Tyros, novices and newbies....

[NewShooter78]

Dave,
Read your post on PGO shotguns. Good article, and I remember one similar to it back on TFL. But here's a question sort of in the same vein. What is your opinion on PG full lenght stocks? I will be bringing my shotty with me to the range everytime I go from now on, so as to become a more efficient shotgunner. It's totally different from what I'm used to, so I really need the range time.

I think that I'll be adding a better but pad on my Mossberg though. My shoulder doesn't hurt, but it shure is red . I guess that's to be expected from a new shotgun shooter though. And since I fixed a little problem with my tube spring, I shouldn't have any feeding problems again. I don't know how it happend but the spring in the tube bent over on itself, and wasn't applying pressure to the shells, and they weren't dropping properly on the elevator ( can't remember the proper term at the moment and don't feel like grabbing my manual).

Thanks for all the good advice. Maybe this should be a topic to float on here?

 

[Dave McCracken]

78, I see little downside to PG equipped stocks, except on Mossbergs and any others with tang safety systems. I also see very little advantage.

A good pad will help, good form will help more. As you get into shotgunning, your form will improve. Meantime, use the lightest loads you can find.

Not sure about floating, don't want the top of the forum too cluttered...

 

[rebbryan]

is dry firing okay on the 870?

what are snap caps?

870 stock didn't come w/ a sling stud. i know you can buy ones w/, but can you drill one? if so, what do i use?

 

[rebbryan]

also, what's all this plated and unplated stuff? and what's the difference in the metals used?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Reb, a few decades ago conventional wisdom said that dry firing 870s in very cold conditions could result in the firing pin breaking. I saw it happen on ONE 870 way back. Never had it happen to me.

Snap caps are inert devices resembling shotgun shells, but with a soft material in place of the primer to take the force of the firing pin and cushion it. Some have a little spring loaded button there, others use a medium soft plastic. The spring loaded ones are better.

I guess you're talking about plated shot. Some shot has a very thin coating of material other than lead, copper and nickel for instance. This is supposed to aid lubricity of the load as the shot travels through the bore and choke, and the plating in theory keep the shot rounder.

I've installed a couple sling studs, and messed up a nice stock trying to. Brownell's sells a jig that prevents the drill from slipping. Use a drill bit that's the same size of the body of the screw part of the studd, not the size of the threads.

HTH...

 

[USAFA]

BA/UU/R

Okay, I'll admit that I hadn't thought much about my SG until I started reading this board. I have an old 870 riot gun, 20"bbl, no choke kept in the closet with the magazine full and the chamber empty.
I've been thinking about taking up some form of clay shooting (based on the BA/UU/R principle) but am an absolute novice and don't know anyone at this base who shoots SG. So I guess my questions are:

1) What's the diference in the clay sports? Which would you recomend for a newbie?

2) How much do I need to change the setup of my 870? I'm guessing I need a longer barrel, but would it be better to buy a new barrel and swap it out before I go to the range or should I just think about getting another 870?

3) Since the consensus is that money is better spent on ammo than on gadgets, what drills or excercises could I be doing with my current setup that would help me develop my skills.

Thanks for your help

 

[sm]

Open cyl is going to best for closer in targets such as in Skeet. From shooting pad to center stake is 21 yds. Dove/quail loads will be fine. Skeet consists of a 7 shooting stations in a semi circle. The trap house on left is high, one on the left is low. Singles and doubles are thrown. Station 8 is in the middle of two houses.

I would bet after hunting season you could pick up an Express 870 used one season for the same monies as a bbl. Then again check the paper ...some one may have succumbed to the latest greatest new gun fever and needs the monies...then there are those needing monies going into the holidays.

Be patient and carry cash. Having one SG is good, Having a 2nd one like it is gooder

 

[Dave McCracken]

USAFA, in addition to what 73 said, here's a couple things...

Chokeless shotguns are useful within 25 yards or so. Besides skeet, many 5 stand and Sporting Clays shots occur within that range. So does the typical COF at Practical matches.

Trap demands mo' choke. If you pick up another barrel or complete 870 with a longer, choked barrel you can shoot trap, a good place to start. Skeet's good too, but trap's shallower angles for most shots and precision shooting seems to be better for newbies.

As for setting up your 870, basically it consists of getting the fit right for you and making sure the trigger is clean and fairly light, around 3.5-4 lbs.

Practice mounting your 870 frequently, a few hundred dry mounts every week help more than you can believe.

Jerry Meyer's "Clay Target Handbook" gives a great overview of the clay sports and has much good input.

Now, BA/UU/R and have fun.

HTH...

 

[Bob F.]

forcing cones

Dave, you mentioned forcing cones on 2 of your built up 870's. At in-house range wouldn't a cyclinder bore or "hacksaw" choke be fine? I would think a 12" pattern at the target would be about optimum regardless of shot size-- small enough to assure a high percentage of shot on target and big enough to assure a hit (in as much as a hit can be assured!). But what do I know? Full choke 28" is impressive with 00 at 25 yds!
I'm currentl in the market for a HD shotgun, preferrably an 870.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Bob, I do like the long cones, but it's something to do later.

In house,choke is meaningless.

I'd prefer a 73 caliber hole right at center mass, but a pattern up to 15" can be quite effective.

Why 15"? Measure the distance across your torso just below the shoulders.

 

[Bob F.]

Jump over and see my "Charles Daly HD?" thread. This takes up where that left off. Might also check the one re $160 870's.

Went shotgun shopping today. Nary a used 870 in this section of world. Dealer said he occassionally got one, but rarely had it more than a day or 2. Found some Mossy's and even an Ithica and a Model 12. Found a new 870 18" (I assume) w/ factory extended mag and black syn stock--$325.
Another Shop had a 18" w/ regular mag, black syn stock and Hi-viz rifle sights, which I didn't like for $329.

Local trading paper has a 870 Wingmaster 30" Full choke for $265. Could be tempting! Gonna wait til the new paper comes out Wed and BUY SOMETHING!! Actually have the wife's blessing on a new 870, hhmmm, wonder what she bought?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Bob, whatever she bought, it's worth it.

I'd be tempted to pick up that older 870 for $265, and call around for a used 18" riot barrel.Often those shops handling police style stuff have leftovers from barrel upgrades.

DML,who posts here, had some for sale last year for $50, IIRC.

HTH...