Talk to me about the Remington 870

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
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I'm considering getting one for skeet mainly, but possibly bird hunting down the road. My local shop has the tactical on saw for 300 and I was thinking of jumping. However I'm not sure if the tactical is good for what I want. A buddy mentioned the tactical didn't have a removeable choke, but I think all current 870s do.

Any thoughts?
 
Jun 30, 2008
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I'm a big fan of the Remington 870.

I shoot skeet on a regular basis with a Remington 870 Wingmaster and it works flawlessly. I also love the overall feel of it. The action is very smooth and firm, and it is well built.

I would not get the tactical version if you're going to be shooting skeet and hunting birds. If I recall correctly, the 870 tactical has an 18" long barrel.

I've tried shooting skeet with an 18" barrel before, and I'll just say this - it doesn't work that well. :p
 

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
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Why's that? I'm a total noob when it comes to shotguns, so this is the kind of stuff I need to know. What size of barrel would be better? What gauge?
 

Brigandier

Diamond Member
Feb 12, 2008
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Why's that? I'm a total noob when it comes to shotguns, so this is the kind of stuff I need to know. What size of barrel would be better? What gauge?

You need a 20 gauge, it's 8 more than a 12. If a 12 gauge can kill a bear, a 20 gauge can kill god.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,557
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It's a pump action shotgun. You load the tube with shells, cycle it once to load the barrel and you pull the trigger. Gun goes off, you pump it again to eject the spent shell and load a new one and you're ready to fire another shot.

Oh, and 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge. I own a Winchester 1200 Defender (12 gauge pump action shotgun) and a 20 gauge Beretta Over/Under shotgun. The Winchester is the blunt instrument, the Beretta is the beautiful, surgically-crafted gentleman's firearm.
 
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GagHalfrunt

Lifer
Apr 19, 2001
25,284
1,997
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Real men shoot skeet with a .410

OP, you definitely do not want a Remington 870 Tactical for your intended use. Damn fine shotgun, but not the right tool for the job. Find an 870 Express, much more useful, you might actually hit something with it.
 

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
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www.slatebrookfarm.com
870 Express, not 870 tactical. When I got my 870, it came with a bird barrel & a deer barrel. It's nice to have removable chokes (in the case that the one on sale doesn't; I have no clue.) That way, if you decide to take up hunting, you can use a full choke for turkeys.
 

HOOfan 1

Platinum Member
Sep 2, 2007
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The longer the barrel, the longer the sight radius. Most skeet/trap guns have long barrels.
 

gorcorps

aka Brandon
Jul 18, 2004
30,739
454
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I found what seems to be a standard 870 used for $300. 12 gauge, exterior is in quite nice condition AFAIC. It appears to have a removable choke, though doesn't come with anything extra. What's the difference between that and the newer express?
 

nick1985

Lifer
Dec 29, 2002
27,153
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Why's that? I'm a total noob when it comes to shotguns, so this is the kind of stuff I need to know. What size of barrel would be better? What gauge?

Get a 28" barrel 870 Wingmaster for skeet.

Thank me later
 
Jun 19, 2004
10,860
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<___Strokes his Mossberg 500 Pistol grip with folding stock. "Shhhh, baby...it's okay.No go boom right now."
 

Mackie2k

Senior member
May 18, 2000
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Love my 870. Easy to work on, easy to modify. $300 for the weapon, $70 for the ATI Tactical stock I think. It's a great home defense weapon.

img0714ex.jpg
 

HOOfan 1

Platinum Member
Sep 2, 2007
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Is it a synthetic or wooden stock?

The Express has a rough, matte finish. They go new for not much more than $300.
 

Saint Nick

Lifer
Jan 21, 2005
17,722
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My dad has a 370 Wingmaster from a loooong time ago. Works great for shooting trap and sheet, as well as pheasant and quail.

Its a wood stock, too ;)
 

Texashiker

Lifer
Dec 18, 2010
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Talk to me about the Remington 870

Any thoughts?

The 870 is one of the best shotguns ever made - period.

If your going to be hunting with 870, I would suggest at least a 20 - 22 inch barrel. The 18 inch barrel might have too much spread. There is a reason why the 870 express is loved by duck hunters, it works. Plan and simple, the 870 is reliable, and it works.
 

corwin

Diamond Member
Jan 13, 2006
8,644
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Have an 870 Express magnum myself and it works beautifully for skeet...or anything else you would want a shotgun to do, definitely a 20" barrell or better though, they usually come with a modified choke, which is my default choice for skeet but most people seem to prefer replacing it with a full...