Turn my 870 Into a Capable Hunting Shotgun

[Dynasty]

I am going to be using my 870 for hunting in the future. I plan on hunting deer, turkey, and coyote. I want to make sure I have the correct set up to make the hunting trips enjoyable. Can I get your opinion on the following?

Shotgun: 12 ga. Remington 870 Express Magnum, 20" smooth bore barrel with rifle sights, fixed choke

Deer: 1 oz rifle/foster slugs

Turkey: #5 shot or #6 shot

Coyote: #000 buck, #2 shot, #4 buck

I know I am at a major disadvantage because my barrel does not accept removable chokes. However, can deer, turkey, and coyote hunting be done using the set up I have?

 

[twice barrel]

You're probably better off not having the chokes and just learn where your gun shoots. I'd move up to BB-2 size shot for the turkey.

Regards,

TB

 

[jmr40]

Turkey are killed with head shots using small shot and tight chokes. You are set for deer. The choke is probably IC, so you may be pretty well off with buckshot. Pattern it and see what happens.

For an all around gun I would look for a 26" barrel and a set of interchangeable chokes. With those 2 barrels you are set for anything.

 

[steveracer]

You already have a great setup with rifle sights and a 20" barrel. With slugs, LOTS of deer are killed with that combo in my part of NYS.
Now, you can also shoot really nice patterns with small game loads with that gun, just pattern it and shoot it often.

 

[oneounceload]

Fixed choke - WHAT is the fixed choke?

Have you patterned the gun with the ammunition you're going to use at the ranges you anticipate?

Once you have done that, you'll know whether or not it will work for your desired applications. It might be great for one and not another, so get to the pattern board and find out..........

 

[IDriveB5]

I run a 20" Rifle Sight, Remchoke barrel. I found it here in the classified section and I really like it. Keep your eye out and you should be able to find one around $100.