[Nematocyst]

I feel like the proud father of a new baby.

After long months of waiting, of writing posts about how 'soon' I'd have my 870P, my {user}namesake, today it arrived from Territorial Supplies, Council, ID. {Thanks.}

It's fresh outta th' box, like a new bambino that's just shot down the tube into the world of human reality. Haven't even cleaned and oiled it yet, let alone shot it, patterned it, modified it (ghost ring sights, butt cuff & sling to come...).

But just had to post a pic, being a proud new daddy.

The second image includes its brothers, several of which are also new babies.

* SW 642 (also acquired today; bracing for a bruising with 135 gr Speer GoldDot +P)

* Kahr K9 (have had it for a couple of months; steel sweetness spitting 124 gr Golden Saber)

* SOG Seal Pup Elite (acquired last week)

* Benchmade Osborne (also acquired last week; first folder other than SAK in years)

{Thanks to my late aunt for making this possible; I miss you.}

(Both images are digital handheld snapshots, which don't hold a candle to 35 mm tripod shots. Clearly time to get out the Olympus & burn a couple of rolls of film with a tripod. Need some images of these that approach (even if do not reach) Oleg's standards.)

Still waiting on the CZ 452 Style (.22LR).

Then, Patterning 101 & BAUUR.

Sometime thereafter, maybe I'll be ready for TEOTWAWKI.

But one thing at a time.

Right now, I'm just a proud daddy.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D ;) :cool:

More reports to come. I'll update this thread with my progress.

Nem

PS: Thanks to many of you for helping me get to this point. Fatherhood requires a lot of knowledge.
I couldn't have gotten this far without you.

PPS: Now, to get them through college. I'm planning on sending them to THR University.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32039&stc=1&d=1133415472

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=32040&stc=1&d=1133415639

[dfariswheel]

You'll need to remove the factory cosmoline coating before putting it into service.

Read the FAQ's on the Remington LE web site for an explanation and details of why you really need to do this.

Look under support for the FAQ section.
http://www.remingtonle.com

I use CLP Breakfree, and this seems to build up a coating of Teflon that really prevents rust.

[Nematocyst]

You'll need to remove the factory cosmoline coating before putting it into service. dfariswheel, i'm with you on the cosmoline coating.

I've been researching this gun for months. Got that URL in my bookmarks, and planning to reread that page this weekend before trying it out.

But thanks much for the reminder. It belongs in this thread. ;)

I use CLP Breakfree, and this seems to build up a coating of Teflon that really prevents rust. Now that's new news for me.

I may have some of that that I've used on my bike. {Things here are in a bit of chaos as I move into my new business studio amidst carpenters, plumbers & electricians. All my stuff is in boxes in chaotic piles. THR is what's keeping me sane amidst this chaos.}

If I don't have the CLP, I'll pick some up.

Nem

[mnrivrat]

Hey ! Congrats !

Looks like your becoming a well armed citizen . :D

[Dave McCracken]

Congrats!! Now, clean and lube, then dirty it up by firing a couple K of rounds.

Once it feels like a body part, move on to the other weapons....

[Fred Fuller]

Congratulations! Only 870 I ever saw that was worn out before it was ever unboxed 8^). If you put as much time and work into learning to shoot it as you did in getting to the point of purchase, you will be deadly with it.

Shoot it in good health,

lpl/nc

[Rupestris]

Congrats Nem!
Keep us posted on your attempts to wear it out.
Chris

[Brian Williams]

Not only congrats on the 870 but also on the little lead injector 642. Shoot well and enjoy.

[Nematocyst]

Congratulations! Only 870 I ever saw that was worn out before it was ever unboxed 8^). LOL :D

I snorted coffee on reading that. Nice one, Lee, for an early morning read.

