Need recommendation on 870 barrel

[dutch552]

I have a new 870 Express 12 gauge that I an converting to use as a HD gun and would like some recommendations on which 18-20 inch barrel to buy. I have looked at the Midway site but there are so many options I don't know which to go with. Any thoughts?

This barrel will be strictly for HD use, alternating buckshot/slugs, do not care for ghost ring sights.

 

[DaleCooper51]

For ghost ring sights, only the front sight is on the barrel. You would have to have your receiver drilled and tapped for the rear sight.

As for a home defense barrel, I would definitely get a smooth bore barrel. I used to have a 20" rifle sighted smooth bore that worked well, but I find that I am quicker and like just a plain bead bead front sight more than the rifle sights. You wont notice all that much difference between 18 and 20 inch barrels. Either cylinder bore or improved cylinder would work well.

Do you have any friends with either of the barrels on their shotguns? Trying one out, might help you make up your mind.

Dale

 

[mgkdrgn]

1/2 way down the page, 870 barrels by Mossberg. Either one will do just fine.

http://www.havlinsales.com/closeout.htm

 

[357wheelgunner]

Call Remington factory, they have very reasonable prices on their barrels.

You can get an 18" bead sight barrel for $100, or an 18" rifle sight barrel for $140. Those prices are for parkerized barrels, the cheaper finish drops the price even more.

I ordered my last barrel from Remington, it was at my door in 4 days.

 

[Snarlingiron]

I bought a Remington 870 HD setup. It came with an 18" barrel. I wanted rifle sights on it. When I checked out the sights, it was going to cost me ~125.00+ to buy the sights. I bought a 20" rifle sighted barrel for about the same amount. It was matte finished so it matched the express action that it went on. I still have the unfired 18" bead sighted barrel that I took off of the original gun.

I have been extremely pleased with the barrel and the sights. I think they are a couple of bucks more now, but still a bargain.

 

[match308]

Look at the 870 Breacher barrel made by Mossberg. Its great and not too pricey. Got mine new for $125

 

[Snarlingiron]

Mine is the exact one King Ghidora got, and my experience with it is much the same as his.

 

[riverdog]

A third here with a 20" rifle sight smooth bore -- IC choke, but mine only has a 2 3/4" chamber -- I've had it since 1982. On a whim I replaced the sights on the barrel with tritium and forgot all about it until I pulled it out one night and could actually see the sights. Shotguns are pointed with clay games and birds; at HD distances they are aimed or you can easily miss.

$.02, YMMV

 

[czarjl]

IMO anything between 18"-22" will work fine.