Remington 870s?
- Thread starter Ron H.
- Start date
gregintenn
Member
An 870 is bomb proof. They will go bang every time you pull the trigger.
Andy Griffith
Member
I'd suggest a Model 12 Heavy Duck Gun (3" chamber) and take it and cut the barrel down to 18.5".
There is one little problem with finding a Model 12 Heavy Duck Gun, and then they guys on here that might scream when you cut it down.
Of course, if you find one like I did in said condition already...you're good.
There is nothing wrong with the Italian guns either except they are overpriced by 50%!
There is one little problem with finding a Model 12 Heavy Duck Gun, and then they guys on here that might scream when you cut it down.
Of course, if you find one like I did in said condition already...you're good.
There is nothing wrong with the Italian guns either except they are overpriced by 50%!
Nowadays I believe the 870 "Police Magnum" has the metal trigger group where the others like the "Express" and "Home Defense" versions have plastic. I believe the Police Magnum version is supposed to be put together with closer attention to specs. I'm looking for a used Police Magnum, 18", with walnut stocks. Haven't seen any in a while. Came across 6 police turn-ins all with broken ejector springs for less than
$200.00 per, but they were all Express versions.
$200.00 per, but they were all Express versions.
VAdoublegunner
Member
Rem 870 -- Absolutely reliable, easy to take down, easy to replace parts if necessary, lots of aftermarket goodies available.
If you find an older used one and want to shoot 3" magnums in it, make sure it indicates "Magnum" on the receiver and your barrel is chambered for 3" shells. The issue is not strength, but rather the function of the ejector assembly. The older ones came in 2 versions; you were limited to 2 3/4" shell on the non-Mag ones even though you could shoot 2 3/4" magnum shells. More recent or current production ones are no problem.
If you find an older used one and want to shoot 3" magnums in it, make sure it indicates "Magnum" on the receiver and your barrel is chambered for 3" shells. The issue is not strength, but rather the function of the ejector assembly. The older ones came in 2 versions; you were limited to 2 3/4" shell on the non-Mag ones even though you could shoot 2 3/4" magnum shells. More recent or current production ones are no problem.
Gatofeo
Member
I second the Remington 870 in 20 gauge for home protection.
Less blast, less recoil, still absolutely devastating at living room distances and unfailingly reliable.
I keep my 870 Youth Model 20 gauge by my bed, loaded with four rounds of No. 3 buckshot. On the stock is attached a stretchy-fabric shell carrier with an extra five rounds of buckshot.
Don't discount the 20-gauge, No. 3 buckshot load.
No. 3 buckshot is .25-caliber in diameter (in fact, it makes a very cheap substitute for reloading .25 Auto practice rounds. But that's anothe story).
The 3" case holds 24 pellets at 1,150 fps muzzle velocity, the 2-3/4" case holds 20 pellets at 1,200 fps.
These are not loads to be sneezed at.
The slug load is 3/4 ounce (328 grs.) at about 1,600 fps. This puts the 20 gauge in the realm of standard factory .45-70 loads -- hardly a Nerf load!
Have you checked the Remington website? I recently noted a 20 gauge 870 with extended magazine holding 7 rounds (if I recall correctly), black plastic stock and 20 inch barrel.
This would be the perfect home protection shotgun, in my estimation.
Don't get me wrong, I like the 12 gauge. But it seems overkill for the short ranges involved, and the extra recoil and blast can be a hindrance, in both actual use and especially in training.
I originally bought my 870 20 gauge Youth Model 15 years ago to hunt grouse in the thick woods of northern Idaho. I've put perhaps 1,000 rounds through it and never had a failure to feed or function.
I originally purchased a Winchester 20 gauge but didn't like it. Too heavy. It seems that Winchester builds their 20 gauge on the 12 gauge frame. Remington scales their 12 gauge down to fit the 20 gauge cartridge, making it much smaller and lighter.
