870 Express Combo

[rpf717]

I jumped on a good deal for a Remington 870 express combo (18" home defense barrel and 26" field barrel), for $330 after rebates etc.

It was a bit of an impulse buy, but I have been looking at the 870 for quite some time. I'd like a home defense shotgun, but also one that I could use for occasion trap/skeet shooting or even duck hunting. I'm very new to the sport and want to know if it would be ridiculous to begin with a 26" barrel for occasional trap or hunting? I don't mind if its not perfectly ideal as long as its not a huge disadvantage. In otherwords if I fall in love with the sport I wouldn't be too upset if I had to buy a 30" barrel or something like that.

They also sell a mossberg 500 combo for about the same price that comes with a 18" home defense barrel and a 28" barrel (instead of a 26" barrel).

Does the 870 combo I got seem like a good beginners package or should I look for one (ie the mossberg) that comes with a longer barrel?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[SuperNaut]

I bought an Express HD package with the extended tube, and then later a 26" field barrel. You essentially got the same package (sans extended tube) for about half the price.

You got a good deal.

 

[rpf717]

What is the strong point of a 26" barrel?

 

[SuperNaut]

What is the strong point of a 26" barrel?

It's what was in stock.

Seriously, IME there isn't much difference between a 26" and a 28".

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

The biggest thing with the barrel length is going to be how it balances and swings for you. If you're new to shotgunning, it's going to be hard to know which is better for you. Personally, I think either a 26" or 28" barrel sounds like a good starting point. For what you're talking about doing, either barrel length will be fine.

 

[SuperNaut]

Good point Jorg, I probably should have written "I can't tell a difference," rather than "there isn't much difference."

 

[rpf717]

Cool,
Thanks for the tips!