Whitetail Shotgun Advice Needed.

[BHay]

I'm new to hunting and considering using my model 870 express with an 18" barrel and slugs for the upcoming firearms season. A second barrel I own for the gun is 29" with a vent rib and screw-in chokes, which I understand is not compatible with slugs. The 18" barrel makes the gun handy and light. I'll take the gun to the range this week to check my marksmanship with the setup. I'm hoping for 60+ yard range/accuracy.

Any thoughts from others that may have tried this setup? Can the longer barrel be set up for slugs?

Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[matrem]

Screw in tubes are fine with slugs, in fact several companies sell "rifled tubes" just for slugs.While a rifled tube would likely be more accurate with some slugs(sabot), they are not a must.
I'd take both bbls to the range, try both & hunt with the one you can shoot the best.
I'm with you on that shorter bbl being far more handy though.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // My 1976 870 Wingmaster 28" VR Mod. (fixed) choke will shoot 3" groups at 50 yards with Remington 12ga. Sluggers.

When I tried 50 yards with my 2009 870 Express Tac. with ghost rings and 18 1/2" Mod. (screw in) choke the groups increased to between 6"-8".

YMMV

 

[T.R.]

I have a short 19 inch barrel for my Mossberg with no choke. It shoots plain slugs into a 6 inch circle at 35 yards. Nothing to brag about but acceptable for up close shooting. In contrast, my rifled slug barrel with 4X scope and Hornady sabot ammo is a vastly different. With this otfit, I can hit a beer can at 80 yards every time. Recoil is severe even though barrel is factory ported.

This year, I plan to hunt with my scoped muzzle-loader rifle instead of the shotgun. Choice is largely based upon the unpleasant recoil of the slug gun.

Jack

 

[IndispensableDestiny]

I've found that not all sabots will stabilize with a rifled choke. A Winchester BRI or Lightfield EXP will, a Federal Barnes Expander or Remington Copper Solid will not. I have a rifled barrel for my BPS and it shoots Lightfield slugs the best and the deer just drop. I just bought a Savage 220F and plan on using that this season.

 

[mbopp]

Fostner (hollow base) slugs are soft lead and will pass through your choke tubes. You may want to try the least restrictive tube you have.
I had a 28" barrel that I cut 2" off of, effectively removing the choke. It puts Federal 1-oz slugs into 4" at 75 yards, and that's all I ask of it. It shoots way better than the 20" unrifled slug barrel I had did.
Note I'm not talking about the sabot slugs or any slug meant for a rifled barrel.
Williams makes adjustable rifle-type sights that clamp onto the rib if you don't want to mount a scope.

 

[Sunray]

"...considering using my Model 870 Express..." It'll do nicely. You must try a box of as many brands as you can to find the ammo it shoots best, just like a rifle though. And you must sight in just like a rifle too.
"...shoots plain slugs into a 6 inch circle at 35 yards..." Certainly plenty of accuracy for close in deer, but change ammo. Two to 3" at 100 isn't unusual with the right ammo. Even with a smooth bore.
"...Williams makes..." They make a Firesight 'ghost ring' aperture for their WGRS line too. $9.95.