Do i need a new 870 barrell?

[pboal]

I picked up a synthetic 18" 870 mainly for practice as I carry one for work. I was looking to get into trap shooting for something fun to do. Would I be better off getting a new barrell thats longer and has a mod choke or getting my current barrell smithed for a removable choke?


Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[manbearpig]

would be roughly the same cost to get yours threaded for chokes and buy 1 choke, as it would to just buy a take-off 28" 870 vent rib barrel (<$150) already tapped for remchokes from the EE (and you wont be without a barrel while waiting for gunsmithing). personally, i would choose the latter option. if you change your mind you can always just throw it back on the EE.
just make sure you buy one with a 3" chamber.

 

[pboal]

Does it have to be 3". It can take 2 3/4 or 3" shells

 

[manbearpig]

yes a 3" will take both 2 3/4" and 3" shells.

the reason i specified to buy a barrel with a 3" chamber, is because there are people throwing old 2 3/4" wingmaster barrels on the EE. id pay up to $80 for one, if i wanted one for a cut-down project, but for the most part theyre useless when for a little bit more $ you can buy a 3" barrel. the old Wingmaster barrels also came with fixed chokes.

even if your gun is only capable of 2 3/4" (incidentally, 870 receivers are identical, the old 2 3/4" guns can be upgraded to 3" capability by swapping in a new ejector blade and ejector spring), its still smarter to buy 3" aftermarket barrels both for better resale value, and in case someone slips a 3" shell in your gun by accident.