What kind of Remington 870 for hunting deer and birds?

Question

I'm new to hunting, but I'm considering buying a shotgun to go deer hunting on Quantico MCB. From what I've been told they don't allow high powered rifles on base and you can only use slugs to hunt deer. So, I've narrowed it down the Remington 870 but there are a ton of variations I've seen online and in stores. If I wanted to hunt deer with slugs and then turkey with buckshot, what kind of 870 should I get? Barrel length? Is it recommended I buy a special barrel for the slugs? I'm guessing it should be 12ga?

Answer 1

you can get a basic 870 express with a 26" barrel that can do anything, including shoot slugs, buckshot, and birdshot.  That's what most hunters use for everything.

As people got a little richer, they started buying special barrels for special purposes and putting it on their shotgun.  In general turkey hunters use a 20-22" barrel with an extra full choke, and shoot large birdshot but generalyl they don't use buckshot.

Deer hunters generally prefer a 20-22" barrel as well, but one with rifle sights for better aiming.  Originally, these were just plain smooth barrels, but later people started to get fully rifled ones, which, when combined with a SABOT type slug, was a lot more accurate.

You can buy all sorts of shotguns today that come straight from the factory with a special barrel.  There are General+Turkey, General+Deer, Turkey+Deer, General+rRifled Deer, Turkey+Rifled Deer.

Or, you can buy special barrels afterward.

I suggest the easiest thing to do is buy the basic 870 express in 12 guage with a 26" barrel, and use it for both deer and turkey.  If you feel the need in a year or two, get a special deer barrel for it.  If you really get into turkey, you'll eventually want a gun that is fully cammoed to match the area you are in, at which time you'll want to get a dedicated turkey shotgun.

Answer 2

>>>  Smart a s s comment - An 870

I would go with a synthetic stock, 28 inch barrel and buy a slug barrel for it.

You could order a rifled slug barrel for deer and a smooth one for turkey and use the standard for all else.

Then to make a true all purpose... buy a used bird barrel and have it cut down to 20 inch by a smith for home defense

Answer 3

870 express with 27" barrel. true killer

Answer 4

870's are excellent all around shotguns.  they are mainly in three catagories and you can customize them from there, 870, 870 mag, 870 super mag.  it all depends on the size of round you want to use. 870=2 3/4  870 mag= 2 3/4 and 3"  870 super mag=2 3/4, 3", and 3 1/2".  The most versatile would be the super mag as you can shoot any 12 gauge round through it.  you can change the chokes on these guns as well for different game.  full choke for turkey and modified for dove.  you can also use a cylinder choke and put a rifled slug through it for dear.  I didnt research completely when I got mine for christmas quite a few years back.  I thought the 870 mag was the 3 1/2" one and i kinda regret not getting the super mag.  hope this helps.  

Answer 5

All you need is a standard field grade 870.* You don't need the separate slug barrel. You can shoot rifled slugs from your smooth bore shotgun Model by using an improved cylinder choke in it.*  

Answer 6

G"Day mate go for the 12 ga 870 express they are  a good gun plus the short barrel will be easier to maneuver in and out of bushy areas.cheers mate