Ordered a new 870, now what?

[tparker]

I just ordered a new 870 (Express mag, 12 ga., 26 in. barrel) this will be my second shotgun next to my grandpa's old SXS 12 ga and I'll be using this gun mainly for hunting with a little trap and skeet as well. I'm wondering if there is anything I will need to do before shooting it? Any advice would be welcomed.

 

[Sundance62]

Love the 870, but good luck using one for skeet...the limited distance of clays in skeet don't make the lack of chokes a deal killer, but you'll have to be very fast with a pump action to hit doubles as well as O/U or autoloader shooters. As for trap, if your barrel does not come with chokes, even 16 yrd. trap will be iffy - not to say it won't still be fun, but just that your scores won't be what they could be.

I plan to get an 870 at some point, and am hoping to get a backbored, cylinder lengthened, ported barrel, and a Mesa Tactical adjustable buttstock and rail adapter. Probably a Vang Comp.

As for what to do before shooting it, all you need to do i clean the barrel and you're good to go.

 

[ArmedBear]

"Lack of chokes?"

Huh? A basic 870 works great as a trap gun.

The thing comes with a Modified Remchoke, which works fine for 16 yard trap. It will work out to 27 yards, especially with game loads like 7.5 shot at 1290 or the similar STS Handicap loads. I shot a progressive with mine last week (28" barrel) and it worked fine. Anything I missed was my fault, not the guns. Then I hit all 25 from 16 yards. It's hard to do that with a gun that won't hit them.

WRT shucking them, just don't use cheap Winchester rounds and you can shoot doubles. I think skeet would be frustrating but really good practice! You won't win anything but you might just have fun.

Do consider getting the "upgrade kit" with a fancier choke wrench and two more choke tubes (IC and F, both steel compatible) somewhere along the line. It's about $30. But you don't need it to start.

The finish is rust-prone if you sweat on it. I also recommend wiping it down with a rust-preventative wipe like Sheath Takealongs or Bullfrog Gun Wipes if it gets wet or sweaty. And give the action a little oil. That's about it.

 

[dfariswheel]

Here's the basics for a new 870.

When you get it, disassemble per the owner's manual.
Clean the factory grit and dirty lube out of it.

Check it over, looking for any possible factory defects like heavy burrs, or anything that doesn't look right.

CLEAN THE BARREL, ESPECIALLY THE CHAMBER.

Most problems reported with new 870's are usually caused by fouled chambers from failing to clean before shooting.

Re-lube it with your favorite lube, reassemble, and have at it.

 

[cslinger]

What I have found, and take this with a grain of salt because I am far from at shotgun guru.

Clean it and lube it out of the box. Pay attention to the rails and where the bolt rides along the receiver.

Other then that shoot several hundred rounds through it to smooth it out. Once you have done that you will have a super smooth reliable shotgun.

Repeat step one as necessary.

 

[richardschennberg]

The lowest cost solution is an Express Upgrade Kit (available for 12 or 20 gauge). It includes two chokes, Improved Cylinder and Full, a handy choke speed wrench, and a bottle for REM oil. Improved Cylinder is O.K. for Skeet, especially if you like hard breaks, and Full is perfect for Handicap Trap. You could use Modified or Full at the 16 yard line. Modified is fine if you see and break the bird quickly, but Full will force you to learn the precision you need for Handicap and Doubles.

Shot size: #8 if you want one for everything. Otherwise, use #8.5 or #9 for Skeet and #8 or #7.5 for Sporting Clays and Trap at the 16 yard line. So far light field loads 1090-1200 fps are O.K. For Handicap Trap and the second shot of Doubles, #7.5 is better, and 1250-1290 fps 1 1/8 oz loads are best if you can handle the recoil.

If you always shoot doubles with a pump, just get used to pumping as soon as the gun fires.

Happy Shooting!
Richard
Schennberg.com

 

[Dave McCracken]

Congrats, you've just gotten one of the finest tools ever made. The guys have steered you right on the prep work, especially the cleaning.

Besides a couple chokes and a wrench, you'll need ammo. Do pattern and see where you're hitting.

There's a thread in the floaters at the top of this forum on breaking in new pumps that may help you.....

 

[Falcontech]

Congrats on your purchase. I got an 870 some months back. I Love it. Haven't shot it all that much as of yet, but I'm hooked.