What Barrell Length?

[Varmit]

I'm going to buy a 870 express for general use. Just a gun to beat around on the 4 wheeler etc., It would be used for a bit of everything.(except deer)

I am tempted to go with the 18 inch barrell length. Is this a bad idea, is the muzzle blast extreme with such a short barrel?

Comments from anyone with exerience with such a short barrell would be appreaciated.

 

[The Hippie]

muzzle blast isnt bad with an 18", although i have nothing to compare it to.
works great for grouse, and i can shoot clays from a canadian tire spring thrower with no problem.
its a fun gun, but if you plan on shooting ducks or geese from far away you will want it threaded for choke tubes.

Joe

 

[Can-down]

18 sounds good for the quad and you can always get a longer barrel later if you find you need it....

 

[trubluscrew]

You should be fine with the 18" (I have a 18" Mossberg--yeah, I know, it's not a 870). I use it for small game, grouse and deer. For ducks and geese, I would recommend a longer barrel (like Can-down said). A second barrel is cheaper then a second gun.

 

[raggmann]

I'm looking for a shorter barrell for my 870.
I'd like it short for easier storage in the tent trailer for bears and such.
The local gun shop is tellin me I can buy a new gun for less than a new barrell.
Anyone have a link to a site with barrells under about $150.00?
Ooooh,it's a l/h model too.

Thanks in advance,

 

[smoking hull]

check with dlask, the had brand new barrels at a good price.