North East PA newbie

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mark40
New Shotgunner
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Feb 21, 2016 6:38 pm
Location: Pike County PA

North East PA newbie

Post by mark40 »

Hi folks- It's been 30+ years since I've used a shotgun. Did some research and decided on the 870. My bro in-law is an FFL in NJ and I asked him a couple of months ago to be on the lookout for a used 20 gauge. Decided on 20g hoping it would be more user friendly for my wife and daughter.

He found a like new 870 Express Jr., 18-3/4 barrel and provided me with a regular stock for it. The 870xjr was mfg. in 2007.

I'll use it for home defense but also want to try clay shooting. He told me I can swap out with a 26" or 28" barrel for that purpose.

Looking fwd to learning more about the 870 from all here on REM870.COM

Mark
Proudly Clinging to my Guns and Bible

"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal." – Aristotle
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Synchronizor
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Location: The Inland Northwest
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Re: North East PA newbie

Post by Synchronizor »

Welcome to the forum.

Your brother-in-law is correct, you can swap other barrels onto your shotgun for different applications. Two things to be aware of when buying barrels if you're looking on the used market: First, some early 20ga 870s were built on the same large receivers as 12 & 16ga models, and their barrels won't be compatible with your gun. Second, some 20ga barrels only have 2.75" chambers. They'll drop onto your gun and function fine, just be sure not to use 3" shells in them.
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mark40
New Shotgunner
Posts: 5
Joined: Sun Feb 21, 2016 6:38 pm
Location: Pike County PA

Re: North East PA newbie

Post by mark40 »

Synchronizor- appreciate the greetings and advise.

My 20 ga looks brand new, and while the 12g stock he gave me will work, I'd like to buy a new 20g. stock instead.
Likewise I may opt for a new barrel if I can't find a used one in mint cond. that can handle 2.75 and 3"

BTW: I'm a subscriber to your youtube channel and it will be a go-to resource for many aspects of 870 ownership as I move along.
Thanks for all the hard work you put in to provide such a quality channel.
Mark
Proudly Clinging to my Guns and Bible

"The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal." – Aristotle
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