My first shotgun

[bfhcards]

First let me say, I really like this site. I posted some questions about buying my first rifle. I had done a good bit of research but the members here really helped me solidify my choice. I ended up with a Remington 700 sps 30-06 and a VXII 3x9 50mm with leupold rings and base. The good people at Cabelas laser sighted the gun and I am taking it out next week for the first range visit with it.

I bought this rifle for Deer and the season is almost over so I won’t use it much for the next 10 months. This being said I decided I want to give duck hunting a shot (pun intended and probably over used here)

I have done some research and have narrowed it down to either a new 11-87 sportsman with a 28 inch barrel or a used 11-87 Special Purpose ( due to price) I would also like to use it next year for deer in certain areas where rifle hunting is prohibited. So I am looking at about $520 for the 11-87 sportsmen with the 28 inch barrel and another $170 for the cantilever barrel and somewhere around 250-300 for a scope

As in my first post I am just curious to know what you more knowledgeable enthusiasts think of my choice. I have not purchased it yet and aim to do so in the next few months.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome aboard.

Sounds OK to me, the 11-87 is a decent semi. A couple things, though...

Most shotgun areas are strong on short range shots. Where I hunt in MD, 50 yards is a long shot. If you use a scope, stick to the lower powers.

That cantilever barrel is fully rifled. Best check local laws and make sure it's legal where you want to hunt.

Use sabot slugs abd bench test to find the most accurate.

HTH....

 

[bfhcards]

Dave.

Thanks for the reply. I too am from MD(Howard County) So you probably know some of the placed I plan on using this.

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're very welcome,

Grew up near Clarksville. If you still have hunting access amid all the Yuppy habitat, count your blessings.

I'll be at PGC tomorrow morn, if you want meet me and we can shoot some. I;ll be the big guy with the grin and either an old but well preserved 870 or a brand new Beretta O/U.

 

[bfhcards]

Dave,

I am stuck here in philly for a little while longer. Thanks for the invite. I am an Ellicot city folk. I hope that offer is good for another day as I desperatly seek more people who know what they are speaking of.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Some other time then. I hit the range most every week....

 

[MikeWSC]

bfhcards

Just chirpin in. Daves right, the 11-87 is pretty good with a lower power
scope/cant. barrel & rifled barrel.
Have the syn. stocked version and put one of the new Muller 2-7 scopes on
her and my boy took a nice doe at 80 yards. Using Rem's Copper Solids.

Happy Holidays !............ Mike

 

[bfhcards]

PGC

Dave,

Thanks for the help, I dropped you a pm hope thats ok. One more question. Where is PGC

Edit

I found it PG County Skeept and trap

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're welcome. Saw the pm, will answer shortly.

 

[Mark8252]

My Opinion

You will do well with your choice of firearms.
I give you credit for doing the research. It will pay off for you.
Happy Hunting and be safe.

 

[bfhcards]

This is an older post but thought I would update it. I purchased a used 11-87 sp today. It is in perfect order not a mark on it and I am uncertain if it has been fired. It has a 26 inch barrel and came with all the factory chokes. Good deal at 400 bucks,I hope anyway. Now to start shooting at clay birds before I shoot the real ones.

 

[yhtomit]

bhcards -- where'd you find your shotgun?

I just glanced down this thread, was smiling at the geography of things. I went to middle and high school in Howard County, and am now going to law school in Philadelphia

Did you pick up your gun in / near Philadelphia? I haven't found much in the way of gun stores there; I guess the supply of illegal ones is good enough At the Philly Archery and Gun Club, there's at least a small shop, though; I'd estimate less than 100 guns on display (but maybe I'm wrong). It makes "real" gun shops I've been to elsewhere seem even better than they are. (Guns & Ammo in Memphis, for instance.)

Or did you find a private seller?

timothy

 

[Dave McCracken]

Great, glad to hear you have a shotgun. Now BA/UU/R.

The offer's open. I'll be shooting this Friday morn....

 

[bfhcards]

My 11-87

Timothy,

I purchased my gun at Cabelas. I would say they have a few hundred used guns and probably 500 new and collectors’ grade. It’s about 1 1/2 hours from Philly and worth the trip in my estimation. I know have a shotgun and a rifle purchased both from there. If you ever need a shooting partner I live in Center City.

Dave,

I will be in MD Saturday to Monday. Is there a good place to go where I can find some friendly’s like you that would not mind a novice asking too many questions? I would like to shoot some clay, it’s been years for me and I have not fired this 11-87.


PS

what is BA/UU/R.

 

[yhtomit]

"I know have a shotgun and a rifle purchased both from there. If you ever need a shooting partner I live in Center City."

Are you by chance a member of the S. Philly Archery & Gun Club?

In shooting as in much else, I am a perpetual newbie, but enjoy shooting there, and hope to do so at least once a week through this summer (and next year, for that matter).

timothy

 

[skeeter1]

It's a small world.

I am an Ellicot city folk.

My best friend of 40 years lives in Ellicott City, and every time I go to visit I'm amazed at how much more development keeps going on. There can't be much hunting space left in Howard county. His family was somewhat out in the boonies 20-some years ago, but not any more.

Back to firearms, I really enjoy duck hunting, and I think a modified choke with either a 26" or 28" barrel is perfect. I like SxS doubles, but if you like the 11-87, I'm sure it will be a great choice. Happy hunting!

 

[Dave McCracken]

Buy Ammo, Use Up, Repeat. The Shotgunner's Mantra.

Darn, working Sat to Friday. Maybe next time.

PGC, AKA Prince George's Trap And Skeet Center is on Good Luck Rd near Greenbelt. Stop by the clubhouse, buy some trap tickets and mention you're new or rusty. Good bunch....

 

[bfhcards]

Timothy,

I have never been there but would love to go. Feel free to PM me.

Skeeter,

The Development out there is crazy. Not as bad as here in the evil city but still to much. I dont hunt in Howard county but usually out near Fredrick.

Dave,

Sorry you will not be around. If i can talk my girlfriend into it I will try to drop by PGC.
Thanks for the mantra and great info.

 

[Capstick1]

Remington 1187

This is a really good shotgun for the money. I own one and have no complaints. This shotgun does have one very minor "Achilles Heal" though. The gas system uses a rubber O ring around the magazine tube. When these O rings break or get worn out they will be the cause of most malfunctions that you encounter. These O rings are pretty inexpensive and if you change them out every 800 rounds or so you should have trouble free service with this shotgun.

 

[bfhcards]

Capstick1,

I guess I will need to figure out how to replace one and purchase soem spares. it will take me a long while to shoot that many rounds.

Thanks