Newly bought 870, need help

Check the receiver it should say magnum on it. I also believe that the Serial number will have a "M" in it. Do not go by what the barrel states on it as they can be easily swapped/interchanged
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Actually, both the receiver and the barrel should be checked for proper shell length. Some older barrels are marked "2 3/4" only" or "2 3/4" or shorter shells". I would advise to not shoot 3" shells from a barrel so marked.
 
For hunting migratory birds (including dove) there is a federal law limiting the gun to 3 shots. Some states keep things simple by just stating that all hunting shotguns must be limited to 3 shots so someone dove hunting cannot just claim they were rabbit hunting.

Other states let you remove the plug for anything but migratory birds. Check your individual states. Many posters do not consider the laws may be different from their home state.
 
I just heard back from remington, the shotgun was produced around 1980 and before i could read the further responses i had gone to the store and purchased a $3 mag plug. With it installed i cant load any shells. Edit: I just took everythign back apart and found a pen inside lol. Guess the last guy made his own mag. plug lol. Thanks for all the help so far, i cant wait to get this baby into the field to try her out!

AZwarts, I'd love to as soon as i get all this cleared up for me, between work (military) and studying for a promotion test my time is limited until the 17th.
 
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I recently took out what appears to be the factory wood plug from my 1973 Wingmaster, which was I think was originally sold as a skeet / quail gun.

It's exactly 5 1/2 inches long, in case anyone wants to make one. A piece of 1/2" or 5/8" dowel rod would work nicely.

The only mod I'm considering for mine is a 2 or 3 shot mag extension. Great guns as is, congrats on your 1980, I prefer older too.

Josh P
 
a wooden dowel would fine. Cut it to length so that only 2 shells fit the tube.
Well atleast thats what the rules are in AL. 2 in the mag tube and 1 in the chamber.
 
For water fowl federal regulations say you can only have 3 shells. In Idaho Doves are migratory we have to by a migratory permit for them. I am not sure but I think the plug is a federal rule as well. I know around here they will give you a ticket if they can get more than two shells in the mag.
 
AZWarts said:
AZGF wont ticket you if you don't have a plug in
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AZWarts said:
You don't need to have a mag. plug in but you can have no more than 3 rounds in your gun.
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I don't know about all that.......

Arizona Game and Fish Laws said:
WEAPON – Migratory game birds may be taken only with a
10 gauge or smaller shotgun capable of holding not more than
three shells. Birds may also be taken by falconry or by bow and
arrow, or crossbow.
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"Capable of holding" not "loaded with". Capable of holding 3 shells or less means plugged to prevent loading more than 3 (including the one in the chamber) without having to disassemble the weapon.

http://www.azgfd.gov/pdfs/h_f/regulations/DovePigeonRegulations.pdf
 
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thanks for all the info, i think i'll keep the plug out for now just because bird season is over here and i've some target practice to do.
 
Ever wonder how a simple thing as a shotgun plug could cause so many different view points and arguments? Try asking a question about anything on here - most the time you get the same result. :D:eek::D:barf:
 
Best way to remember your plug is to tie it to your favorite/lucky huntin' vest or cap you will always hunt migratory birds while wearing...;)

The lawman is discretionary in enforcement but the law plainly reads "capable" of holding no more than 3 total rounds.

Some folks know how to "ghost round" a 4th into the receiver of certain makes/models of gun but the savvy 5+ year GW veteran also knows these tricks...;):D
Brent
 
My plugs are all cut from dowels. May have one 'official green plastic' Remington. I made one from a limb for a buddy who ended up in the field with no plug.

Keep the Mod bbl. Watch for an IC. Doubtful you'll need more.

Good screw in choke work is not cheap. Cheap screw in choke work is ... well, cheap! The ubes themselves are not cheap either. If you just have to have them then just bite the bullet and buy a bbl with them. It will come with three tubes. But may cost you almost as much as the 870 did! Cabela's, Midway, Brownell's, ... oh, Remington.

I have several bbls with screw in chokes .... don't even remember last time I changed one of the damned things! Most entertaining (and aggravating) thing at a sporting clays range is watching guys madly changing tubes! Then saying, 'guess I should have kept in the xxx'. LOL!!!

The best thing screw in chokes have done is make standard used guns and bbls cheaper!!
 
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