- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
Don’t forget an older Ithaca m37, they’re light with a smooth action and slam fire is a bonus.
Shotgun recommendation
- Thread starter KDX
- Start date
@Butcherbill, ..... wait a min .... you are not recommending an 870?? What is happening?
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Shooter_01
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Durham Region, Ontario
Another vote for the 590A1. 14” would be a bonus.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Yeah. Early season I carry a newer 28 gauge circa 2009. But when there's snow on the ground that stays I have an M-37 in 20 gauge 2 3/4 chamber made 1971.
It's the bee's knees with 26 inch IC fixed choke.
Back on topic I own several of these in 12 gauge also. ;-)
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
Haha, I cannot lie I do love an 870 but nobody’s mentioned the M37 and it’s such a nice pump gun to carry around.
My 500 JIC 18.5" bead sight has been 100% reliable over the years.
It's worn a Hogue 12" lop stock (for use with bulky clothing) but my fav is set up with a Raptor's grip/sling combo.
Light and quick for intuitive shooting.....
It's worn a Hogue 12" lop stock (for use with bulky clothing) but my fav is set up with a Raptor's grip/sling combo.
Light and quick for intuitive shooting.....
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
When I lived in South Saskatchewan cash was kind of tight I only owned two shotguns. A Baikal IJ58 and a Mav88 both in 12 gauge. It's really something else the very good service these two inexpensive shotguns provided for myself. My larder was always full of jackrabbits sharptails and huns.
I have shot lots of shotguns and my favorite to date is the 870 Remington . but I wouldn't hesitate to do what I had to do with a Mossberg 590 or 500 or Ithaca 37 or a Winchester model 12. they all work just fine . the 870 P as the gentleman in the post above suggested to get has up dated springs and some forged parts . have fun shopping .
The barrel length is the better determinant with respect to effective range.
Now to answer the question; I've used a 14"bbl M590A1 to make effective hits on silhouettes with #4 Buck at 20m, OO buck at 25m and 1 oz. slugs at 50m not to mention really ticking people off playing skeet games with #7.5 Bird Shot. A good way to improve competitive effectiveness for shotgun games using a 14"bbl is to throw a tough red dot or holographic sight on the top and pattern with that.
-S.
Is anyone that will be using it left handed? If so the safety on the Mossberg is ambidextrous. Other than that choose an 870 or 500. I have more experience with the 870 but I find the controls on the 500 easier to use, not that the 870 is difficult to use mind you.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
Barrel length really only affects muzzle velocity and follow through while shooting at a moving target, I’ve never noticed much difference when it comes to distance from 12.5” to 28” length barrels.
Chokes will allow you to control pattern density at distances, which is more important to me than barrel length in practical use from what I find, I’m getting the same patterns with relatively the same chokes at the same distance with a 12.5” or a 28” barrel. That extra 15.5” of barrel length really doesn’t mean I’m able to hit a rabbit or a grouse any better at a given distance.
But to answer your question I can reliably shoot small game out to the 35-40y mark with a 12.5”-14” barreled 12g.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
35-40 yard clean small game harvest is in the ball park for 20 gauge with high brass loads and modified choke.
And is about 5-7 yards beyond the capability of most 410 shotshells & full choke.
My two bits only.
And is about 5-7 yards beyond the capability of most 410 shotshells & full choke.
My two bits only.
Mossberg 500/590 (Best Pump-Action)
Mossberg Maverick 88 (Best Budget Pump-Action)
Maverick 88 pump-action models are fully-interchangeable with Mossberg 500 barrels (within gauge and capacity). The diverse selection of available accessory barrels allow shooters to adapt their Maverick 88 for multiple hunting or security purposes.
Mossberg 930 Tactical (Relatively Affordable Semi-Automatic)
Mossberg Maverick 88 (Best Budget Pump-Action)
Maverick 88 pump-action models are fully-interchangeable with Mossberg 500 barrels (within gauge and capacity). The diverse selection of available accessory barrels allow shooters to adapt their Maverick 88 for multiple hunting or security purposes.
Mossberg 930 Tactical (Relatively Affordable Semi-Automatic)
If you are interested in Magpul furniture, I'd suggest try before you buy. I find the furniture on my 870 fits and feels different than the standard stuff. With a Magpul stock, my hand is in a bit of a different position. That being said, the spacer inserts work well for my Sasquatch arms.
