what to get

Not in my experience

turkey (require) large pellet loads,

I have found that large pellet loads are not dense enough at 40 yards. More pellets are better, even though they are smaller. The idea is to hit them in the head or neck--- it does not take a lot to fatally damage the brain or spine. Even large pellets to the body won't stop a turkey- the feathers make pretty good body armor vs. shot: When I first started, I used some #2 heavy field loads and and a full choke .............. I hit one hen 5 times and knocked out of the air twice in mile long chase, and still lost her...... I use #6 game loads now, and and extra-full turkey choke. I just aim for the top of the neck now, with much better results.
 
A Remington 870 is a very rugged shotgun that can do everything that you want to do.I would recomend that you try to buy a Wingmaster version rather than an Express.Good used Wingmaster's can be bought for a reasonable price if you are patient and willing to look around for a while.It won't be perfect for any of the things that you mentioned,but it will do all of them adequately.
 
I know I said about the 500a but someone mentioned the wingmaster 870. It is a good 870 and one of the best, like he said. Much better than the express 870, however im not sure if the wingmaster has interchangable barrels
 
HelterSkelter,

Thanks for your OP edit clarification about your intended "Skeet" shooting (or lack thereof). For your updated intended uses, a typical "combo" gun will serve you well. They may not be standard catalog items, but are packaged by the manufactures to meet retailers' regional market requirements.

In areas where deer are harvested with shotguns, a typical combo might be a pump gun with a standard 28-inch all-purpose barrel and a second, shorter, barrel with rifle-type sights specifically for deer. In another region, where deer are taken with rifles, a combo gun might be marketed with the extra barrel being specifically for home defense (called by some a "riot gun" barrel). If you keep your eye on the market, you may find pump combos seasonally available in your area at deeply discounted prices.

If your budget doesn't support a combo right now, then you can get a pump gun with an all-purpose barrel and add a deer barrel in the future. Shotgun barrels are pretty sturdy items and there's an active e-market in used ones. Some shooters are unaware that Mossberg makes barrels to fit the Remington 870.
 
Thanks zippy, since he did clarify that the wingmaster interchanges thats another good choice, much better than a express 870. The sps 870s are also good 870s. Still the 500Cs from Mossberg are tough to beat.
 
If I had to choose between the M-500 and the R-870, I'd opt for the 870 because of the location of the safety. Others would choose the M-500 for exactly the same reason. :D
 
That is another big thing, some prefer the safe on top of the receiver and others dont, I actually do prefer the remington safetys on their guns. Nearly all my guns are remingtons beside for maybe 5 and 3 are mossbergs 1 browning, and a Ithica an Remington does have the best safety imo.
 
@ zippy

do you know anywhere that would sell a package with all the barrels you mentioned already included or will i have to hunt them down individually?
 
What ever LGSs and big box stores that sell firearms in your area. My local WalMart doesn't sell guns, but I understand the ones that do offer combos. Keep an eye open for their sale ads.
 
Back
Top