HD Shotgun pattern size?

[larryw]

Over the weekend, the second barrel for my 12ga 11-87 duck gun arrived and I cut it back to 19" for HD duty (thanks for the suggestion, Dave McC). Took the gun to the range yesterday and shot it at 15 and 25 yards using Wolf 00 2 3/4 9-pellet ammo. Shot two sheets at each distance, five rounds each and count pellets.

At 15 yards, all 45 pellets were in a circular 16" area. At 25 yards, the pattern was 24" (45 and 41 pellets). Gun shot perfectly to POA with pellets striking the middle of the torso of the target used. Now the question: waddya think? Is this too big a pattern and should I get the barrel cut and tapped for a choke? If so, can you recommend someone to do this for me? Or do you think the Wolf Buck's the problem?

thanks,
Larry

 

[Preacherman]

Try different brands of buckshot to see which patterns best in your gun. The reduced-recoil Federal and Remington loads often pattern very well, but you'll have to see whether they have enough energy to cycle the action of your 11-87. If they don't, but have good patterns, a gunsmith can slightly open up the gas port on your sawed-off barrel to provide more gas flow and cycle the action.

There are many places and gunsmiths that can fit chokes for you: however, be careful, as some less-than-craftsman-quality gunsmiths can bore the barrel off-center, which throws your pattern out. I'd recommend Briley for choke work - expensive, but the highest quality work, and with an outstanding reputation. There are others out there too.

 

[TrapperReady]

Not to be funny or anything, but how big is your house?

Mine's pretty good sized, and it would be impossible to take a shot (inside) of over 12 yards. Even down the hallways and across rooms, we're only talking distances of maybe 30 feet.

If it were me, I'd check the longest realistic shots in my house, and then pattern at that distance. If I was keeping consistent dinner-plate or smaller patterns, I wouldn't mess around much.

Also, if you do want to alter the pattern, I'd try some different ammo before I started making more expensive mods.

Then again, I don't use shotguns for much other than breaking clays and filling the freezer. So, feel free to disregard if others offer different advice.

 

[CWL]

My friend's 11-87 patterns Federal Reduced recoil 00buck about a palm size (~9"?) spread @ around 20yards. We pattern our SGs as tightly as possible because we train for headshots at 15 yard ranges.

If you experiment with different quality loads, you'll find the perfect combo for your gun.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Measure the longest possible shot in thy domicile, add a yard, and pattern at that distance.

Most human torsos run 15" across or less. 15" is a good rule of thumb as to what's acceptable for pattern spread. I prefer tight patterns, putting all that energy to work in a smaller area concentrates effect.

Wolf, like S&B buck, is reputed to give open patterns. I suggest trying out other 9 pellet loads, including Estate R/R, Winchester and Federal standard stuff, and some 1 buck loads of your choice.

As for tubing that barrel, it's nice to have but given decent buck performance, not mandatory. FYI, the HD 870 here is chokeless.