What is it about "Tactical" Shotguns?

[Republic of Alberta]

I will buy an 8.5 after I find out they are 100% legal Non restricted.

Then I am going to make a holster for it from a pant leg cut off an old pair of "trousers"

 

[SuperCub]

This attitude reminds me alot of Jim Zumbo.

Now one that really hurt.



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[Calum]

I doubt you would see many of these in the woods during a "slugs only" deer season.

Send it to me and I'll show you the Deer, and Grouse I get with it (prob' next season).

Seriously dude, Deer do not need fud guns to hunt, and in fact everything that makes this Shotgun tactical, would make it a damn fine shotgun hunting rig IMHO.

I'd only put a nice red dot on it (or picatinny mounted sight with a ghost ring aperture), install some removable chokes, and replace that crappy 4 shot shell holder for a Mesa 8 rounder (that does not block the serial number).

 

[SuperCub]

Seriously dude, Deer do not need fud guns to hunt, and in fact everything that makes this Shotgun tactical, would make it a damn fine shotgun hunting rig IMHO.

Good point cuz I have a classic SxS upland gun & dog combo and didn't even shoot one grouse this year because of work commitments. , but I do think that SxS is alot more useable in the field than a 8.5" 12ga handblaster.

I did manage to get out one full day deer huntin' and get a spike horn buck with my fudster 257 Roberts.

Only thing left to hunt now are wabbits.


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[bogie]

Seems like some folks are missing the point. Even a tactical 870 can be hunted for various game by simply undoing a nut and putting the appropriate barrel on it as with a lot of pumps. So you could tart them up to hearts content and still hunt effectively. Isnt most of the appeal of a pump that it can become so many useful or pretty things? Tart or bling to you hearts content and in hunting season go back to fuddy or drag all the tarty around if that lights your candle. Some guys have to have something different and this is a nice way to pull it off. I bought the Express cuz it shines not and is half the price of a shiny 870. That said, I am already starting to Tacticize the shottie. Some people like the look of plastic or the durability aspect. I have hunted often in -40 in my younger years and if the Tacs had been available I might have owned one but I like the look of wood and it is warmer in the cold.
Also, long or short barrels are still effective for Zombie Control so fill yer boots! Just get out there and shoot the damn things Just IMHO of course. I only know what I like... Note to Supercub-I have asked the same question. Great thread!

 

[Calum]

Good point cuz I have a classic SxS upland gun & dog combo and didn't even shoot one grouse this year because of work commitments. , but I do think that SxS is alot more useable in the field than a 8.5" 12ga handblaster.

I'd have to agree about the 8" handblaster...I'd get one only for bear defence.

Also I hear yah about missing the hunt, I managed to get out once so far this season, and me and my tactical shotgun had a nice long walk in the woods, and we saw nothing the whole day.

Pretty spooky actually, it was like all the critters had vanished.

 

[Wild_Thing]

Good job Calum, configuring your shotgun as a spice rack. Tactical and stealthy, always a winning combo.

 

[Gatehouse]

Seems like some folks are missing the point. Even a tactical 870 can be hunted for various game by simply undoing a nut and putting the appropriate barrel on it as with a lot of pumps. So you could tart them up to hearts content and still hunt effectively. Isnt most of the appeal of a pump that it can become so many useful or pretty things? !

that's exactly what I do wiht my 14" pump gun. I install a 26" barrel wiht choke tubes for shooting clays and if I ever go waterfowling (which is rare)

 

[Gatehouse]

Good point cuz I have a classic SxS upland gun & dog combo and didn't even shoot one grouse this year because of work commitments. , but I do think that SxS is alot more useable in the field than a 8.5" 12ga handblaster.

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For hunting, the sxs makes more sense. For bear defense, the sxs is likely easier to shoot well with less practice. For ber defense when portability when your hands are full is important, the handblaster wins.

Clearly, the 8.5 is a special purpose firearm, just like a long range HB barrel varmit rifle is a special purpose firearm.

 

[Calum]

Good job Calum, configuring your shotgun as a spice rack. Tactical and stealthy, always a winning combo.

Bawhaha!

Hey the Ex-wife was watching Martha steward all morning in the background...I just couldn't help myself.

 

[DragonFire]

.........and the colours in that photo seem to blend together quite well also.

DF

 

[DarrylDB]

I doubt you would see many of these in the woods during a "slugs only" deer season.

Wanna bet my old 870 with the remington factory 14 inch barrel, and modified choke would put Winchester Xpert 1 1/4 oz HP slugs into 2.5 inches @ 50 yards with a bead. Sure as #### I carried it. and it just had normal wood Express stocks on it.

Good point cuz I have a classic SxS upland gun & dog combo and didn't even shoot one grouse this year because of work commitments. , but I do think that SxS is alot more useable in the field than a 8.5" 12ga handblaster.
Only thing left to hunt now are wabbits.
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The funny thing is Paul, I have both a 14 inch 870 with a Knoxx stock, and a half decent over and under and have found myself carrying my 870. Not because its "cool", but because its so much more versitile than my OU, and it fits nearly everywhere in a "ready to go" configuration. I wouldnt think of slapping my OU on the front rack of my Quad and going for a ride, but the 870 I dont feel bad about giving it character marks. Its easy to carry in the bush, and with the burris Tactical extreme red dot, you'd be suprised how good on clays the gun is. So far, its been just hell on chickens.
I have a nice short hardcase for it, so it packs everywhere, and doesnt take up much room. If I wasnt using it all the time, I'd ship it out to you to give it a whirl for a bit and see for yourself if they have any plus's. Right now, Im convinced its a very viable and versitile gun in the bush regardless of what your hunting. Mind you, they're not for everyone. (Neither is a side by side, I prefer an O/U)

 

[bogie]

And the 870 (especially the Express) just LOOKS right with scratches and scuffs. Kinda like the 4x4 covered in mud. Not an elegant gun but effective and tough. I may pick up a newer used 870 Wingmaster later on if I see a nice one cuz they are nice range guns too. Ribbed 28in barrel is killer on clays and a fairly large hoot too. Pretty up the wood a bit with a nice new finish and have something nice to do upland birds as well as a dressier gun for clays. The Express will do all the dirty or wet stuff. I would love to have a spensive o/u for the range but ties up too much cash for a pretty when the pump will do the job nicely. I could buy 10 Expresses for 1 decent o/u and I would freak if I scratched it. The Express gets too messed up then spray paint and go shoot some more. Makes a nice beater out of the box. Carry both barrels in the bush-dont weigh much and swap in field in seconds if situation changes. I might get a shortie too just to play with. And up close Zombie control as well.