The Remington 870 shotgun, a legendary firearm known for its reliability and versatility, is often modified for slug shooting. Adding a slug barrel significantly enhances its long-range accuracy. This guide dives deep into the world of 870 slug barrels with scope mounts, covering everything from choosing the right barrel to mounting a scope and zeroing your weapon. Understanding these aspects will transform your 870 into a precision tool suitable for hunting or target practice.
Choosing the Right 870 Slug Barrel
Selecting the appropriate slug barrel is crucial for optimal performance. Several factors influence your choice:
Barrel Length
Barrel length directly impacts accuracy and velocity. Longer barrels generally offer better accuracy due to increased bullet stabilization, but they also add weight and can be less maneuverable. Common lengths for 870 slug barrels range from 18.5 inches to 28 inches. Consider your intended use: shorter barrels are ideal for close-quarters situations or navigating dense brush, while longer barrels excel at longer ranges.
- 18.5-inch barrels: More maneuverable, lighter weight, suitable for shorter-range applications.
- 20-22-inch barrels: A good balance between maneuverability and accuracy.
- 26-28-inch barrels: Best for long-range accuracy but heavier and less maneuverable.
Rifling
Rifled barrels impart spin to the slug, improving accuracy and range. Remington offers various rifling types, including:
- Conventional rifling: Features grooves that impart spin to the slug.
- Polygonal rifling: Employs multiple facets instead of traditional grooves, often touted for smoother bullet travel and potentially longer barrel life.
The choice between rifling types often depends on personal preference and the type of slugs you intend to use. Experimentation may be necessary to determine the best rifling type for your specific ammunition.
Material
Most 870 slug barrels are constructed from steel, chosen for its durability and ability to withstand the pressure of slug firing. However, some manufacturers offer barrels made from lighter materials like aluminum alloys, reducing the overall weight of the firearm.
Mounting a Scope on Your 870 Slug Barrel
Accurate shot placement requires a properly mounted scope. Several mounting options exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
Scope Mounts
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Receiver-mounted scope mounts: These mounts attach directly to the receiver of the shotgun, offering a solid and stable platform. They are generally preferred for their rigidity and minimal movement.
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Barrel-mounted scope mounts: These mounts attach directly to the barrel. While they may be easier to install, they can be less stable than receiver-mounted options, particularly with recoil.
Scope Selection
Choosing the right scope is as important as choosing the right barrel. Consider these factors:
- Magnification: For hunting, a variable power scope (e.g., 3-9x40) is often preferred, allowing you to adjust magnification based on distance.
- Objective Lens Diameter: A larger objective lens gathers more light, improving low-light performance.
- Reticle: Select a reticle that suits your needs and shooting style. Common options include duplex, mil-dot, and ballistic reticles.
Zeroing Your 870 Slug Barrel with Scope
Once your scope is mounted, zeroing is critical to ensure accurate shots. This process involves adjusting the scope's windage and elevation adjustments to align the point of impact with the point of aim.
- Use a stable rest: A solid bench rest or shooting bag is crucial for accurate zeroing.
- Start at a close range: Begin zeroing at a closer range (e.g., 25 yards) and gradually increase the distance.
- Adjust windage and elevation: Use the scope's adjustment knobs to bring the point of impact into alignment with your point of aim.
- Repeat the process: Continue the process until your shots are consistently grouping at your desired point of impact.
Case Study: Improving Accuracy with a New Barrel and Scope
A hunter, consistently experiencing poor accuracy with his factory-issued 870 smoothbore barrel, decided to upgrade to a 24-inch rifled slug barrel and a 3-9x40 scope. After properly mounting the scope and zeroing the weapon, he experienced a significant improvement in accuracy, increasing his shot grouping size at 50 yards by over 50%.
Conclusion
Adding a slug barrel with a scope mount transforms the Remington 870 into a capable long-range firearm. Careful consideration of barrel length, rifling, scope type, and zeroing procedures is essential for optimal performance and accuracy. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can enhance your shooting experience and maximize the potential of your Remington 870.