Just got a mint 870 super magnum 12 ga, 30 in barrel, beginner tips/help

[aw091486]

So after almost trading for a Remington 1100, I ended up finding a local trade for a brand new Buckmark Target w/ adjustable truglo sights and slab slide, wood grips, and a mint condition Remington 870 super magnum, 12 ga, 30 in barrel.

Now I've got a couple questions, where is a good place to find a shorter 18 - 20 inch barrel and how much is that going to run me? The shotgun is massive now with a 30in barrel. Also, since it is a super magnum, I can accept any barrel? Thanks. Anything else I should know about the 870, it is my first shotgun and I know little about them. I'm also looking for a guide to understanding the different types of barrels, chokes, length, all that stuff.

Also, I hear 00 buckshot or #1 is ideal for HD, how expensive does this usually run? I know nothing about ammo costs for shotguns, I've been strictly a pistol shooter so far. Any other tips for a newbie would be much appreciated.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

I find buckshot generally costs around a dollar a round.

Any other tips for a newbie would be much appreciated.

I'd reccomend you get a good recoil pad, and remember the sight picture will be different than a pistol sight picture.

 

[Virginian]

Don't forget to get some Tylenol Extra Strength with those 3-1/2" shells.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

You should be able to get an extra bbl from remington.

Edit:woo-hoo 1500 posts.

 

[NavyGuy]

I wouldn't consider cutting the barrel. They are expensive. If you want a shorter barrel for reasons like deer hunting or home defense, I would suggest checking classifieds, gun shows, gunbroker, or post here. A new 30in barrel can run upwards of $300 Look here to prove it

http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=701830&chrSuperSKU=&MC=

Hold out for used, or a three barrel bundle. You never know, might want to shoot clays some day

 

[aw091486]

I would probably get a shorter barrel eventually, either a 20" or 18". The 30" I have has the ribbing on it, so I don't think I would be able to cut it anyways. I'll check the common classifieds and auction sites to find a good deal.

 

[mgkdrgn]

for your shorter barrel

http://www.havlinsales.com/

left side of ths screen, click on "close out barrels", will be about 1/2 way down the page. Either one will work fine for HD use.

enjoy!

 

[aw091486]

Thanks for the link! I tried calling today, they are at Shot Show until tomorrow, so I'll try again tomorrow.

I can only justify having 1 barrel right now, the one I have is too long so I will probably try to sell it. Can someone help me determine the real length? Here' some pics I took, the 0 is at the end of the barrel in all instances, I think it is 28", the guy who traded it to me said it was 30".

How will the 24" work for some basic clay target shooting that mgkdrgn has listed? Thanks for all the help so far.

 

[mgkdrgn]

I can only justify having 1 barrel right now, the one I have is too long so I will probably try to sell it. Can someone help me determine the real length? Here' some pics I took, the 0 is at the end of the barrel in all instances, I think it is 28", the guy who traded it to me said it was 30".

How much "justification" do you need for $90? The barrel you have now will be better for clays, the 18.5 better for HD. You for all intents and purposes get "two guns" for the $90 for the barrel. Takes all of 2 minutes to swap them.

 

[aw091486]

Well.... just out of college, got student loans to pay back every month + insurance + living cost, and I'm looking for my first job in this great economy, so 90 dollars is a lot to me right now, I have no real income so I'm just living on my savings right now that I have from my previous internships/summer jobs. I traded off my 1911 for a Buckmark .22 + 870 so at least I could shoot some .22 every now and then since it's so much cheaper. The 870 was just to sweeten the deal and more of an afterthought although I did want one, just not that much. I occasionally shoot some clay with friends, but we don't do that on a normal basis by any means, and it's just one person chucking them from one of those crappy launchers you stick in the ground.

 

[jmr40]

Looking at the pictures of the receiver it is not a supermag. They have a slightly longer ejection port and a plastic piece that covers the extra space behind the bolt. If the barrel is marked for 3 1/2" shells make sure the receiver in fact says "Supermag", before trying 3 1/2" shells.

Based on the measuring tape I would say it is a 28" barrel as well. Nothing wrong with that, I personally think that 28 is the longest barrel I would want and actually prefer 26 for an all around gun.

As it is you have a perfectly suitable gun for hunting. You can get a shorter self defense barrel later. I went with a 20" rifle sighted barrel. Short enough, and more accurate if I decide to shoot slugs.

 

[aw091486]

Looking at the pictures of the receiver it is not a supermag. They have a slightly longer ejection port and a plastic piece that covers the extra space behind the bolt. If the barrel is marked for 3 1/2" shells make sure the receiver in fact says "Supermag", before trying 3 1/2" shells.

Based on the measuring tape I would say it is a 28" barrel as well. Nothing wrong with that, I personally think that 28 is the longest barrel I would want and actually prefer 26 for an all around gun.

As it is you have a perfectly suitable gun for hunting. You can get a shorter self defense barrel later. I went with a 20" rifle sighted barrel. Short enough, and more accurate if I decide to shoot slugs.

Wow, thanks for answering a lot of my questions. I don't hunt or plan to anytime soon, so I will try to get a shorter barrel. I think the 24 will be perfect for what I need, thanks a lot!

 

[shiftyer1]

Down the road you'll kick yourself for getting rid of any extra good barrel. If not absolutely necessary.

Or maybe thats just me.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

You should post here on THR that you are looking to trade that barrel for whatever you are looking for.

Is your barrel set up for choke tubes? If not, what choke is it? It should say "Full, Mod, IM, IC, Skeet" or whatever on the side.

It would help if you post everything (except the serial #) on the receiver and the barrel.

 

[aw091486]

You should post here on THR that you are looking to trade that barrel for whatever you are looking for.

Is your barrel set up for choke tubes? If not, what choke is it? It should say "Full, Mod, IM, IC, Skeet" or whatever on the side.

It would help if you post everything (except the serial #) on the receiver and the barrel.

I just had the epiphany today that there was an equipment exchange forum here, I've been posting mainly on the other gun websites. I might try to just hang onto this barrel for now, and purchase another barrel somewhere down the line.

As far as the choke, I didn't get the choke removal/installation tool from the previous owner, so I can't get it off until I get one. It seems to be the standard 28" barrel, the gun also looks pretty recent, so the safe bet is it's whatever comes in the plain jane 28" barrel 870.

The guy I got the shotgun from is local though, so I'll email him and see if he has any of the 870 stuff laying around that he forgot to give me.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

I might try to just hang onto this barrel for now, and purchase another barrel somewhere down the line.

That makes a lot of sense. IMHO, a 28" barrel on an 870 is perfect for trap and also must hunting for me.

You might want to try just sticking a finger or a coin into the choke to twist it out. Of course, don't force or scratch it.

Enjoy!