My 870 Youth Model is about as long as an M1 carbine or Ruger Mini-14 and weighs just a tad more. I put a nylon sling on it, so I could have both hands free for climbing up steep banks or over obstacles. A quick-detatchable sling is a good addition, but may be a hindrance for a house gun.
No problem. Just add the sling for hunting and remove it for home defense.
The 870 is a magnificent shotgun. You have to decide the gauge you want, but I'm offering the above opinion so you don't readily discount the 20 gauge.
Either gauge will work, for my own uses I prefer the 20 gauge.
For greater versatility in ammo, choose the 12 gauge. You can get all kinds of esoteric (and often downright silly) loads for the 12 gauge that are not made for the 20 gauge, including incendiary and whistling rounds.
Whether you'll need these is up to you. But be warned that such rounds are pricey, often bringing $20 to $30 at gun shows for a packet of 5! Ouch!
The cost of either 12 or 20 gauge cartridges, with standard field loads, is about the same. Sometimes you'll find 20 gauge slightly cheaper because they may not sell as briskly as the seller wants, so he reduces them to make shelf space.
I've picked up more than few boxes of 2-3/4 inch No. 6 shot field loads at reduced prices for this reason.
For rabbits, grouse and pheasant, No. 6 shot is great. As a home defense round it can be devastating too.
Take a look at the Remington website. See what's offered. One thing: you can't go wrong with an 870!
Less blast, less recoil, still absolutely devastating at living room distances and unfailingly reliable.
I keep my 870 Youth Model 20 gauge by my bed, loaded with four rounds of No. 3 buckshot. On the stock is attached a stretchy-fabric shell carrier with an extra five rounds of buckshot.
Don't discount the 20-gauge, No. 3 buckshot load.
No. 3 buckshot is .25-caliber in diameter (in fact, it makes a very cheap substitute for reloading .25 Auto practice rounds. But that's anothe story).
The 3" case holds 24 pellets at 1,150 fps muzzle velocity, the 2-3/4" case holds 20 pellets at 1,200 fps.
These are not loads to be sneezed at.
The slug load is 3/4 ounce (328 grs.) at about 1,600 fps. This puts the 20 gauge in the realm of standard factory .45-70 loads -- hardly a Nerf load!
Have you checked the Remington website? I recently noted a 20 gauge 870 with extended magazine holding 7 rounds (if I recall correctly), black plastic stock and 20 inch barrel.
This would be the perfect home protection shotgun, in my estimation.
Don't get me wrong, I like the 12 gauge. But it seems overkill for the short ranges involved, and the extra recoil and blast can be a hindrance, in both actual use and especially in training.
I originally bought my 870 20 gauge Youth Model 15 years ago to hunt grouse in the thick woods of northern Idaho. I've put perhaps 1,000 rounds through it and never had a failure to feed or function.
I originally purchased a Winchester 20 gauge but didn't like it. Too heavy. It seems that Winchester builds their 20 gauge on the 12 gauge frame. Remington scales their 12 gauge down to fit the 20 gauge cartridge, making it much smaller and lighter.
My 870 Youth Model is about as long as an M1 carbine or Ruger Mini-14 and weighs just a tad more. I put a nylon sling on it, so I could have both hands free for climbing up steep banks or over obstacles. A quick-detatchable sling is a good addition, but may be a hindrance for a house gun.
No problem. Just add the sling for hunting and remove it for home defense.
The 870 is a magnificent shotgun. You have to decide the gauge you want, but I'm offering the above opinion so you don't readily discount the 20 gauge.
Either gauge will work, for my own uses I prefer the 20 gauge.
For greater versatility in ammo, choose the 12 gauge. You can get all kinds of esoteric (and often downright silly) loads for the 12 gauge that are not made for the 20 gauge, including incendiary and whistling rounds.
Whether you'll need these is up to you. But be warned that such rounds are pricey, often bringing $20 to $30 at gun shows for a packet of 5! Ouch!