(Well, early for me anyway; I've got carpenters & electricians here working on the new studio, and those guys start too early for a nightowl like me that works nights. :rolleyes: )

Once it feels like a body part, move on to the other weapons.... Ha. Not surprising to read you advise getting proficient with the 870 first, then do the others. ;)

I'll probably work along steadily on all of them, but I'm betting I WILL spend more time on the 870 than the others combined.

More to come...

Nem

[sm]

...being a proud new daddy.

Just where in the hell is my cigar? :D

Congrats!

BD/MD/R

Buy Diapers/ More Diapers/ Repeat

[Nematocyst]

BD/MD/R

Buy Diapers/ More Diapers/ Repeat LOL

Oh, you guys are in fine form today...:D

I'll have to work on the cigars. :)

Nem

[Otherguy Overby]

Nice collection. However, I don't see a Marlin lever gun in it. Where is it?

[Nematocyst]

Nice collection. However, I don't see a Marlin lever gun in it. Where is it? Alas, I had a 336 in .35 about 15 years ago and sold it in a moment of financial stress and stupidity. :banghead: I soooo regret that.

I've fancied buying another, but am also considering a bolt .30-06 or .308 or .243.

Not sure yet; think I'll work with what i've got for a while before adding another one.

Nem

[Nematocyst]

So, I'm still very busy with a move into the new business space. Imagine your worst nightmare: your business space has been dominated by carpenters, plumbers & electricians for two weeks. Boxes packed with all your business-related items, those with which you earn your 'living', are stacked on the floor, and must be moved every two days in order to accomodate carpenters, plumbers & electricians. Your business is effectively shut down. You are living on savings.

That's where I'm at.

So, I haven't even had time to clean the new baby yet. (Cosmoline is still thick on the barrel, receiver & other places.)

Yet, in moments of utter desparation, in order to ease the tension and dream of better times in months to come, when I'll have time to get outside and shoot it, I've picked it up, dry fired (after checking that it's unloaded, a habitual ritual), racked, shouldered, dry fired, racked, etc, etc, etc.

Since it's cold here (forgot to mention that the heating/cooling guys moved the heater but it's not yet hooked back up, so I've got no heat in this space), not to mention very, very wet (it's late autumn in the Pac NW, and the rain drops have been hitting the metal roof with terminal velocity approaching .22LR for 4 hours).

Therefore, I'm wearing a sweatshirt, a heavy fleece pull-over, and a Carhartt vest.

While shouldering said 870P under such conditions, I'm finding that the new baby may be slightly too long for all that clothing.

Which raises the following question: What's a tried and true test for correct fit of a shotgun?

That is, how can I tell if this 870 is too long, too short, or, like Goldilocks, just right?

Appropriate acknowledgement offered that I've purchased a synthetic stock with LOP 14" from trigger to back of R3 pad, which means adjusting LOP could be less than easy.

Yet something tells me that a 13" LOP could be more appropriate, especially for this time of year.

Advice welcome.

Nem

[Dave McCracken]

After ensuring the weapon is unloaded, mount it. Hold it up with the firing hand and use the forward hand to lay a couple fingers betwixt schnozz and thumb. If they fit in with neither crowding nor daylight, it's about right for wingshooting.

"Serious" shotguns should be stocked more like rifles. My wingshooting 870s have long LOPs, from 15 to 15 1/2". I use standard stocks on my slug/HD tools. and they work out well.

My recent goose foray had me wearing several layers of clothing on my upper body. Starting from skin, there was polypro undies, long sleeved T shirt, lumberjack wool shirt, and three layers of Mossy Oak colored waterfowling parka made of thinsulate, gore tex, etc. Franks's 15" LOP worked with all that as well as it had with a T shirt over the summer.

I strongly recommend doing a bit of shooting before cutting or replacing thy stock. I've no idea how much shotgunning you've done, and things may go well with what you have. We need well fitting shotguns, and lots of us find some adjustments in where the forward hand goes on the forearms and in our mount fits the shotguns well enough to us.

BA/UU/R. Then change if needed.....

