School me on Shotguns... and did I get a good buy?

[lucky4034]

I was going to clutter this up with a big long boring story, but I'll save you guys the hassle.

Simplified: Wanted a shotgun for HD eventually (and maybe some range fun with clays), but I know nothing about shotguns except that 870s and 500s are most popular purchase.

Last night I walked into Walmart to see if they had any .22lr and seen http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-synthetic-deer.aspx (except the stock is wood) on clearance for $249 and it might be eligible for $30 Remington rebate.

Without thinking, I whipped out the cash and bought the Shotgun not even thinking about its function and purpose. The only problem is that it has a rifled barrel and I bought this for HD.

Questions:

1. Would you recommend that I change the barrel for HD and if so... what are my options?
2. If I want to shoot clays should I change the barrel?
3. Did I get a good deal? (now I know how my fiance ended up with all those shoes that were "on sale")
4. How hard is it to add a tube extension? Is it something I can do at home... keep in mind I am not a gunsmith, but pretty handy. Did all my own 10/22 work including trigger mods and built an AR. Is this something beyond my scope?
5. Everyone's bedroom in my house are all located in the same hallway... what type of shot should I be looking into for HD?
6. Did my impulse get the best of me... should I get rid of this shotgun for something better to suit my needs?​

Thanks in advance for all input

 

[Tnichols00]

I was going to clutter this up with a big long boring story, but I'll save you guys the hassle.

Simplified: Wanted a shotgun for HD eventually (and maybe some range fun with clays), but I know nothing about shotguns except that 870s and 500s are most popular purchase.

Last night I walked into Walmart to see if they had any .22lr and seen http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-synthetic-deer.aspx (except the stock is wood) on clearance for $249 and it might be eligible for $30 Remington rebate.

Without thinking, I whipped out the cash and bought the Shotgun not even thinking about its function and purpose. The only problem is that it has a rifled barrel and I bought this for HD.

Questions:

1. Would you recommend that I change the barrel for HD and if so... what are my options?
2. If I want to shoot clays should I change the barrel?
3. Did I get a good deal? (now I know how my fiance ended up with all those shoes that were "on sale")
4. How hard is it to add a tube extension? Is it something I can do at home... keep in mind I am not a gunsmith, but pretty handy. Did all my own 10/22 work including trigger mods and built an AR. Is this something beyond my scope?
5. Everyone's bedroom in my house are all located in the same hallway... what type of shot should I be looking into for HD?
6. Did my impulse get the best of me... should I get rid of this shotgun for something better to suit my needs?​

Thanks in advance for all input

You got a good deal if you were looking for a deer gun.

Sounds like you will be wanting a new barrel you might be able to find a gun shop that has a barrel they would be willing to do a strait trade for no cash or small amount out of pocket.

For home defense you will want some of the Honaday critical defense rounds mixed with the defense slugs. I like to have the slug first then buckshot and alternate but you can load them anyway you want.

 

[Double T]

You can fire shot from a slug barrel and not do any damage. Save the money and shoot it some

 

[686 Shooter]

You got a good buy on the shotgun. If you want to add a magazine extension you will have to remove the dimples in the magazine tube (I think most new 870's are dimpled). The easiest way to remove them is to drill them out.

 

[Hookeye]

Low recoil foster slugs and run it "as is".

 

[Cerberus]

You got a very serviceable shotgun for a good price. If you wish to shoot some clays you can easily buy a different barrel, and while not optimal you could in a pinch sling some buckshot down that slug barrel. Now go shoot the thing.

 

[Colt556]

You got a really food deal on that. 870s are sort of like ARs, once you get a basic model you can add whatever you want to it to make it he way you want it. You can but different barrels, stocks and magazine tubes to build a shotty to fit your needs.

 

[Mitchell0481]

Great deal. Like Colt 556 said, you can build it the way you want.

 

[iamaclone45]

Sounds like a good deal and a good firearm for home defense.

You wouldn't want any longer of a barrel for home defense and you would only be able to go 2" shorter if you wanted shorter.

I would recommend installing an extended magazine tube. As some have mentioned you would need to remove the dimples but there are lots of guides on the internet about how to do this. This is something that shouldn't give you much trouble.

As for what type of ammo to use, you are going to get all sorts of answers. I just stick with Federal law enforcement buckshot.

I would recommend getting a light mount and flash light if you are going to use the shotgun for defense.

I shoot clays with my 18" 870 express and don't have too much trouble. If I was going to get serious about it I would get a longer barrel.

 

[K_W]

Link didn't load for me... Is it rifled or smooth bore?

Got it... Rifled.

Using slugs, it will be a good defense gun.

Get a smooth barrel if you are going to try shooting shot.