20 ga shotgun

[glockdude57]

i have a 20 ga 870 pump that i want to shoot in a three gun shoot what kind of shot should i use i have a 26" barrel i tried #8 and it spreads out to quick helllllllllllllllllp me please

thanks glockdude57

 

[oletymer]

What choke does the barrel have? Does it have a fixed or does it have choke tubes? You need to provide more info.

 

[oneounceload]

The size of the shot has NOTHING to do with the size of your pattern - the constriction at the end of the barrel does

 

[AcceptableUserName]

lol, taking 3-gun matches with guns you don't even understand the workings of?

 

[Sam1911]

You should use whatever shot size the match officials tell you they'll allow. At my range that's size 6 or smaller (so 6, 7, 7-1/2, 8, etc.) to minimize damage to and ricochets from the steel targets. Some folks will tell you that heavier shot (larger size) will more reliably knock down steel targets, but a solid hit with any of it will do the trick.

Chances are there may be some paper target stages where they'll want you using slugs instead.

Always a good idea to ask before you show up.

...

A 26" long hunting barrel is going to be pretty long for a defensive/3-gun style match. Most competitors are running more "riot gun" types with barrels around 18" to 20."
But if that's what you've got -- go shoot!

 

[oneounceload]

Good info Sam; getting to the question of pattern - does your gun have a fixed/integral choke or does it have a removable choke tube? What choke is currently in your gun? Have you tried other brands of ammo or better target-grade ammo in your gun? Have you patterned it at the patterning board? What did it show you? Does your gun currently shoot POA/POI the same?


When you have the answers to those questions, you'll be better able to figure out how to correct any perceived deficiencies.......