finally found my do-it-all rifle

[357wheelgunner]

It is a Shotgun! I found a Remington 870 Police, parkerized, 20" smooth bore barrel, rifle sights, factory 3 shot extension (holds 8 total), and wood furniture. Brand new for $500 out the door.

I've been looking for something that could tackle every likely defensive situation I might find myself in. I live in a small duplex where the longest shot would be 8 yards or so. Or maybe 50 yards outside. A shotgun can do all of this, and excel at short range. I cant wait to pick it up

How are remington reduced-recoil slugs? I bought 50 of them to try out

Did I get a good deal? I bought it from Hoplite, Inc in KY, from an ad in shotgun news.

 

[auschip]

$500 seems high, but if you are happy then good for you!

 

[Rupestris]

Congrats 357!

Now. What is that mantra I keep hearing around here...?

Rupe

 

[Dave McCracken]

Great shotgun,congrats. By some miracle of coincidence, the shotgun I use for deer and backup for HD/CD looks very much like that. A couple things...

Rem R/R slugs may shoot well, but only bench testing can tell. Try some others, the Magic Slug is out there someplace.

As for accessories, get a sling. Shoot the heck out of it for a year, then decide if it and you need anything to up effectiveness. Chance are you won't.

Do pattern some buck loads too. One I like is the Fed Classic in 1 buck rather than 00. I've a hunch 1 buck may be the best all around choice.

Now BA/UU/R....

 

[444]

I am, by no means a shotgun guru. But I do have a comment to make about slugs. I have taken a couple shotgun classes and was really amazed at the performance of slugs. As Dave mentions, you never know what will happen unless you try them. In my Gunsite 260 class, we had a few people shooting slugs they brought with them. Other people were shooting the ammo purchased through Gunsite. Some people were shooting reduced recoil slugs, some were shooting full power slugs. Most tried at least a few of each. I think everyone was using a Remington 870 shotgun.
We all zeroed our guns from the sitting postion using our slug of choice. But when we started trying each others slugs, things got weird. Some people's guns shot way high with reduced recoil slugs when zeroed with full power slugs. Some peoples guns shot way low. Some people's guns shot within a few eaches with each type, mine shot like three feet high with reduced recoil slugs when zeroed with full power slugs.
It appears like you really have to try different kinds of slugs and see how they perform in your gun, then stick to that one brand or type of slug (buy in bulk). If you need to buy more, make sure you try them to see if they shoot to the same place as the old ones.
It seems to be a completely different game from rifle or handgun shooting which seems to be a lot more predictable.

 

[Fred Fuller]

"Do it all."

Pretty much covers it, the 870 is tough to beat for versatility, durability and overall utility. Congrats on the brand new 870, that's something I've never had, and I've likely had more 870s than anyone else here.

It will wear in, not wear out- shoot it till it slicks up and then shoot it some more to keep it that way. It'll make you pretty slick too, in the process. Lay in a variety of ammo, buck and slugs, and a stock of scrap paper or cardboard. Spend some time at the range and see what the gun likes, and what you like. Fieldstrip and clean and get really familiar with your new 870, do remember to clean it before your first time out with it too. You can get a great 870 Takedown Tool at Wallyworld for $.96 a bag, cleverly disguised as golf tees. Or you can snag a variant at your favorite Oriental restaurant in the form of a chopstick for free.

Stay safe,

lpl/nc