Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => Off Topic => Topic started by: Alex on March 09, 2016, 04:34:09 PM
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I'm making this a separate topic from the Weapons thread because that thread looks to be used more so for planning.
So I'm looking to get my own shotgun as a first shotgun for target and skeet shooting: I've shot before numerous times, so I'm not completely new to the whole thing, but I was wondering what do you all think are good supplies/accessories that should go with the shotgun; cleaning, maintenance, useful tools, etc. I'm looking at this Remington 870 (http://www.basspro.com/Remington-Model-870-Express-Synthetic-PumpAction-Extended-Magazine-Shotgun/product/10218080/); a semi-auto is pretty much overkill for me right now, and I just prefer a pump shotgun anyways, just has more control to it. I already plan to get a hard case for it, a suitable cleaning rod, and some ear protection of course.
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Hey Alex,
The 870 is a great choice. But the one you're showing is a riot style gun. Great for Zombies, not so good for sport. For target and skeet you need at least a 26-28" barrel, set up with different chokes for skeet than for trap. And you don't need the extra long magazine. The mossberg 500 is also a good choice. If the gun will double as home protection, you can find a 'combo' for sale with the riot barrel and sport barrel.
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I use this with my 1979 870 wingmaster.
http://smile.amazon.com/Otis-Tactical-Cleaning-System-Brushes/dp/B0000C52A5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457574242&sr=8-1&keywords=otis+cleaning+kit
nothing I have used gets it anywhere near as clean and for the price it is a great multi caliber cleaning kit.
http://smile.amazon.com/Allen-Company-Eliminator-Single-Carrier/dp/B004NFVIHM/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1457574851&sr=8-12&keywords=shell+holder
This is the best $7 I have spent for shooting clays at the range. Most of my friends run pretty tactical set ups with different saddles and shell/pmag holders and they all laughed the first time I broke this bad boy out. Just rip the lid off the top of a box of shells and drop it in and you have 25 ready to go! They have to stop shooting more frequently and have spent way more money for much less capacity. If looking cool isn't your priority, I recommend this. you will fly through shells though.
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I have an otis kit for my AR, it just so happens to be the same one I had in the Marine Corps. Haha.
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what randy said, need a long barrel for skeet
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Alex: This would be a much better option for what you want to use it for: https://www.turners.com/remington/remington-870-express-wood-12--9187
That's the same shotgun I have, and I upgraded the buutt stock and foregrip to a really nice walnut one from Boyd's gunstocks (the "american plainsman" model, they have multiple colors/styles, but I went with the classic walnut look). I mostly did this for looks, but they have a nice shape which is easier and more comfortable to hold/use, and they're heavier and more dense so they absorb some of the recoil a little better than the cheap lightweight factory stuff: http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/ProductDetail/3u2172j01117_american-plainsman-remington-870-12-gauge-stock-walnut-finished
and http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/ProductDetail/3u2172j02117_american-plainsman-remington-870-12-gauge-forend-walnut-finished
I actually also have the Remington 870 Tactical (the one you posted a link to). It's a cool gun and fun to blow up pumpkins with, but as Randy and Jordan have said, the short barrel is not designed for shooting skeet.
As far as accessories - the other recommendations in this thread are spot on. You need a good cleaning kit, a good case, some ear/eye protection, and you'll probably want something you can wear on your belt to hold shells.
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Hey Alex,
The 870 is a great choice. But the one you're showing is a riot style gun. Great for Zombies, not so good for sport. For target and skeet you need at least a 26-28" barrel, set up with different chokes for skeet than for trap. And you don't need the extra long magazine. The mossberg 500 is also a good choice. If the gun will double as home protection, you can find a 'combo' for sale with the riot barrel and sport barrel.
Thanks Randy,
Now I know what I need , I soooo what to Hunt me some Zombie.
you just need to cook it well, like any wild meat >:D
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Gotcha, will do; I was wondering about the barrel length. CV that Otis kit and shell carrier are perfect, thanks.
Ah, and I'm lefthanded as well, to throw another wrench in the mix, so something more like this should be better: http://www.remington.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/model-870-express (http://www.remington.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/model-870-express). And looking around lefty models are nowhere near as common and right-handed models, so I'll just need to call around then.
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Gotcha, will do; I was wondering about the barrel length. CV that Otis kit and shell carrier are perfect, thanks.