[Nematocyst]

After ensuring the weapon is unloaded, mount it. Hold it up with the firing hand and use the forward hand to lay a couple fingers betwixt schnozz and thumb. If they fit in with neither crowding nor daylight, it's about right for wingshooting. Dave, thanks. I think that makes since.

The workmen are here at the studio, so I'll not drag it out just now for the test. That could raise a few eyebrows. :what:

I'll do it tonight, and report my results. My gut level sense from memory is that I'm going to be able to get more than "a couple fingers" in that gap, but I could be wrong. (I've been wrong twice already in 2005, and I always allow for three errors before I get worried. :D )

I strongly recommend doing a bit of shooting before cutting or replacing thy stock. I've no idea how much shotgunning you've done, and things may go well with what you have. ... BA/UU/R. Then change if needed..... Thanks for that reminder. You can trust that I'll do no mods until I've tried it out in various conditions, gotten the feel of what I have now, etc.

As for how much shotgunning, lots, but all of it was <calculating> over 30 years ago, and 16's & 20 ga. This is my first 12.

I was pretty good with them then, using them mostly for dove & squirrel. It may be like riding a bike - once you learn, you never forget how - but I've definitely got some practicing to do AND some new things to learn. I'm looking forward to a good class in 'how to use a shotgun as a defensive weapon'.

Thanks again,

Nem

[Dave McCracken]

IMO,Nem, if it's been 30 years you're starting from scratch. That's not a bad thing. With proper instruction and attitude, you can regain your former "Chops" and add to them.

Many of us self taught shotgunners bring old baggage along in the form of bad habits. Starting over means one can skip the bad stuff and concentrate of forming good habits.

I wish you were closer, a session of Shotgun 101 live would, IMO, do a world of good.

"Practicing and things to learn"....

Certainly. You also have much fun impending. Enjoy....

[Nematocyst]

IMO,Nem, if it's been 30 years you're starting from scratch. That's not a bad thing. With proper instruction and attitude, you can regain your former "Chops" and add to them. Good point, Dave. Of course, you're right.

You're right about those "self-taught", not-necessarily-correct habits from 30 years ago in kidville, also.

I think I'm somewhere between novice & apprentice at this point, but at least I'm not starting totally from scratch. ;)

I do wish I could come and take a class with you. That would be really cool. I'd probably do it, if it weren't for the fact that I swore off of flying a few years ago, and have vowed never to set foot on another commercial airliner as long as I live. (Don't get me started...:fire: )

Thanks for your continued tutelage.

Nem

[ron73644]

You are a wise shopper, and that gun is built like a tank thru and thru. Congrats. on your new baby. I know how you must feel........ha

[sm]

psst...you do have a copy of THE BOOK, the one you were supposed to be reading all this time - awaiting the new arrival? Don't you dare ask me "what book?" Yeah it has gun fit and sorts of answers to other questions too...
;)
www.abebooks.com

[Nematocyst]

psst...you do have a copy of THE BOOK, the one you were supposed to be reading all this time - awaiting the new arrival? Don't you dare ask me "what book?" Oh, yeah, yeah! Sure, THE BOOK. Yeah, sure, it's here somewhere...hmmm, must have misplaced it...<ahem>.

OK, gimme a hint. :)

Nem

[sm]

So we'll wait till it comes around again, and this time with four part
harmony and feeling.

We're just waitin' for it to come around is what we're doing.

All right now....

- Alice's Resturant

Shotgunning: The Art and The Science - Bob Brister

That'll cost ya two cigars and a box of 28ga. :D

--

Aside- Is there a moderator in the house? We gotta get the "uh-oh" smilie to work in the "Post Icon" selections. I need a shotgun one too, while your at it I have some other ideas too...

Wake up Chris (P95Carry) he ain't got nuttin' better to do. *grin*

[Larry Ashcraft]

Shotgunning: The Art and The Science - Bob Brister

Read it, live it.

