Understanding the Remington 870 20 Ga
The world of shotguns is vast and varied, a landscape where performance and personal preference intertwine. Among the most iconic and widely respected shotguns is the Remington 870. Its enduring popularity stems from its robust design, reliability, and, perhaps most importantly, its adaptability. This platform allows for significant customization, making it suitable for a broad range of applications. When discussing this adaptability, the 870 20 Ga Barrel is often a focal point. Selecting the right barrel is crucial for maximizing your shotgun’s effectiveness and tailoring it to your specific needs, whether you’re pursuing game in the field, perfecting your clay shooting, or protecting your home. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating the process of selecting the perfect 870 20 Ga Barrel.
The Remington 870 story is a long and celebrated one. First introduced in 1950, the Model 870 quickly gained a reputation for its solid construction and straightforward pump-action mechanism. Its simple design allows for ease of operation and maintenance, contributing to its longevity and widespread use. Over the decades, the 870 has become a workhorse for law enforcement, a favored tool for hunters, and a reliable option for home defense. Its versatility has solidified its place as a cornerstone of the American shotgun world.
The 20 Gauge variant of the 870 has a particularly dedicated following. The 870 20 Ga is a popular choice for a variety of reasons. Often considered a “youth” gauge due to its lighter recoil compared to the 12 Gauge, the 20 Gauge is also a favorite of those sensitive to recoil or who simply enjoy a more manageable shotgun. The 20 Gauge maintains a respectable level of effectiveness, suitable for hunting a variety of game and also effective for home defense. This makes the 20 Ga 870 an excellent option for those seeking a versatile and user-friendly shotgun. The lighter weight also makes it more easily carried in the field, a significant advantage for hunters who spend long hours on foot.
The Benefits of Owning a 20 Ga Shotgun
The 20 Gauge offers several advantages that contribute to its appeal. As mentioned, the reduced recoil is a major selling point. This results in a more comfortable shooting experience, leading to less fatigue during extended shooting sessions. This is also beneficial for beginners and those who may be intimidated by the heavier recoil of larger gauges. Additionally, the 20 Gauge typically weighs less than its 12 Gauge counterparts. This lighter weight makes the gun easier to handle and carry, which is particularly appreciated by hunters who spend a lot of time traversing terrain. The 870 20 Ga presents an excellent balance of performance and portability, making it a smart selection.
Navigating the World of Barrel Choices
Now, let’s delve into the critical aspects of selecting the right 870 20 Ga Barrel. This is where tailoring your shotgun to your specific needs begins. Making informed decisions here can significantly impact your shooting experience and overall effectiveness.
Determining Optimal Barrel Length
Barrel length is a significant factor in the performance of your shotgun. Different lengths offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, and selecting the appropriate length depends heavily on your intended use. Barrels range from short, compact options designed for close-quarters work to longer barrels aimed at extending range.
Shorter 870 20 Ga Barrel options, typically around 18.5 inches or shorter, are favored for home defense. They are more maneuverable in tight spaces, making them easier to swing and point in confined environments. However, shorter barrels may result in slightly reduced muzzle velocity and can impact your sight radius. This means that the sight picture is somewhat shorter, so you need to be even more precise in your aim.
Medium-length barrels, such as those in the 26-inch to 28-inch range, are often considered a good all-around choice. They provide a good balance between handling and ballistic performance. These barrel lengths are popular for both hunting and general target shooting. The increased barrel length typically results in improved velocity and, in turn, a more consistent shot pattern at longer ranges. This makes them versatile for different shooting scenarios.
Longer 870 20 Ga Barrel options, such as those extending beyond 28 inches, are typically used for specific purposes like waterfowl hunting or trap shooting. Longer barrels generally produce the highest velocities, and they tend to have a more pronounced sight radius, resulting in potentially greater accuracy at distance. However, these barrels can be less convenient to handle in confined spaces. This might not be the best option for a home defense setup.
Legally, there are constraints to keep in mind. The legal minimum length for a shotgun barrel is 18 inches in most jurisdictions. Always be certain to adhere to all local and federal laws when selecting and modifying your 870 20 Ga Barrel.
Understanding Choke Options
The choke is another crucial element affecting your shotgun’s performance. The choke is the constriction at the muzzle of the barrel that controls how much the shot spreads out after leaving the barrel. This has a significant impact on the effective range and the pattern density of your shot.
