Slugs and shot from Remington 870, same barrel?

[Mokumbear]

Pardon me, since I asked this question yesterday.

It was buried within another thread so I got only one, not totally certain
(but still appreciated) reply.

My local indoor range will only allow you to fire "low recoil slugs", no shot.

I was thinking of taking a lesson there and then taking it out
to a local sheriff's dept range that is open to the public a couple of days a month and trying it with shot suitable for home defense.

I was thinking of buying the Remington 870 Express 18" synthetic in 12ga.

This gun has a "fixed cylinder choke".

The "million dollar question"... Can I fire both the slugs and shot
out of the same (off the shelf) gun, safely and without damaging the shotgun???

(This was the smooth bore vs rifled bore question)
I also don't know how this Remington model comes from the factory, or if it matters.

I need help here! I hope you guys can help me figure this out.
Otherwise, my research into buying my 1st shotgun is going well and
I think I see what I need to do.

I have studied the Remingtom manual and all I can see is the obvious things
like "use the correct gauge ammo".

With this question not clearly answered, I am hopelessly confused.

 

[Invicta]

Yes, you can fire slugs and shot out of a 870 Express. Your 870 Express has a smooth-bore barrel so your not going to be able to shoot sabot slugs accurately, your barrel has no rifling to stabilize sabots. If you want to accurately shoots slugs you'll need fostered/rifled slugs. The only problem you might have is finding low recoil rifled slugs.

 

[Mokumbear]

I am reading this right?

Since I am not going hunting with the "low recoil slugs",
would this be just fine for the purposes of taking a safety lesson
in shooting the gun at the indoor range?

I just want to learn the basics, loading, shooting, unloading etc.
(Field stripping/cleaning if they are in a good mood).

Then I think I would be good to move on to the outdoor range by
myself and try shooting with the HD shot ammo.

Comments?

BTW, will the low recoil slug rounds generate more recoil than
2 3/4 00 buck?

Should I feel confident in going out to the outdoor range by myself with this
type of ammo if the range experience with the slugs goes well?

I can always read a book or watch a DVD on technique later for the fine points. I doubt I would have the time or money to pursue "tactical shotgun training" at this time.

Thanks!

 

[Dfariswheel]

The Remington you're looking at is PERFECT for home defense and the training courses.

The smooth, unrifled bore can shoot ANY shotgun load, except as above the sabot slugs won't be very accurate, since they were made for use in rifled barrels.

The low recoil slugs will have less recoil than standard buckshot loads.
Remember, the big factor in shotgun recoil is WEIGHT and powder load.
A one ounce load of birdshot, buckshot or a slug will have the SAME recoil, if loaded with the same powder charge, since one ounce is one ounce.

Low recoil ammo reduces recoil by lowering the powder charge or by lightening the weight of the load.
These low recoil loads are ideal for training, AND work very well for home defense.

A lot of shooters are now changing to the low recoil buckshot loads for use in home defense, since at typical HD ranges they are just as effective, and the lower recoil allows for much faster follow-up shots.

So, a Remington Express 18" synthetic loaded with low recoil slugs will be perfect for your training courses and range practice.

 

[Mokumbear]

Great feedback!

Thanks for the excellent feedback!

While we are at it, can you show me several other things:

1) Show me a reliable and competively priced web site to buy HD shotgun ammo,
anything has got to be cheaper than my local gun shop.

2) Can you provide me with a link to the type of low recoil HD ammo
you have in mind? (Are 2 3/4 rounds a good choice)?

3) Is Remington ammo in any way more suitable? (I don't even know if
they make this type of HD ammo or specialize in hunting loads).

Thanks!