Hi all, new member from NJ. I've been seeking more knowledge on the 870's and figured this would be the best place to come.
I have a question regarding barrels and I figured I'd jump right in.
I own a few handguns and rifles and recently took possession of my fathers 870 express magnum. I took it skeet shooting the other day and forgot how much fun it can be and plan on going more as the weather warms up here in NJ. The 870 with the stock 18" (I think) barrel isn't exactly a shooters first choice for skeet shooting but I love the gun. So my question is what are the best options out there for a new barrel geared towards skeet/trap shooting for the 870 express magnum? I came across the 870 26", REM Choke, Vent Rib. Would that work for my gun? Or are there better options out there? I don't necessarily need the top of the line barrel I'm just looking for something a little better for recreational skeet shooting.
Thank you in advance for any feedback.
Cheers,
-JR
Hello from NJ
Hello from NJ
That would work just fine. Actually just sold one off my synthetic Remington 870 express. The barrel you mentioned has the Remington screw in choke system so you'll have a decent length and the ability to change your choke to hear it toward whatever recreational shooting you may have in mind.
Hello from NJ
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Re: Hello from NJ
I think a 26" vent-rib would be great for skeet. Definitely look for one threaded for choke tubes, especially if you want to use it for hunting or other clay shooting games.
I mostly shoot trap, and I really like a 28" vent-rib barrel for that. I have shot skeet with it though, and while I could dust doubles when I did everything right, the swing still felt a tad slow. I'd love to get a shorter vent-rib for skeet and more reactive hunting when I have money to spend and more time to do clay shooting, but I have other priorities now. I've handled an 870 with a 26" vent-rib barrel and really liked the way it felt.
I would suggest looking at used barrels. I picked up my 28" Express trap barrel used, and got it and two choke tubes for $100. Those Express-finished barrels are around $200 new, and the higher-end Wingmaster ones are $250-$280. As long as it's in good shape, a used Express barrel will throw shot just as well as any brand-new one. Also, while brand-new barrels will sometimes have roughly-finished spots that can cause hang-ups with cheaper shells until they're worn down; a used barrel will already be broken in.
When looking at a used barrel, check the condition of the bore and chamber, and make sure there isn't any rust or pitting. If the bore has a coat of oil on it for storage, you should dry it out before inspecting it. Make sure the choke tube threads have been cared for properly; if there's a choke tube in it, it should thread out with little resistance and the threads should be clean and lubricated with some type of oil or grease. Check for dents or bulges on the outside of the barrel, and sight along the rib to make sure it's true. The finish doesn't have to be perfect, but you should be able to tell the difference between honest wear and abuse.
I'd also avoid a SuperMag barrel. It'll function fine, but the .75" jump the shot column has to make from a 2.75" shell in a 3.5" chamber isn't going to help patterning. For this reason, most serious competition guns are chambered for 2.75" shells only, but a 3" chamber will let you keep your options open for hunting, and you'll probably never notice any difference from the quarter-inch gap.
I mostly shoot trap, and I really like a 28" vent-rib barrel for that. I have shot skeet with it though, and while I could dust doubles when I did everything right, the swing still felt a tad slow. I'd love to get a shorter vent-rib for skeet and more reactive hunting when I have money to spend and more time to do clay shooting, but I have other priorities now. I've handled an 870 with a 26" vent-rib barrel and really liked the way it felt.
I would suggest looking at used barrels. I picked up my 28" Express trap barrel used, and got it and two choke tubes for $100. Those Express-finished barrels are around $200 new, and the higher-end Wingmaster ones are $250-$280. As long as it's in good shape, a used Express barrel will throw shot just as well as any brand-new one. Also, while brand-new barrels will sometimes have roughly-finished spots that can cause hang-ups with cheaper shells until they're worn down; a used barrel will already be broken in.
When looking at a used barrel, check the condition of the bore and chamber, and make sure there isn't any rust or pitting. If the bore has a coat of oil on it for storage, you should dry it out before inspecting it. Make sure the choke tube threads have been cared for properly; if there's a choke tube in it, it should thread out with little resistance and the threads should be clean and lubricated with some type of oil or grease. Check for dents or bulges on the outside of the barrel, and sight along the rib to make sure it's true. The finish doesn't have to be perfect, but you should be able to tell the difference between honest wear and abuse.
I'd also avoid a SuperMag barrel. It'll function fine, but the .75" jump the shot column has to make from a 2.75" shell in a 3.5" chamber isn't going to help patterning. For this reason, most serious competition guns are chambered for 2.75" shells only, but a 3" chamber will let you keep your options open for hunting, and you'll probably never notice any difference from the quarter-inch gap.
Re: Hello from NJ
Great thank you very much for your responses, very helpful!
I'll start to scour the web / local shops to find a good deal on the 26" Vent rib
I'll start to scour the web / local shops to find a good deal on the 26" Vent rib