Some Shotgun Questions...

[HGM22]

I don't have much experience with shotguns (only shot one once). However, since I'm "a gun guy", someone asked me for help selecting a shotgun primarily for skeet/trap, but also for home defense. I basically told them to go with a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500/590. I was thinking Summit Gun Broker's police trade-ins look well-priced. So,

1. Can a Mossberg 590 or 590A1 accept 500 field barrels? If it does, must the magazine tube be replaced and how hard is this to do?

2. Do all the Remington tiers interchange barrels (i.e. can a Police Magnum and Wingmaster swap barrels)?

3. Are rifle or ghost ring sights ok for trap/skeet? If a field barrel with bead is put on the gun, could the ghost ring sight be removed for trap and then replaced afterwards to convert back to HD gun?

I'm just trying to get an idea of what direction I should recommend. Not sure if it wouldn't be better to just buy a Mossberg 500 or Rem 870 combo kit.

 

[Shootshellz]

#1: no, they do not. #2: depends if the receiver on the Wingmaster is chambered to accept 3" shells (I am assuming your 'Police Magnum' has a receiver that accepts 3" shells). #4: no, because you don't 'aim' at trap/skeet, you 'point' and your focus is on the target, not the sights. I am not aware of any easily removable ghost ring sights but they may exist. IMHO buy the 870 combo kit and be happy. Shooting buckshot through a Mossberg 500 with its aluminum receiver is not a happy event (the 870 receiver is made of steel and the extra weight is welcome when shooting buckshot; or skeet for that matter).

 

[Virginian]

All 870 barrels will interchange withing gauge and series EXCEPT the Special Field barrels and the newer "Tactical" barrels designed to go with the longer one piece magazine tube. 3" barrels will fit on a 2-3/4" receiver, and vice versa, but the longer hulls will likely not eject properly when fired in the shorter receiver because of the location of the ejector, and the finish won't match between Wingmasters and Expresses, but they will fit.

 

[lemaymiami]

The best recommendation for someone wanting both field and defense capabilities in a single shotgun might be both the Remington 870 (my favorite) and the equivalent Mossberg... in "combo" form. They both can be had with two barrels, new or used. One barrel will be the 18-20 inch HD barrel the other will be a 24 to 26 in field barrel....

I've these kind of "combos" sold at both new and used choices for some years now and always thought they were a pretty good bargain...

 

[CaptTripps]

I've owned or still own 870s, 500, 590A1, Win. M12. I liked the 500 but sold it when I needed some money. I have a 20G 870 and I like it as a field gun and it would be a good home defense gun as well with its 21" barrel and interchangeable chokes. However mine is very roughly finished, it is a PITA to take apart compared to the 500 series. however it is the Express Youth Model, so I understand the Express series is a utility grade gun. The slim frame is light and it points very well.

The 590/500 series is much easier (IMO) to strip. The mag tube unscrews as well as the trigger group being easily removable, every internal part is easy to remove for cleaning, inspection. My 2 were more finely finished and smoother in finish, than my 870. Operation wise, all 3 were about equal in terms of stiffness.

Ghost rings are not really suited for skeet or field use. They are good if you were in the service, you are used to that type of sight system. A bead sight is fine for 99% of the time. Its a shotgun, not a rifle.

For a HD gun, a 590A1 is pretty nice. Especially the 18.5", 5+1 model, with bead sight. Its a true mil-spec gun. It would not really be suited to field use or skeet.

If your friend wants a combo gun, thats what they should buy. 18"-20" police style barrel and 24"-26" field barrel. If wanting a purely HD gun, 590A1.

 

[oneounceload]

Ghost rings are for those times when you are trying to use your shotgun like a rifle - as in deer hunting with slugs. For things that fly, nothing is best as your eyes are the sights and they should be locked on your target, not the end of your barrel.

 

[Sniper66]

Why not have 2 shotguns? I know that's easy to say, but think how much trouble it would be to switch back and forth from skeet to HD mode, especially if you shoot often. Keeping a HD shotgun next to the bed or wherever can be had for about $300. Which, seems like cheap insurance to me. Whatever you decide, have fun and be safe.

 

[Shootshellz]

IMHO the Remington 870 is much easier/faster to field strip than a Mossberg 500. And be advised barrel 'fit' on an 870 does not mean 'compatibility' with the receiver.

 

[PapaG]

Don't believe 3 1/2" Rem supermag barrels fit standard receivers. 3" chambered barrels will fit standard receivers.
Vent rib, twin beads and a 28" or 30" barrel is a good starting point. Mod or full.

 

[Virginian]

And be advised barrel 'fit' on an 870 does not mean 'compatibility' with the receiver.

Aside from the Supermag, Magnum vs standard receivers, tactical, and Special Field issues already mentioned, please expand on this. When I say fit, I mean it will function properly.

 

[Shootshellz]

You already did. I was attempting to clear up the issue. A 3" chambered barrel might 'fit' a 2 and 3/4" receiver but you can't shoot 3" shells through same. Just like you can pour kerosene into your lawn mower fuel tank but the engine won't run properly.

 

[boneandbass]

Shotgun choices

The Remington 870 is the most popular gun ever made. Shooting trap can be done with the 870, but it is primarily a field gun. In other words, it shoots where aimed, and trap requires a gun that shoots at a rising target, thus shooting the pattern slightly higher than the target.

A good all around choice is always a the Remington 1100 trap gun, and many prefer a good over/under crossover. This is made by Browning, and offers the advantage of being a cross of both field and trap. Depending on pocketbook and how intended use, I recommend shooting as many different guns as possible, and make sure it fits the shooter properly.

 

[RMc]

Don't believe 3 1/2" Rem supermag barrels fit standard receivers. 3" chambered barrels will fit standard receivers.
Vent rib, twin beads and a 28" or 30" barrel is a good starting point. Mod or full.

The 870 Supermag can indeed be used with 2 3/4, 3 and 3 1/2 inch chambered barrels. However, shotshell length must be the same as the barrel is chambered for or shorter.

Supermag barrels will fit on 2 3/4 or 3 inch chambered 870, however, shotshell length must be equal to or shorter than the chamber length of the barrel.