Remington 870 slug gun

[whitetailwoodsarcher]

Hey guys looking to pick up one of these in 12 gauge. Looking at the synthetic fully rifled 20" barreled gun. Main use would be deer and moose hunting. Also I would be taking it up north with me. I am just wondering if it would be ok to fire some birdshot rounds out of it? Also wondering how good the gun is?
Thanks.

 

[Scamaniac]

The gun is good but the rifled barrel is no good with any type of shot at any range. It spins the shot into a donut pattern.

 

[Phukit]

I am wondering the same how is the 870?

Also i am considering the Mossberg 535 you should look into that as well heard some very good things.

the 535 comes with 2 barrels as well.

 

[blasted_saber]

You wont hurt it shooting shot through it, it just wont pattern worth beans.

In complete honesty you'd be better off throwing a rock at the bird. I tried it on targets and was not confident I could achieve a kill shot on a grouse at 5 meters.

The plus side is 870s have extremely easy interchangeable barrels. You could probably find a 30" full choke barrel for under $50 from an old wingmaster that will fit the Express model as well, with little effort.

 

[Phukit]

I looked at the 870 express and it comes with 2 barrels 24" rifled and 28" VR smooth-bore

 

[blasted_saber]

I looked at the 870 express and it comes with 2 barrels 24" rifled and 28" VR smooth-bore

If you buy a combo, yes. You can buy them on their own as well.

 

[BCP]

Hey guys looking to pick up one of these in 12 gauge. Looking at the synthetic fully rifled 20" barreled gun. Main use would be deer and moose hunting. Also I would be taking it up north with me. I am just wondering if it would be ok to fire some birdshot rounds out of it? Also wondering how good the gun is?
Thanks.

As Scamaniac and blasted_saber said, bird shot will come out in a useless pattern more than 3 meters away. You can get photos of test results from the website 'Box of Truth'.

Rifled shotgun barrels are good for extending the range of deer and moose hunting, but at a very high price. Sabot slugs cost $14 to $18 for a box of 5 rounds! So unless you reload, it can be an expensive way to hunt. Are there restrictions that require you to hunt with a shotgun?