Various choke types are available, each designed to produce a different shot pattern. A cylinder choke has no constriction, producing the widest pattern at close range. The improved cylinder choke offers slightly more constriction, tightening the pattern and extending the effective range. The modified choke provides further constriction, suitable for general-purpose hunting and target shooting. The full choke offers the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range shots.
Selecting the right choke is critical for optimizing your 870 20 Ga Barrel for your intended application. For example, when hunting upland birds, such as quail or pheasant, the improved cylinder or modified choke may be best, as you are often shooting at moderate distances. For turkey hunting or waterfowl hunting, a more restrictive choke, such as a full or extra-full choke, would allow for a more dense pattern at longer distances. When choosing a choke, the type of shot also matters. Heavier shot types, such as steel shot, can put more strain on certain chokes. Always ensure your choke is rated for the type of ammunition you are using.
Considering Intended Uses
The planned use of your shotgun should guide your choices for barrel length and choke. Your approach to choosing a barrel will vary drastically based on whether you plan to hunt, target shoot, or utilize your 870 for home defense.
Hunting Applications
If you intend to use your 870 20 Ga Barrel for hunting, the type of game you’re pursuing will dictate the best setup. For upland bird hunting, a shorter to medium length barrel and a more open choke (improved cylinder or modified) might be ideal for those closer shots and quick swing. For waterfowl hunting, you would likely opt for a longer barrel and a tighter choke (modified, full, or even extra-full) to achieve the longer effective ranges needed for shooting waterfowl. For deer hunting with slugs, a shorter barrel (20 inches or less) with an open choke or rifled choke may be preferable, as this will improve the slug’s accuracy.
Target Shooting
Target shooting applications benefit from a good level of control. In target shooting scenarios, the barrel length and choke are chosen to help you achieve the best results for the chosen discipline. In trap shooting, for instance, a longer 870 20 Ga Barrel, combined with a modified or full choke, might provide the optimal combination for hitting clay pigeons that are far away. In skeet, a shorter barrel with an improved cylinder choke might be chosen to achieve the necessary pattern at closer ranges.
Home Defense
For home defense purposes, a shorter 870 20 Ga Barrel is often the preferred option. Shorter barrels are easier to maneuver in tight spaces and are easier to handle in the event of a home invasion. A more open choke (improved cylinder or even cylinder) is suitable for close-quarters defense. This is due to the wider pattern, making it less critical to have a perfect shot. Choosing the appropriate ammunition is critical for home defense. Consider using low-recoil or reduced-penetration shells to minimize the risk of over-penetration through walls, and choose a shot type that is designed for stopping a threat quickly and safely.
Ensuring Compatibility
Before purchasing a new 870 20 Ga Barrel, ensure it is compatible with your Remington 870 receiver. The barrel must fit securely and properly, and you should consider the type of sights that are available. The fit should be snug, without any play or movement. You may also have to make sure that the new barrel works with the existing magazine tube. These tubes may have varying lengths depending on the barrel.
Finding Your Perfect Barrel: Where to Begin
Once you’ve determined your barrel specifications, it’s time to start the search. Fortunately, there are several avenues to explore when acquiring a new 870 20 Ga Barrel.
Reputable Sources
Gun shops and retailers are an excellent place to start your search. The local gun shop is a place to find helpful advice, and you can often handle the barrel before you commit to purchasing. Online retailers offer a vast selection of barrels from various manufacturers. Research the retailers before purchasing and check reviews and customer feedback to ensure you are dealing with a reliable provider. If you have a particular need, a local gunsmith can provide additional support and may even be able to do some custom work to create the exact specifications you need.
Installing and Maintaining Your Barrel
Once you’ve chosen your 870 20 Ga Barrel, it’s important to know how to install and maintain it. Removing the old barrel and installing the new one is relatively straightforward. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific barrel you purchased and follow the steps carefully.
Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity and reliability of your 870 20 Ga Barrel. Clean the barrel regularly after shooting. Remove any fouling or residue from the bore. Use a cleaning rod, patches, and appropriate solvents to remove lead, plastic wad fouling, and other debris. Remember to lubricate the barrel with a light coat of oil to protect it from corrosion.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right 870 20 Ga Barrel is a crucial step in optimizing your shotgun’s performance. Understanding barrel length, chokes, and their implications for your intended use will empower you to make the right choice. By considering all the factors and making informed decisions, you can transform your Remington 870 into a versatile and effective tool. Careful selection will enable you to maximize the potential of your 870. Now that you’ve read this guide, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and choose the barrel that best suits your needs.
