I purchased a used 870 with the intent into making it into my all around shotgun. I enjoy skeet shooting on occasion, would like to get into some hunting, and just wanted a shotgun that could be OK at whatever I threw at it.
How it started:
What it looks like now:
Now I’m debating barrel length and sights. I was originally going to go with a 18.5" like my friend’s 870 on the right there in that photo, but now I’m doubting a little bit. Any thoughts? I suppose a 20" would be nice too. Or maybe just leave it at 24" or 26" or whatever it’s at now. I originally set out to roughly clone a Wilson Combat shotgun… but I’m open to second opinions. Thanks!
Of course. I routinely shoot clays with buddies with my more “tactical” shotguns. To me shorter barrels can make it more tricky than longer barrels more dedicated to clay shooting, but that’s part of the fun.
I’ve also tried this with some friends’ tactical shotguns. It did make it more difficult because the sights sometimes got in the way of leading the pigeon but the added challenge was quite fun. I’ve shot skeet with my 20" gold bead sight, cyl bore shotgun with pretty respectable results.
Looks like I’ll be getting a shorter barrel… After I get Mesa tactical to replace the sidesaddle. The rubber retention tube broke the first time I tried to load it. Quite disappointing.
I would buy a second 18.5" barrel. I would have already done it on my 870 with a 26" vent rib but I have a 20" mossberg 500 and a norinco 982 18.5" so there’s no rush for me.
14" makes the most sense to me. But to the average shooter, its not really worth the hassle to lose 4". 18" is an acceptable trade-off, where low drag competes with capacity.
