Proven 870 hunting configurations: share your deadliest setup

[JJMarsh]

This forum has countless threads about 870 hunting applications, but I want to hear about your perfected field-tested configurations. What specific barrel length, choke, and ammunition combination have you settled on after years of hunting a particular game?

For my swamp deer hunting, nothing beats an 18.5" rifled barrel with a Vortex Venom red dot shooting Hornady SST slugs - 11 clean kills under 80 yards. Meanwhile, my buddy swears by his 28" vent-rib with an Extra Full choke for turkeys using Federal TSS #9s.

What's your absolute go-to 870 setup that you'd trust when the hunt really matters? Bonus points if you can share real-world results like effective range or harvest numbers.

[johnhsmith]

Solid setups! For thick-cover boar hunting, I've had great success with a 20" smoothbore barrel, Improved Cylinder choke, and Brenneke Black Magic slugs - 9 clean kills under 50 yards with devastating stopping power. The shorter barrel gives me quick handling in dense brush while still maintaining solid accuracy.

Love hearing about your swamp deer rig - might have to try that Vortex Venom combo next season!

[knilok]

For newbies: what three tests would you recommend to someone selecting their first 870 hunting setup?

[HaroldMatthews]

I’ve settled on a 21" vent-rib barrel, IC choke, and 2¾" Federal TruBall slugs for mixed-terrain hunts. It’s a simple setup but very reliable. I’ve taken 8 whitetails with it, all clean shots inside 60–70 yards. The shorter barrel handles well in brush, and with a quick choke swap I can switch to #4 or #6 for upland. Not a specialist rig, but a dependable all-rounder. Still debating whether a low-profile red dot is worth adding.