Rem Sportsman 48

[doc2rn]

I just had to tell someone about a great new past time for me. I shot trap for the first time and got a 39-40, but that is not the point.
I found the perfect shotgun by chance off the used shelf at a pawn store. The Remington Sportman 48 is a 20g semi-auto that I can shoot all day. No way would I have taken the Moss 500 for a 100 shell shoot, but this little honey only caught the ejecting shell once on a quick double.
Normally I am a pistol kinda guy, ask anyone who knows me. Today I just may have found a sport I can really get stoked about. I may even run out and buy that reloader I have often wanted but put off as I just shot primarily rimfire, love the .22 WSM.
The big question is why did it take so long for me to find this sport?!

 

[Dave McCracken]

And so it begins...

The 48 was a variant on Remington's 11-48, made a little plainer like the Express of today.

Superreverb of this BB has one in 20 gauge, it's a death ray in his hands.

Enjoy....

 

[doc2rn]

Can anyone give me advice on what load works best? I know enough to use 8 pie shells, but that is the extent of it.

 

[Virginian]

Shotguns are not like rifles or pistols in that they usually do not have a favorite load. You need to pattern it (shoot it at a big piece of paper at 40 yards) and see where and what it is printing.
Generally, the more expensive shells shoot the best. You knew there was a downside to this, didn't you? The good news is, the difference isn't that great, and I think you can shoot the cheapest thing Wally World has on sale with #7-1/2. 8, or 9 shot at clay pigeons and never notice the difference until you start to get a ways back from the front shooting line.
Don't get too complacent. Before long you will know that all that stands between you and Vandalia is that new Krieghoff.

 

[doc2rn]

Thank you Virginian, I think I am gonna try reloading if they are all that standard. I could do worse than save a little and just have fun.

 

[Superreverb]

Somewhere, in "The Deep Dark Closet," I have the exploded diagrams and instructions from the NRA Firearms Assembly books for the Sportsman 48. If I find them, I'll scan them and post 'em up today.

Ed

 

[doc2rn]

Thank you superreverb, one question I have is I tried to clean it yesterday so how do you get the shell tube off to clean it out?

 

[single stack]

As a beginner trap shooter, buy your shells at Wally World or on sale at the big box sporting goods store.
Your local gunshop may have reasonable prices too.
You should look for shells with either #7.5 or #8 shot for trap or sporting clays.
Look for shells with #8 or #9 for skeet.
My last suggestion concerning shotshells is to select shells that are not high velocity.
You should want no more than 1200 feet per second or 2.5 dram equivilant for 20 gauge.
Always try to get soft shooting shells for clay targets. There is no need to beat yourself up.

The magazine tube does not have to come off for a normal cleaning.
Good luck with your new gun and new sport.


single stack

 

[Superreverb]

how do you get the shell tube off to clean it out?

You don't need to remove the mag tube, just the guts. With the barrel removed and the retaining nut off, pull out the end cap that keeps the mag spring contained. Remove the spring and the follower, then run a brush and some patches down the tube (If you have one handy, I've used a Tico tool to clean out a tube once - worked great.)

 

[doc2rn]

Got it, will give her another go tonite after I put the rug rat to bed.

Thank you everyone for all the tips. I can not believe how much fun this is, now I just have to practice.

 

[NCsmitty]

The Sportsman 48's magtube is brazed into the receiver. I worked at the Remington Arms in Ilion, NY for 6 years in the late 6o's and early 70's, and induction brazing magtubes and barrel pad/shell stop was one of the jobs that I did.

NCsmitty