I have the first year Remington mad the 870 super mag. This gun patterns great but is heavy. Remington has a 870 predator/turkey model now that has a 20 inch barrel and shoots 3 1/2 inch shells. Would that short barrel in theory pattern with a 3 1/2 shell the same as my gun now. I guess what im asking is will all the powder in a 3 1/2 inch shell burn in a 20 inch barrel or will some not be used?? Does that make any sense?? lol Like I need a new gun but boy that would be handy in the woods.
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New 870 question
- Thread starter muddyboots
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What barrel length is your current 870 that you turkey hunt with? Shorter barrel will produce somewhat slower velocities (20-50 fps), but I doubt you will see any noticeable difference in your pattern at turkey hunting distances. Furthermore, you will typically see that much variation in velocity from the same lot of shells, or hand loads for that matter. Also, I would expect the muzzle blast to be somewhat pronoucned with it being 4-8" closer to your face and ears.
23 inch now
From Remington's website:
Question
Will a longer shotgun barrel shoot farther?
Answer
Modern smokeless powders burn in the first 13 to 16 inches of the barrel and maximum velocities are obtained in the first 20 inches. Shot will carry the same distance regardless of the barrel length. Shot pattern will be the same whether the barrel is 21 inches in length or 30 inches in length, if the barrel has the same choke constriction.
Our experts state there would be a small variation in velocity when using a 21-inch barrel as compared with a 30-inch barrel; however, the variation would be immeasurable.
The basic advantage of a shorter barrel is that it will swing faster. The longer barrel gives the hunter a longer sight radius to be more precise, particularly when pass shooting waterfowl. Also, the longer barrel can often help balance certain shotguns better.
Source: https://support.remington.com/General_Information/Will_a_longer_shotgun_barrel_shoot_farther?
Question
Will a longer shotgun barrel shoot farther?
Answer
Modern smokeless powders burn in the first 13 to 16 inches of the barrel and maximum velocities are obtained in the first 20 inches. Shot will carry the same distance regardless of the barrel length. Shot pattern will be the same whether the barrel is 21 inches in length or 30 inches in length, if the barrel has the same choke constriction.
Our experts state there would be a small variation in velocity when using a 21-inch barrel as compared with a 30-inch barrel; however, the variation would be immeasurable.
The basic advantage of a shorter barrel is that it will swing faster. The longer barrel gives the hunter a longer sight radius to be more precise, particularly when pass shooting waterfowl. Also, the longer barrel can often help balance certain shotguns better.
Source: https://support.remington.com/General_Information/Will_a_longer_shotgun_barrel_shoot_farther?
I doubt you'll ever notice any difference. Is the new gun that much lighter? If so, I would be suspicious as to how much "cheaper" it is made. My older 870 Special Purpose has the 23" barrel, is built well, and is somewhat heavy by today's standards, so I know where you are coming from.muddyboots":382cptsb said:
Just get your barrel cut off and re-threaded for RemChoke. That's what I did several years ago. I sent mine to Mike Orlen in Massachusetts. He also lengthened my forcing cone while he had it. Quick turn around too.
Thanks for the info guys.
c c hunter
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How could 3 inches of barrel add that much weight
I doubt it is just the barrel. I am betting they have cheapened up the stock, receiver, etc, which in turns equates to a lighter gun overall.c c hunter":35ida6yh said:
Mike Belt
Well-Known Member
I kept hitting trees while swinging my old 42" barrel goose gun, lol.
