New poster...some questions

[chilly460]

Hello All,

I've been looking through a bunch of posts, great forum.

I'm a relatively novice shooter, I've primarily used my father's hand me down 870 Wingmaster 12ga to this point. The gun was manufactured in the early 60s and I absolutely love it.

I also occasionally shoot a 20ga Ithaca (SKB) 500 o/u...somewhat of an heirloom so I never intend to hunt with it, just skeet. I also like this gun, it fits me well and I do fairly well with it (relative to me) in sporting clays.

I also hunt farm reserve pheasant around 3x per year, and plan to increase my hunts. I'd also like to start dove hunting.

I recently treated myself to two new guns, Benelli Nova and a Ruger Red Label 12ga. Reason being I wanted a good all around upland gun, and another rugged pump to take into the field when weather is rough. Also could get into waterfowl in the next year or so. I'd like to move the 870 to "nice weather" status as it has sentimental value.

With that said, I'd like to try a 26" barrel for the 870 for field work. I find the gun a little cumbersome when flushing pheasant. My question is, can I use a 870 Express barrel made for 3"? They're quite a bit easier to find then the 2 3/4" only Wingmaster barrels.

Also, the Nova feels decent but it's a bit long in the pull...does anyone know if there is a shorter recoil pad made for it? Benelli's site is unclear, they offer slimmer pads for the M2 and SBE...but don't show one for the Nova. I don't intend to shoot much (if any) 3.5" and I'm not very sensitive to recoil so I don't mind the reduced recoil protection of a slimmer pad.

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Dave McC]

Welcome aboard!

I have a 26" Light Contour Barrel mounted on a 1955 870.It works fine for 2 3/4" shells, but I cannot use 3" shells in it because it's a 2 3/4" receiver.

If your 870 has a serial Number ending in M, you can use 3" mags if you get a new 26" barrel. But.....

The Expresses and new standard WM barrels run heavier than the old barrel on your dad's 870. A new LC barrel is lighter than these and even your old barrel. It will be less "Cumbersome" on flushing pheasants.

Shortening the Nova stock is tough. I know of no thinner pop in pad, but maybe there's one available. You may want to call Benelli.

HTH....

 

[chilly460]

Thanks for the help, much appreciated. I have no need to shoot 3" shells, just making sure that I could go with the more readily available barrel if I find one used.

I've also noticed that the Express barrels seem quite a bit heavier then the WM, but I figured it was due to the ribbing. I'll keep an eye out for a light contour barrel. I love the 870 due to the balance. I have nothing against premium guns, but this weekend I had the opportunity to shoot several Beretta o/u's and one Kreighoff and felt just as comfortable with the 870 WM. I think maintaining the barrel weight will be important to retain that feel.

I didn't have much success with my first call to Benelli, but you know how that goes...service is only as good as the person on the phone. I'll try to call back today and see if I can find someone with a pulse.