Shotguns

[Terry Beeson]

I LOVE my 870 Supermag Express...

I also have a Mossberg 20 ga that kicks with 2 3/4s more than the 870 12 ga with 3 1/2s... Best gun for the money in my opinion.

[strangercreek]

After researching, I did decide that if I ever do go with a pump it will definitely be an 870 without a doubt.

[hfdhoosier]

I still have my first shotgun, a H&R single shot 12 gauge with full choke. It does kick my shoulder pretty hard but it has held up for 24 years. I now shoot a winchester 1400 semi auto but they dont make that model anymore. great gun tho, I prefer the semi autos but are pricey.

Dennis

[nitro_fish]

I recieved a winchester model 12 shotgun last week. my question is, can i shoot steel shot in it? Someone tole me in older guns all you can shoot is lead.

[jdmidwest]

You should be able to shoot steel if the choke is not full. I don't think it should hurt a Model 12. Might check the value of the shotgun, some Model 12's are gaining in collectors value.

[nitro_fish]

You should be able to shoot steel if the choke is not full. I don't think it should hurt a Model 12. Might check the value of the shotgun, some Model 12's are gaining in collectors value.

i believe its a modified choke. thanks for your help

[jdmidwest]

I would think it should be ok, but email the factory at Winchester to be sure. Prolonged use of steel shot in a gun that old may damage the barrel. It may be more of a collector than a hunter, depends on what condition it is. It would be a good bargaining chip for a more modern pump or semi-auto.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/

[Terry Beeson]

Yep... depending on the age of the gun, there could be some problems with using steel shot. I would recommend what JD said... Get in touch with Winchester and see what they say. You might do well to see about a "new" barrel for the gun with interchangeable chokes for hunting and keep the old barrel for the collector side.

[brittsnbirds]

The 870 would be your best choice IMHO. Look at the Law Enforcement Field, most started with 870's. Believe me Cops are hard on guns, they throw their riot gun in the trunk in a case or in the rack and very seldom service them. I have seen 870's that have been abused and still work as well as they did the day they were made. We had a couple Mossbergs that did not last as long as the 870's. In the last 5 years we have switched to Benelli's. Granted they are expensive but they are great guns.

I've pheasant hunted with a guy that wore a 870 out 2 times. He got it as a kid, used it up into his adult years. The thing was having trouble so he took it in and had a gunsmith overhaul it. He hunted with it for many more years and finally wore it out. When he bought another gun he could have spent any amount (he is a doctor) but he bought another 870. He found a like new used one that was the same age as his old one. No frills, just a gun. He is a bird killing machine.

The only thing that I would encourage would be sure to get choke tubes. They give you more hunting capabilities.

Pat

[nitro_fish]

Yep... depending on the age of the gun, there could be some problems with using steel shot. I would recommend what JD said... Get in touch with Winchester and see what they say. You might do well to see about a "new" barrel for the gun with interchangeable chokes for hunting and keep the old barrel for the collector side.

Thanks terry for your help. The gun was my fathers, and was kept in very good shape. not sure if i want to use it for hunting or just keep it since it was my fathers. I am just checking out my options. I dont post on Ozark anglers much but i read it daily and enjoy all the posts you guys pu ton here. thanks