The cost of either 12 or 20 gauge cartridges, with standard field loads, is about the same. Sometimes you'll find 20 gauge slightly cheaper because they may not sell as briskly as the seller wants, so he reduces them to make shelf space.
I've picked up more than few boxes of 2-3/4 inch No. 6 shot field loads at reduced prices for this reason.
For rabbits, grouse and pheasant, No. 6 shot is great. As a home defense round it can be devastating too.
Take a look at the Remington website. See what's offered. One thing: you can't go wrong with an 870!
jjones33
Member
870 is a great gun. A magnum receiver will have a M in the serial number. Only draw back is someone that is not trained to remember to rack the slide each time to shoot it. I've seen a bunch, and I mean a bunch, of folks shoot a pump then forget to cycle the slide. Too important in a defense gun to just say oops and laugh it off. Make sure your friend practices with it regularly. Also make him understand that a shotgun is not a point and shoot device. You still have to aim the thing.
I'm an 870 fan as well, but I really like the Mossbergs too. You can't go wrong either way. For personal defense I'd say stay away from the pistol grip/no stock models because they're harder to control. Anything with a stock or stock w/pistol grip is easier to control and be ready for a followup shot if needed.
I've seen people at the range completely miss the target sometimes. It's not the movies. The shot isn't going to open up into a funnel cloud of death at those distances. It's still about placement. That having been said, any reasonable placement with a shotgun and you're talking fatality, not just stopping the BG.
I'd also give a +1 to the youth model suggestion because of the added maneuverability. If not, definitely go for the shorter barrel length. Especially if there is no chance they're gonna use it for any sporting purposes at all. At some point it comes down to an aesthetic thing though, doesn't it? The Marine Magnum is very beautiful and you can just about keep it in the shower just in case a Psycho situation at your house and it's not gonna rust. After that you're talking mostly tacticool vs. practical. The Express model will go bang just like everything else for less money. The autos have more to go wrong with them, but on the whole they're very reliable as well. 1100 or 11-87. I know they make a tactical 1100 auto. As far as the Mossbergs, the 500 or the 590 are great guns. People will argue for days about the pros and cons about both, but in a real situation I'd take either, though I did choose the 870.
I load mine up with bird shot. I've got a bunch of 00 Buck, but that's kind of extreme and you may have some over penetration issues with whatever doesn't land. The bird shot at personal defense ranges will still be devastating.
I've gotta say though, if I hear a bump in the night, I go for my revolver. I just feel more comfortable going around corners with it and no qualms about its stopping power. Still got the 870 there to fall back to if need be.
Mike
I've seen people at the range completely miss the target sometimes. It's not the movies. The shot isn't going to open up into a funnel cloud of death at those distances. It's still about placement. That having been said, any reasonable placement with a shotgun and you're talking fatality, not just stopping the BG.
I'd also give a +1 to the youth model suggestion because of the added maneuverability. If not, definitely go for the shorter barrel length. Especially if there is no chance they're gonna use it for any sporting purposes at all. At some point it comes down to an aesthetic thing though, doesn't it? The Marine Magnum is very beautiful and you can just about keep it in the shower just in case a Psycho situation at your house and it's not gonna rust. After that you're talking mostly tacticool vs. practical. The Express model will go bang just like everything else for less money. The autos have more to go wrong with them, but on the whole they're very reliable as well. 1100 or 11-87. I know they make a tactical 1100 auto. As far as the Mossbergs, the 500 or the 590 are great guns. People will argue for days about the pros and cons about both, but in a real situation I'd take either, though I did choose the 870.
I load mine up with bird shot. I've got a bunch of 00 Buck, but that's kind of extreme and you may have some over penetration issues with whatever doesn't land. The bird shot at personal defense ranges will still be devastating.
I've gotta say though, if I hear a bump in the night, I go for my revolver. I just feel more comfortable going around corners with it and no qualms about its stopping power. Still got the 870 there to fall back to if need be.
