Rem 870 questions

[xjjeeperx]

Hey guys I have some noob questions and I figure someone out there can be of assistance. I recently bought a Remington 870 express with the 18" barrel fixed cylinder choke model. I got it primarily for a home defense weapon, but I was wondering if anyone has experience using one for turkey hunting? I'm not sure how well an 18" barrel with that choke would work.

I know you can buy different barrels for the 870 action, so would I be better off buying a new barrel or just buying a new gun dedicated for hunting? Is there a certain choke I should look for or does that come down to how the gun patterns at different ranges? I've read reviews of people using this gun for turkey as is with the top "pros" being easy to maneuver in the field and lightweight, but I've also read bad reviews on the short barrel length. I usually bowhunt the turkey season but my son is wanting to gun it because he is slow with the bow. Any help in making a decision would be a great help!!

 

[Beekeeper]

An 870 is a great gun for hunting and home defense. An 18 inch cylinder bore is not a good choice for Turkeys. Buy a new barrel threaded for a Rem. Choke and get a turkey choke for it.
Is this a 3" chamber or just a 2 3/4 chamber?

 

[xjjeeperx]

it can chamber both. I did a few improvements to it to make it more for home defense (it would make a liberal have a heart attack)lmao. I added a blackhawk recoil reducing stock, a magazine extension and a flashlight laser combo and a lock to keep the mag extension from jarring loose.

 

[stik]

buy another barrel and leave the flashlight off.

 

[7mminatree]

buy another barrel and leave the flashlight off.

Mossberg even makes a cheaper barrel for the 870, your gonna need it to kill a turkey, they're tough birds!