[rebbryan]

i'm looking mainly at the 870 but i've got some questions

what's an express?

i plan on using it for HD and turkey hunting, what size chamber would i need?

i'm looking at the synthetic one, is the reduced barrell on that good for hunting?

can you chamber 2 3/4 inch in 3 inch chambers? 3 in 2 3/4? i've been reading some and i think i've become confused on what you can chamber in what

does the bluing on the synthetic shotgun bolt (correct word?) make it more vulnerable to rusting?

what's the point of the little thingy in front of the triggerguard that locks the action?

[rugerfreak]

Express is the less finished version of the Wingmaster---still a good gun.

Thinkin they all come with 3" chambers.

A 22inch turkey barrel would work for HD---just use different choke tube---make sure you get an extra full choke for turkey duties.

2.75 in 3inch OK-----other way around NOT GOOD!!!

Rusting---just take care of your gun

Bolt release is for unloading and checking the action.

[rugerfreak]

Express is the less finished version of the Wingmaster---still a good gun.

Thinkin they all come with 3" chambers.

A 22inch turkey barrel would work for HD---just use different choke tube---make sure you get an extra full choke for turkey duties.

2.75 in 3inch OK-----other way around NOT GOOD!!!

Rusting---just take care of your gun

Bolt release is for unloading and checking the action.

[rugerfreak]

Oops---double post-----sorry

[Preacherman]

Rebbryan, welcome to the wonderful world of shotgunning! You're going to have a blast - literally and figuratively! :D

For a very good online introduction to shotgunning, as well as shooting safety, etc., see the Remington online courses here (http://www.remington.com/NR/exeres/00001394gmmkepwwiqzymfvb/safety.asp?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2fsafety%2fonlinecourses&NRNODEGUID=%7bCAB5ADDF-0D8D-4CCB-8049-0898B464DAB4%7d&NRQUERYTERMINATOR=1&cookie%5Ftest=1). They're an excellent starting point. Then, do some searches here on THR and on TFL to find out more. I highly recommend Dave McCracken's list of links posted on this forum (see here (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=2766)). After that, get out there with your friends and shoot their shotguns, to get a feel for them before you decide what to buy. If you don't have shotgunning friends, I'm sure a local range will help you if you give them a call and explain you're a beginner with shotguns, and would like to talk to their more experienced shooters and get advice.

Have fun!

[another okie]

For turkeys you want a 3" chamber, at least. It's hard to think of any other purpose you would really need it for. Some claim that 2 3/4 shells are unreliable in 3" chambers. I have no experience with that, since all my shotguns are 2 3/4" chambers. As far as barrels, most shotguns are designed to make it very easy to swap barrels. Maybe a 26" for duck and goose hunting, turkeys, etc., and something short for home defense.

It's hard to beat an 870 for an all-purpose gun, and there are a million accessories for it, such as stocks, sights, slings, tactical front ends, etc. Another advantage is that every gunsmith in North America knows how to work on it.

[Kingcreek]

Some claim that 2 3/4 shells are unreliable in 3" chambers.
Never, have I heard or experienced this problem. (nor in 3.5")

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome to shotgunning. A coupla things...

Check out the 101 series I started for beginners. There's a lot of info there you may find helpful.

For the first ammo you use, get light stuff. A 2 3/4", oz load is a good choice. As your form improves, you can progress to the barnburners.

And have fun. All shotgun use comprises a kind of practice, shooting the games makes one much better overall.

HTH...