LOP: 1187 vs 870

[STiTkacik]

I think I may have found a nice 20 gauge 870 I'd like to pick up for dove/quail hunting. I currently have a 12 guage 11-87 that fits me nicely, and was wondering if the 870's LOP will be roughly the same.

When I started looking for a shotgun about this time last year, I complained that the LOP on the 870 just wasn't comfortable for me, but I think that may have been because I hadn't been introduced to the correct way to mount the gun.

The gun is on Gunbroker so I can't physically mount it myself to see if it feels the same.

Anyone out there have any imput?

 

[ArmedBear]

The buttstocks are interchangeable, and the triggers are in the same place. Geometry is identical, unless you get a special stock (e.g. Special Field, Upland Special, Classic Trap, etc.)

The 20 Gauge -- either gun -- may have a slightly shorter LOP (1/4" or so) than the 12, but the drops are the same.

 

[STiTkacik]

Great!


The gun is an Express model with no add-ons.

Is $130 an acceptable price?

 

[ArmedBear]

That should do.

One caveat: Express wood stocks are a simpler shape than 1187's, 1100s, and Wingmasters. They might feel a bit different in the hand. But they'll fit the same.

Express:

Wingmaster:

11-87:

 

[STiTkacik]

Armed Bear:


Thanks for all the information. The pictures you provided were helpful.

 

[Lone Star]

I own a 12 ga. Wingmaster made some three years ago, and have owned an M1100. I have swung M11-87's in stores.

In my opinion, the primary difference is the forward weight in the autos, which does add to a smoother swing, but balances the gun differently than the pump action. Depending on how well you adapt in switching from one gun to another, that may affect your ability to mount and swing the gun well.

In my opinion, the Remington autos may be the finest pointing shotguns ever made. They seem to handle very well for a wide range of shooters.

Lone Star

 

[STiTkacik]

Lone Star:

I agree with you. My 1187 feels perfectly balanced in my hands. I guess that's why I bought it.

A few of my friends don't like the gun as much because it isn't "lightweight," but to each his own I suppose.

I think the extra weight helps with the swing.

 

[ArmedBear]

A couple things to note...

20 Gauge will weigh less, one way or another.

26", 28" and 30" barrels swing differently, and Remington also has made various "contours" of barrels over the years. These barrels have different weights, even given a certain length and gauge. I can't see getting a 20 Gauge 870 with a 28" barrel; the long, skinny barrel feels weird to me. A 26" feels right. All told, the 20 will swing quicker, and that's probably appropriate for the game you're hunting with the 20.

A pump will force you to put your support hand farther out than a semiauto. This also stiffens and slows your swing, unless you have long enough arms that your hand is way out there anyway.

A shop around here is selling a used 20 Gauge 1100 LT 26" (about 7 lb., maybe slightly less) for $325. I'd get that over an Express 20, especially if you already love your 11-87.

What do you want to do with the Express? EDIT: Oh I saw that again... Dove and quail.

For upland around here, I picked up a semiauto. The pump was frustrating; our quail pop up, fly for a second or two really fast away from you, then drop again. And I'm not a bad shucker, if I may say so myself.

 

[STiTkacik]

Armed Bear:

Those are definately things to consider. I'd love to get my hands on a 20 gauge 1100, but I have never been able to find one at a nice price. I was thinking about getting the 20 as another clays gun, but as you said above:

"A pump will force you to put your support hand farther out than a semiauto. This also stiffens and slows your swing, unless you have long enough arms that your hand is way out there anyway."

That may also prove to be a problem. I'm 5 ft 7 in and have relatively short arms. Maybe that's why the 870 felt strange to me at first. My support arm (left) was almost completely extended when shooting.

Thanks for pointing those things out.

 

[ArmedBear]

What barrel is on your 11-87?

Is it a Super Magnum?

A shorter barrel and a sling to make hiking around easier might serve you better than a 20 Gauge pump gun, especially if you're 5'7" and like a gun with a good swing.

 

[STiTkacik]

It's a 26" barrel.

It's not a Super Magnum, but will accept 3" shells.

Really, I guess it's the only gun I need - as it's very versitile. I just thought about maybe getting something to take some load off the 1187 as it is my clays gun too.

I shoot a good bit of clays at the farm on the weekends - nothing competitive or anything.

 

[Dave McCracken]

$130? Buy it....

As for the LOP, standard shotguns are pretty much stocked for someone 5'8' or so. I seriously doubt the stock will give you much trouble.

Do some practice mounts. The new shotgun will let you know where to hold it.

Enjoy, the LW 20 is a fun thing as well as a capable, effective weapon.