Mike
Jst1mr
Member
+1 to the 870. I would never cut a barrel, as so many varities are available. I think Remington tired of people modifying their older ones, so began making the Express with "dimples" in the magazine tube to make it difficult to add an extension, then they offered their own extension-equipped model. Do not fret - you can hardly enter a gun or pawn shop w/o finding a variety of 870 available. I prefer the all metal, walnut stocked 870 Wingmaster of old (it will never be worn out, just more broken in). Replace barrel with one of 18 or 20", add barrel band and 2 or 3 shot extension and you're done. A butt cuff is a nice extra shell holder (I do not recommend a side-saddle as some brands and types break easily, disabling the gun), a simple bead sight is certainly fine for the range of usage (options include express sights, tritium night sights, ghost ring, etc). I added an oversize button on the safety on mine, as well as a metal, brightly colored follower to be instantly aware of rounds left in magazine. The original stock is fine (was made to point naturally, after all) - many folders are downright painful, and pistol grip only stocks spoil the pointability and make shooting a wrist-busting affair. 2 3/4" # 4 buck and you're ready to go...after much practicing, of course!
Centenniel
Member
The 870 Remington is never a bad choice. For the task you mentioned, nothing beats an 870.
reerc
Member
So who am I to buck a trend? Looks like an 870 love affair.
I picked up the factory black version from Big 5 Sporting goods for right around $300. All the pictures of the gun show it with swivels for a sling, but this el cheapo didn't actually come with them, so I call customer service at Remingon. The nice lady sent me a set, gratis.
I picked up the factory black version from Big 5 Sporting goods for right around $300. All the pictures of the gun show it with swivels for a sling, but this el cheapo didn't actually come with them, so I call customer service at Remingon. The nice lady sent me a set, gratis.
mesell22
Member
The best pump shotgun ever made . PERIOD!!!!!!! Mark
trover
Member
I love my 870, much more than my Mossberg Maverick, which as a pistol grip is a real pain to shoot.
reerc
Member
Heck yeah ... at that price, buy as many as you can pack out the door. If you can't / don't want to keep 'em, you wouldn't have any trouble reselling them at a profit.
imjin138
US Veteran
I have had an 870 wingmaster since I was 12, and two more an HD and an old patrol shotgun all work wonderful. I prefer them over anything else.
In 1964 I was an Army Aviator in VN. I had a Thompson SMG I used to carry in case of being forced down somewhere unplesant, however the SMG and a couple of drums was HEAVY. I eventually caged an Ithaca shotgun from a SF unit. It was a commercial grade Deerslayer complete with an engraving on the receiver and the 4 round mag, someone had done a field modification shortening the barrel to about 15". I seriously beat that gun up over a few years, and it never malfunctioned. Eventually it was turned in as I could not figure out how to smuggle it home. Since that time I have used the 870 and it is indeed THE tactical shotgun. Still have a place in my heart for the Ithaca however and a few years ago added two to my military/tactical SG collection. Forgot how nicely they slam fired(just like the M97 and M12 Winchester). Of course slam firing is a double edged sword.
Most every LE agency uses the 870, the Wingmaster/Police model. If you need a SG for HD or civiliam defense the Express series is great, if your are a serious pro and want a SG get the Police/Wingmaster series. Either way you will have a superior product.
Most every LE agency uses the 870, the Wingmaster/Police model. If you need a SG for HD or civiliam defense the Express series is great, if your are a serious pro and want a SG get the Police/Wingmaster series. Either way you will have a superior product.
ParadiseRoad
Member
...I've got an 870...a Mossberg 500...and a Winchester Defender...all great guns. I'd like to have a Ithaca 37...they're so unique with the bottom ejection. My real passion right now though...is for a TTN coach gun...
Spotteddog
Member
AKAO,
Had a semi-serious love affair with a brig chaser myself!
Had a semi-serious love affair with a brig chaser myself!
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