870 express combo question

[revolverman357]

I'm looking at a Remington 870 express combo. It comes with a rifled slug barrel. I doubt I'll shoot slugs but with the shorter slug barrel as a home defense gun, can I shoot 00 buck through the rifled barrel without damaging it?

 

[Shadow Shock]

I'm not entirely sure, but from what I've heard any kind of shot (buck or bird) will ruin the rifleing

 

[dfariswheel]

While you CAN shoot shot through a rifled barrel, it'll lead up BADLY, and it's hell to get it out.
It will not ruin the barrel, but is a real mess to clean.

Second, the rifling will "swirl" the shot as it exits the barrel and this will cause donut-shaped patterns.
Due to the donut pattern which will have little shot in the center, hits on target are pure luck.

Bottom line: You can shoot anything from a smooth bore shotgun.
Rifled bores are for sabot type slugs ONLY.

 

[revolverman357]

I'll probably just buy the 870 with remchokes and then buy the 18.5 " barrel for it later. That's what I want anyway. That way I can bust some clays out back and change barrels for HD or whatever.
Thanks for the info guys!

 

[revolverman357]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I just found out the 870 combo can be bought with a 20" rifle sighted Imp. Cyl or the rifled barrel. So, if I get the one with the IC barrel I can shoot shot out of it, am I correct?

 

[ugaarguy]

just found out the 870 combo can be bought with a 20" rifle sighted Imp. Cyl or the rifled barrel. So, if I get the one with the IC barrel I can shoot shot out of it, am I correct?

You are correct. The fixed IC smoothbore will handle any buckshot you choose, and rifled slugs (slugs made for smoothbores) as well if you decide to try them out. The combo with rifled sighted smoothbore is a very versatile package.