Couldn't sleep this morning so I spent an hour and a half with Brister. Then, lo and behold I was invited to a pheasant hunt tomorrow (Steve, check your email).

We'll see how well this works...

Larry

[Rupestris]

[I]So we'll wait till it comes around again, and this time with four part
harmony and feeling.

We're just waitin' for it to come around is what we're doing.

All right now....

Bwhaaaa-haaaa-haaaa:D I see we have another member of the Group W bench here!

Nem, Get it. Its a great read.

[sm]

Rup-
What - who me :uhoh:

Oh no, I've always been a good wittle Southern Boy. <crosses fingers>
Just always been one to sit on the bench, reading, behavin', just reading...
Civil Disobedience by Thoreau that is. :evil:

Me a Rebel? Damn straight!!

Nematocyst-870 Get the book.

Larry, yeah I got the email. No I cannot be there by 7am. Forget how far it is to your place, even if I fly Freeway Airlines, wouldn't make it in time.

'Sides, I am taking a break from studying for last final. Oh boy! Done taken the Pre-final, comprehensive and all. I figure I will be very busy until the exam. Then I turn into snoring heap of something or other...

I need a old Cisco Router...I really really want to test it with a 12 ga slug. By golly I can give a 'final' as well. ;)

[Nematocyst]

Just always been one to sit on the bench, reading, behavin', just reading...
Civil Disobedience by Thoreau that is. :evil: Ah, good read. Good habit.

Me a Rebel? Damn straight!! That's at least two of us.

Nematocyst-870 Get the book. At your (plural) enthusiastic recommendations, I just ordered a copy from an online bookseller just up the road.

Should be here next week.

Wow, this must be some book. ;)

Of course, this is some shotgun, so I'd better get reading about how to best use it.

Thanks for the recommendation, guys. :o

Nem

[sm]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=168035

Yeah I know " I are good" - huh? :p

[Nematocyst]

At your (plural) enthusiastic recommendations, I just ordered a copy [of the book] from an online bookseller just up the road. And it still hasn't arrived yet.

I'm guessing that's due to tardiness in holiday shipping, but am starting to wonder...where's my book? :uhoh: :mad: :fire:

[Nematocyst]

I predict that I will only make that mistake once.

Which one?

The one where you rack an 870 (P, in my case), in this situation, thankfully merely in practice drills with rack, dry fire, rack, dry fire, repeat.

You see, last night, in celebration of New Years eve, in the first "night off" I've had in a fortnight (where "night off" means I only worked two hours last night), I cleaned my 870P.

Now that may not seem notable, but in my case, I was cleaning my shotgun for the first time.

Yep, the boy had come out of the box a month ago. But I've been so over the top busy (momentary diversions into THR to maintain sanity not withstanding) that I hadn't even cleaned it yet.

But last night, it got the full luxury treatment: CLR, Kleen Bore cleaner, and an overnight soaking in 3 in 1.

Wiped it off this morning. Much better. Rack is much smoother. Still tight - needs a lot of fore(end) play - but definitely feeling the lube. Ah, smooth and tight. What more can a guy ask? ;)

But I digress. Back to this dry fire practice drill.

During it, I was also working with this issue: I'm left eye dominant, but right handed. That means when I look down the tube of my 870 with both eyes open, the bbl doesn't point where it should, exactly, because my left eye ain't lined up with the receiver and bead properly ... yada yada yada ... but I'll come back to that point in a later post.

Here's the point of my story: I was so into the drill, and into working out the zen of how to use my left eye dominant status while shooting right handed, and trying to shift my method of point and focus to accomodate that, that I got a little careless.

I let my left hand drift a bit too far back on the fore end such that, when I racked the 870, my left pinkie got caught between the fore end and the front of the receiver.

OUCH!

I rubbed it, thanking fate that I was not in a real HD situation where some BG, wounded from a rnd of misplaced 00 but not stopped, was closing in from 7', and I was trying to get off a second shot while dealing with finger malfunction.

