Possible stupid question?

[cgv69]

I know older SG's would only accept 2 3/4" shells. I am assuming this is a restriction of the chamber or is there more to it then that?

What I'm asking is if I bought and older 870 and replaced the barrel with a new production unit that will accept 3" shells, will I be able to use 3" shells or is there some other issue with the receiver that would prevent it?

 

[No_Brakes23]

The breech is in the barrel, so the only other thing(s) restricting it would be the ejection port and possibly the bolt. If I put a deer barrel on my SuperMag, it no longer takes 3&1/2" shells, because those barrels don't have SuperMag chambers.

I would try it with a buddy's 870 barrel and see if everything cycles properly before you sped your hard-earned, though.

 

[Fred Fuller]

The only dumb question is the one you don't ask.

The limitation is imposed by the receiver, not the barrel. The chamber doesn't determine what length shell the receiver can handle, if you get a non- magnum receiver you should stick to 2 3/4" shells. Serial numbers for magnum receivers end in M for 12 ga., U for 20 ga.

Unless you are serious about waterfowling or turkey hunting, 3" shells are almost always overkill. They cost too much and kick too much...

lpl/nc

 

[dfariswheel]

To be a little more clear.

The 3" receiver has a longer ejector assembly.
Although you can FIRE 3" shells in a 2 3/4" receiver with a 3" barrel installed, you can't EJECT the shells.

Any older 2 3/4" receiver gun can be easily converted to use 3" shells by a competent gunsmith.
This requires removing the 2 3/4" ejector assembly, and replacing it with a longer 3" assembly.
This is a gunsmith-only job.

You would also have to either buy a 3" chambered barrel, or have the 2 3/4" chambered barrel converted to 3".

I suspect, that like most shot gunners you will fire VERY few 3" shells, unless you're hunting geese or going after other long-range birds.

Just in case you aren't that familiar with shotguns, Magnum shotshells are NOT "more powerful".
Magnum rifles and pistols mean they are more powerful and shoot at higher velocities.

Magnum shotshells just means the shell has more shot in it. They aren't more powerful, nor do they shoot at higher velocities.

Because of the heavier load of shot, Magnum shotguns have ferocious recoil.

Bottom line is, unless you have a specific NEED for 3" Magnum shells, you don't really need a Magnum gun.

 

[rockstar.esq]

Can't think of too many situations that I would really want the 3" other than when I was selling the gun! Not to mentinon, the cost of a new barrel is almost always 3/4 the cost of a new gun anyway!

 

[cgv69]

Thanks guys,

I might be buying a nice older 870 Wingmaster but if I do, I’ll will be replacing the barrel because the one that comes with it will not work well for my purposes. I was mostly just curious if doing that would allow me to use 3†shells.

Truth be told it really doesn’t matter. I don’t hunt and can’t think of any reason why I would ever use a 3†shell?

Anyway, Thanks again