Foul weather scatter gun

[GAMALOT]

I want to find a nice 12 gauge to carry on my ATV. I am a bit of a fair weather rider but this weapon will be in the pits and exposed to all the elements. I have been leaning toward the Rem. 870 Marine Mag. I would love to hear the opinions of those in the know regarding the best weapon for this purpose.
The target would likely be wild dogs/coyotes and an occasional banjo player:D

[HSMITH]

Standard 870 Express, shoot it with some Krylon Camo paint, or some of the gun specific paints. Paint is tough, seals out moisture, and touches up for a lifetime for a couple bucks. Why pay more for a nickeled gun when you can get the same utility out of a $2 can of paint?

[HS/LD]

Get a Winchester Defender 1300 or an FN Police model and wipe it down with oil when you get home.:neener:


Makes me wonder how we ran around in the water and mud with our guns in the Army?:confused:

Regards,
HS/LD

[Sir Galahad]

I second the nomination for the 1300 Defender. The 1300 also has a marine version out there. That ought to work well for foul weather.

[Dave McCracken]

A couple of my 870s have been through what most folks would call rough treatment, there's no rust.

I use oil, even 30 wt. Some guides I know on the Shore melt candlewax into the Express finish with hair dryers.

Nickle, Hard Chrome or the Phosphate finishes we lump together as Parkerizing all are more oxidation resistant than plain blued steel, but good PM will make a plain steel gun last a very long time.

Ferals and coyotes drop nicely to #2 shot and Modified, go up to 00 for the banjistas.

[Double Naught Spy]

Rem 870 Marine Magnum - nickeled inside and out, designed to last even in marine environments such as doing boat duty. Comes with an extended mag.

[ruger357]

I agree with Dave. A good oil rubdown.

[Coronach]

My cruiser 870 exists in the dank conditions of the trunk of a cruiser. It may not be mud, but it certainly is damp. It has a nice patina of light surface rust, and sees preventative maintenance annually, if that.

It runs just fine.

And yes, I'm STILL trying to get a rack for the cruiser. I dislike having it back there rusting as much as anyone else.

Mike

[redneck]

If you ride anything like the guys I know that are into it, you've got a lot less to worry about moisture than you do coating the thing with sludge. Clean up after the ride is no big deal, and will keep it from rusting.
You want it to work if your out in a mud hole and need to use it though. I'd still say go for the pump, cause they're reliable. But you'll want to look into how its going to mount on the ATV. Make sure you not going to be slinging mud all over the action. That might prevent it from picking up the next shell properly, or give you trouble cycling it.

[labgrade]

870 Express. Why spend the extra $ for something you won't need?

Dove hunting in NE once, I laid my 870 down in the sand - action was way gritty. Shot a few more doves while cursing I did so. Back at the farm, I emptied the shells & ran it under the pump & worked to action to flush out the sand - sun-dried & good to go.

My Bud, a purist ;), was horrified!

My 870 said, "So?" & shrugged.

870 Express(es) are perhaps The Beater gun.

Surface rust just makes you cranky & has nothing to do with the operation - might even help slick 'em up some.

Unless you're dealing with salt spray, etc. (& that can be dealt with cheap), save yer bucks for shells & practise.

[Mannlicher]

That Remington or Winny would benefit from visiting Birdsong's place out in Mississippi. With the Black T on your gun, you can dip it in mud, wash it out in the creek, and fire it. (after checking the barrel of course!!!!!)

[DAT]

How about getting one of those gun cases that attaches to the ATV? Not as fast access but will keep the mud off.

DAT