Within seconds, I was running icy cold faucet water over the distal end of said pinkie. After numbness set in, I went to the freezer to score an ice cube. Said cold in the form of water and ice retards blood flow, and thus reduces swelling and bruising.

As I type this, my finger is tender, but not badly bruised.

Yet, I predict, I now have a memory that will reduce the probability of said pinch occuring again, next time, perhaps, in less of a playful training moment.

<rubs left pinkie with left thumb, clicks 'submit'>

Nem

[Fred Fuller]

Ouch. Sorry to hear your new baby bites.

Pinchitis does happen in some situations with pumpguns. Worst cases I have seen were genuine avulsions (open wounds, bleeding etc) on the 'karate chop' edge of the palm or little finger, these were from guns fitted with earlier versions of the SureFire fore-end light. The high-speed folks who were training with these guns took off the fore-ends and shortened them just enough not to overlap the front of the receiver at all, and also radiused both the back of the fore-arm and the bottom front edge of the receiver as well. At least their armorers did...

Best bet is to just not to let pinkies stray from the safety of the forearm while briskly manipulating the action.

Stay safe,

lpl/nc

[Nematocyst]

Pinchitis does happen in some situations with pumpguns. <smiles> Wow. My malady has an 'official' medical name.

Pinchitis.

Mikey likes it.

I can see the paper in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"Man suffers from pinchitis {shotgunus bitus digitorius}; prevention discussed"

If I keep experiencing SBD, I'll take those more serious steps.

In the mean time, I'll just follow your simpler advice: keep the pinkie on the fore end.

;)

Nem

PS: ruminations about a left-eye dominant guy shooting shotgun right handed within days...

[Dave McCracken]

Pain is a very good teacher. Hopefully, that lesson's learned.

Until you can get some shooting in, preferably with very light loads at first, how about work polishing? Keep pumping it through an episode of Jeopardy's worth of commercials or two. Then, take it apart and lightly polish the wear marks. Also stone the edges of the action bars. Relube and repeat. A few sessions will smooth that shuck nicely.

[Nematocyst]

Pain is a very good teacher. Hopefully, that lesson's learned. Me, too, Dave. :o

Until you can get some shooting in, preferably with very light loads at first... I heard that. I've got a box of trap rnds (#8, I think) and will pick up a box of RR 00 before I take it out to the local BLM shooting area ... asap.

Speaking of hearing <tangent>, I've been reading your 'hearing loss' thread, even though I've not posted anything there yet. But I do plan to contribute as soon as I've got some time. I'd like to put up some images & verbal description of the inner ear, offer a little essay on how hearing works, and talk about why it's so easy to damage the works with loud booms. </tangent>

... how about work polishing? Keep pumping it through an episode of Jeopardy's worth of commercials or two. Then, take it apart and lightly polish the wear marks. Also stone the edges of the action bars. Relube and repeat. A few sessions will smooth that shuck nicely. This is a good idea. Thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to do it during Seinfeld, however, as Jeopardy is not one of my regulars. ;)

Two quick (and potentially stupid) questions (remember I'm a biologist :rolleyes: ):

1) polish with what? oiled rag? steel brush?

2) by 'stone' on the action bars, i'm guessing you mean something like a whet stone to 'round' the sharp edges?

Thanks, Dave.

Nem

[Dave McCracken]

For stoning, use a crock stick, diamond hone or hard Arkansas stone like machinists use. Same stuff for the action bars.

There's a thread on Breaking In New Pumpguns in the floaters. Recommended...

[Nematocyst]

There's a thread on Breaking In New Pumpguns in the floaters. Recommended... It's here (http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141509).

Good stuff, as always, Dr. Shotgun. ;)

Thanks.

[meh92]

Nice choices. I also have a 642 and carry it every day. With good technique it really isn't that brutal. If you think it's too much just head out to any range which will rent a 640 and touch off a few round of full-power .357 magnum ammo in a J-frame... the 642 will seem like a .22!