Ah, and I'm lefthanded as well, to throw another wrench in the mix, so something more like this should be better: http://www.remington.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/model-870-express (http://www.remington.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/model-870-express). And looking around lefty models are nowhere near as common and right-handed models, so I'll just need to call around then.
Alex, I can chime in real quick on the L/H question you had. I am L/H R/eye dominant when I shoot a rifle. I've shot shotguns, particularly the 870 in a couple different versions since I was around 12 or so years old and still am around them on a very regular basis. Nobody ever told me they were right handed and to tell you the truth if someone handed me a L/H 870 I might mess everything up. In the end, I really don't think it should matter much at all unless it was a preference. I know you have been talking about getting a shotgun so I think it's great you are asking all the right questions. I'm kinda partial to the 870 myself but if you are wanting a real bird or clay gun take a look at an over/under. That's where the real money will be at for sporting purposes. If you want more versatility you would be hard pressed to find anything better than a bare bones 870.
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Very true Celt, that was also in mind. The difference looks to be minimal on the 870; the action release is centered, and the difference might be the direction of the safety, and it's probably better that stay uniform between guns. So like the model Joe posted either in 26" or 28".
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So I got a question about the 870. I don't know what CA law states about putting a pistol grip colpasble stock setup on a shot gun. I know in AZ they don't care but here well they are special kinda stupid.
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deadpilot.
http://www.calguns.net/caawid/sgflowchart.pdf
basically you can't have a folding/telescoping stock and a pistol grip if it is semi auto, you can have one or the other but not both.
CA PC 12276 pertains to "Assault Weapons"
https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/regs/genchar2
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Thanks for the info. That's a complete pain like I thought.
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but being as the 870 is a pump, from my amateur perspective, you can do whatever you want as the weapon is not semi auto.
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True. When I go to buy I'll the question at the gun shop. Unless I buy it online.
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Oh please don't take the sales guys word for it. They are notoriously misinformed. That's why I linked you to the actual PC and the calguns flowchart.
Everyone knows guns are only deadly and scary if they have a detachable magazine or a thumbhole stock.
Sent from my rooftop tent while stargazing
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Yea good point they only care about the sale and the money. I didn't think that one all the way through. That flow chart is very helpful but quite a bit confusing.
I'm just not use to all the stupid gun laws CA has. AZ is way simpler and I'm still use those laws. And well Marine Corps issued weapons but that doesn't help things either.
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I started trap and skeet with an 870. It was great and I ran a 28" barrel on mine that had chokes. Cycling rounds fast enough when shooting doubles could be a challenge.
After several rounds on a hot day the 870 action would stick while trying to eject. Eventually got rid of it after I got a great deal on a Lanber semi auto from a buddy. The game got easier after that, although the ground still breaks more clays than I do.
Id run solvent and a bore snake through the 870 before leaving the range. Then used a rod, 12guage bore brush, solvent, oil etc to deep clean later on.
Get a pouch on your hip to throw enough rounds to last a match. Get eye/ear protection. Maybe a cool trap vest? Haha
Who's down for Prado or triple B's?!
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but being as the 870 is a pump, from my amateur perspective, you can do whatever you want as the weapon is not semi auto.
Knightrider is correct for a pump/single shot/over under configuration as long as the barrel is at least 18" in length and the overall shortest firing configuration exceeds 26" overall length and is not capable of firing more than 10 rounds you are good to go. You can have a collapsible/folding stock with a pistol grip on the pump action or aforementioned models. Once you get into the auto loading models with fixed magazine tubes you can still have a collapsible stock or protruding pistol grip just not both. It's still subject to the aforementioned length limits.
All clear as mud right?
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Yup clear as mud. Lol
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The centered safety and action release on the Mossberg 500/590 seems to be a good fit, 28" barrel: Mossberg 500 Black/Synthetic (http://t.basspro.com/Mossberg-500-Black/Synthetic-PumpAction-Shotgun/product/10217910/) Though I'd probably prefer a wood stock and forestock depending on what's available.
Are there any preferred shops in So Cal that would have a good selection for shotguns and/or their accessories? I'll still check out Bass Pro in Rancho Cucamonga since it's relatively close, but I don't mind driving out to another shop.
