If you do decide to sell your gun and buy another one, you could always pick up a used autoloader for less than $500. A pump works but for clays but if you shoot enough you'll appreciate the semi. I got my '90s-made 26" Remington 11-87 Special Purpose for $400 here on CGN. I literally just now gave it to my dad because earlier today I just bought a Browning Citori XS Special for skeet shooting from a member here on CGN as well.

[ceh383]

I just bought a Browning Citori XS Special for skeet shooting from a member here on CGN as well.

Does that mean you will be at the Sansei shoot on Sunday?

[Lamski]

Yes, just pick up another barrel. Adding shipping, transfer, tax, and new DROS fees for a new gun will cost you a lot more then you initially think. If you do decide to get a new gun, look for used local deal to save on most of those fees except dros.

[axhoaxho]

I'd get the barrel...
Here's a new 28" barrel for $159.99
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/430...ProductFinding

Agree.

I recently bought a 30" Remington vent rib barrel (came with modified choke) around that price -- it was during the July 4th Sale, hence free shipping too.

For the value and versatility, sure, why not? Turn my old 870 Express into a trap gun in a minute. And back home, I can switch the 18" barrel back in no time.

[bigbearbear]

This is why I always caution people about buying those "tacticool" shotguns with short barrels, they usually end up collecting dust in a closet somewhere because you have only limited places where you can use it.

Another vote for buying a longer barrel. The Remington 870 Express is a cheap shotgun and you won't get a good price for it, a new barrel will cost much less.

[003]

Please keep in mind the Trap and Skeet are two totally different shotgun “games” and require different barrel lengths and chokes. As mentioned by a member here a few weeks back, you can play basketball while wearing hiking boots but it really will not be much fun.

The ideal Trap barrel is 28 to 30 inches and has a restricted choke, usually modified full to full. The ideal skeet barrel is 26 inches in length and has a very open choke, usually “skeet” or cylinder.

So, give some thought to keeping your current shotgun and buying a new barrel of the proper length and a set of choke tubes. You can get away with a 28 inch barrel for both.

[Voxtrion]

Thank you all for your input.

Now that I am looking for a barrel I have one more questions. If it says 3" chamber will it also shoot 2-3/4?

Should I stay away from used barrel? Since they are a smooth bore I don't think it would matter, but I am naive.

[teflondog]

If it's a 3" chamber then it will also shoot 2.75". I wouldn't have a problem buying a lightly used barrel since 870's are known to last a lifetime.