[atek3]

So I've never owned a shotty, but I really want a competitive pump for heavy metal 3gun. The rules are the same as limited but the gun must be pump, 12 ga, irons only. So I'd like a fast handling pump with big capacity and good sights. people on be's forums said "870 or nova", but which one, why, and who makes one set up for 3 gun.

thanks,
atek3

(i reckon this is my first post in this forum :) )

[Fred Fuller]

The fair answer is, 'see if you can get a chance to shoot both, and get the one that works best for you.'

My narrow-minded, bigoted, prejudiced answer is, 'get an 870 of course.' That's my personal preference, been shooting them since the 1960s, decades before that 'nelli was a gleam in some designer's eye. Millions of them out there wandering around, more accessories and add-ons than you can bolt on, simple construction makes them easy to field strip/clean/work on/modify, and rock solid durability. Available in left handed or right handed mirror versions too, whichever you need. And you think some Italian upstart can deliver more than that?? Hah.

Good luck whichever you choose,

lpl/nc

[Chris Rhines]

First requirement for a 3Gun shottie is reliability. Right behind that is 8+1 capacity - that's the limit for Standard and Heavy Metal class, and believe me, you want to take the limit.

I've played a bit with the Nova, and it seems to be a fine gun, but the Remington 870 is a known quantity. I have never seen a +4 magazine extension for the Nova, while +4 extensions for the 870 are common. Any gunsmith worth his salt can work over an 870, while Nova gunplumbers are pretty rare.

I'd pick up a used 870 in good shape, have the stock cut to fit you (and maybe install a recoil pad,) make sure the trigger is decent, and either:
- Replace the barrel with an 870 Express Special Purpose Deer Barrel (20" w/ Rem-Chokes and rifle sights.)
- Cut the factory barrel down to around 21" and have it threaded for choke tubes.

Screw on a 4-shot mag tube extension and you're good to go, probably for under $500 out the door.

- Chris

[MrMurphy]

I've owned a 870 Express, I currently own a Nova SP and have shot a shotgun defensive match with it.


The 870 has every shotgun accessory in the known world for it. The Nova has a Sidesaddle, +1 and +2 extenders, and that's about it.

The 870 Police Magnum comes factory with 7 shots, parkerized, good sights. Toss in a Sidesaddle and sling and you've got a pretty decent 3-gun shotgun right there. If you're gonna shoot a lot, the 870 PM is worth it over an Express.

[atek3]

who sells 870's that are ready to roll out the door. Basically what I want is a rem 870, choked 20-21" barrel, plastic stock, sling, 8+1 capacity, ghost ring rear, fiber front, who sells one just like that?

thanks,
atek3

[natedog]

I didn't like the Nova. Action felt gummy, and the gun in general wasn't very comfortable.

[natedog]

Question: are the 18" barreld 870s with mag tube extended to the muzzle 6+1 or 7+1 ?

[sgtb]

Natedog,,,
The 18 inch barreled Remington 870's with mag. ext. are generally 6+1 capacity....
I own and use a Nova with ghost rings and ext. and a couple 870's and like both for various reasons. The 870 has alot more options available for it.

[Dave McCracken]

If you're close enough to average size and build that the one size fits all (Hah!!) Nova fits OK, and you can live with the nasty, heavy, muddy trigger, then it's close to a tossup.

Otherwise, the 870's the better choice.

[Chris Rhines]

who sells 870's that are ready to roll out the door. Basically what I want is a rem 870, choked 20-21" barrel, plastic stock, sling, 8+1 capacity, ghost ring rear, fiber front, who sells one just like that? You're not going to like the answer, holmes - no one does. To put together a Heavy Metal shotgun as you describe (which would be about perfect, BTW) you're either going to have to build it yourself, or have someone build it for you.

I do build up 870s from time to time, but I'm kinda on the wrong coast. Still, PM me if you want to talk about it...

- Chris

[MrMurphy]

The 870 Police Magnum with the ghost ring sights from the factory is the closest "factory" gun that meets those requirements, except it is usually 18" and 7 shot. I think they make a 20" 8 shot model though.