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Turner's Outdoorsman will usually have the best prices, but it appears (after a quick check of their website) that they don't have any 500s right now with a 28" barrel. Big 5 Sporting Goods is another great place to check in addition to Bass Pro.
Don't be too concerned with the wood vs. synthetic stock. As long as you can get the gun you like at a price you can afford, you can easily upgrade the stock later. Like I said before, I HIGHLY recommend Boyd's Gunstocks - they make a high quality product and the prices are great. You can get a really nice hardwood buttstock and foregrip set for a Mossberg 500 for about $120, and it'll take you about 15 minutes to install. You'll find that, unless you go with the nicer and more expensive shotguns ($500-600 and up), you're going to get a cheap lightweight buttstock whether it's wood or synthetic, so you'll probably find yourself wanting to upgrade down the road anyway.
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Calguns.net on line has stuff come up all the time. Just have to find someone close enough to do a FTF PPT.
Edit: .net not .com My bad.
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The centered safety and action release on the Mossberg 500/590 seems to be a good fit, 28" barrel: Mossberg 500 Black/Synthetic (http://t.basspro.com/Mossberg-500-Black/Synthetic-PumpAction-Shotgun/product/10217910/) Though I'd probably prefer a wood stock and forestock depending on what's available.
Are there any preferred shops in So Cal that would have a good selection for shotguns and/or their accessories? I'll still check out Bass Pro in Rancho Cucamonga since it's relatively close, but I don't mind driving out to another shop.
Check out what's in stock at
- www.riflegear.com (Fountain Valley)
- www.ocfirearms.com (Fountain Valley)
- www.ammoparadise.com (Anaheim)
- Ammo Bros (Various locations)
Look for rebate sales with Mossberg and Remington. Big 5 will also carry the 500 and 870. You could also check www.slickguns.com for sales/rebates currently active.
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Here's a Remington 870 with 28" barrel for $300 on Calguns.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1158996&highlight=870
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Thanks for the link Boondock, I'm going to send him a message when I'm home tonight
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Watch out for calguns....place is addicting as hell....OT is all the news source I will ever need. Anywho.....don't think I saw it mentioned, but Mossberg has the 500 pump combo on sale all the time at Big5...18.5" and 28" barrel are included, best of both worlds:
http://www.big5sportinggoods.com/store/details/Mossberg+500-12-Gauge-Pump-Action-Shotgun-Combo/0310105330003/_/A-742353#.VvH8akllDqA
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Tere Hanges!
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Tere Hanges!
Tere Hanges survives only because of people with visible abs
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Here's a Benelli Supernova for only $290!!!
https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1179986 (https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1179986)
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I decided upon the Remington 870 from the buyer Boondock mentioned (he took off another $20 because of a small chip in the stock, which wouldn't have been a problem since I might end up replacing the stock anyways like Joe mentioned); the reason being that almost every shotgun I had used happened to be an 870 or similar already, so just to keep things consistent for now. Now just the 10 day waiting period, I can get anything else needed in the meantime, then I'll probably be shooting a bit at one of the ranges on our 2N02 to practice cycling few shells through the shotgun.
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I decided upon the Remington 870 from the buyer Boondock mentioned (he took off another $20 because of a small chip in the stock, which wouldn't have been a problem since I might end up replacing the stock anyways like Joe mentioned); the reason being that almost every shotgun I had used happened to be an 870 or similar already, so just to keep things consistent for now. Now just the 10 day waiting period, I can get anything else needed in the meantime, then I'll probably be shooting a bit at one of the ranges on our 2N02 to practice cycling few shells through the shotgun.
Alex, I do not believe you will regret it. That 870 is one of the most versatile shotguns out there and with the myriad of different loads you can put through it you did good. It's surely a workhorse.
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Congrats! Great choice and a very good deal. You will not regret it.
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Congrats Alex!
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Thanks all! I'm ordering the Otis cleaning kit, the shell carrier, and some ears from Amazon, and for a case, I plan to pick this up locally:
http://www.big5sportinggoods.com/store/details/PLANO-all-weather-waterproof-double-gun-case/0330115530007/_/A-5153929#.Vw1RVvkrK00 (http://www.big5sportinggoods.com/store/details/PLANO-all-weather-waterproof-double-gun-case/0330115530007/_/A-5153929#.Vw1RVvkrK00)