The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, renowned for its reliability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. Adding a 30-inch full choke barrel significantly enhances its capabilities, making it a serious contender for waterfowl hunting, long-range target shooting, and competitive events. This in-depth guide explores the advantages, considerations, and overall value of the Remington 870 with a 30-inch full choke barrel.
Why Choose a 30-Inch Barrel?
A 30-inch barrel offers several key advantages over shorter barrels, particularly when combined with a full choke:
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Increased Velocity and Range: The longer barrel allows for more complete powder burn, resulting in higher muzzle velocity and extended range. This is crucial for reaching distant waterfowl or achieving tight patterns at longer distances. Studies show that a longer barrel can add up to 50-100 fps depending on the load.
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Improved Pattern Density: A full choke constricts the shot pattern, creating a tighter spread. Coupled with the increased velocity from the longer barrel, this results in denser patterns at longer ranges, increasing your chances of a clean kill. This is vital for ethical hunting practices.
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Reduced Recoil (Counterintuitive but True): While it might seem counterintuitive, a longer barrel can actually reduce felt recoil in some cases. The longer barrel allows for a more gradual expansion of gases, reducing the peak force experienced by the shooter. This is less significant with lighter loads but becomes more noticeable with heavier magnum shells.
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Enhanced Accuracy: The added length contributes to improved barrel stability and sighting, leading to greater accuracy, especially in longer shots.
Full Choke: A Precision Tool
The "full choke" designation refers to the degree of constriction at the muzzle of the barrel. A full choke produces the tightest possible shot pattern, ideally suited for long-range shooting where precise shot placement is crucial. The trade-off is a smaller pattern, requiring more precise aim.
Understanding Choke Constrictions: Choke constrictions are measured in thousandths of an inch. A full choke typically constricts the bore by approximately 0.040 inches (or more depending on manufacturer specs). This results in a pattern with minimal spread at longer ranges.
Applications of a 30-Inch Full Choke Barrel:
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Waterfowl Hunting: This is the most common use for this configuration. The increased range and tight patterns are essential for successfully hunting ducks and geese at longer distances.
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Long-Range Target Shooting: The combination of increased accuracy and pattern density makes this setup ideal for competitive trap, skeet, or sporting clays.
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Law Enforcement/Tactical Applications (Specific Models): Some Remington 870 models with longer barrels are used in law enforcement or tactical situations for extended range control.
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Hunting Larger Game (with appropriate ammunition): While not the primary purpose, a 30-inch full choke barrel can be effective for hunting larger game birds at longer distances with slugs or buckshot.
Considerations Before Purchasing:
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Weight: A 30-inch barrel adds significant weight to the shotgun. This can be tiring during extended hunts or shooting sessions.
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Maneuverability: The longer barrel reduces maneuverability in tight quarters, making it less versatile in close-range situations.
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Cost: A 30-inch full choke barrel for the Remington 870 can be more expensive than shorter barrels.
Case Study: Hunter Experience with Remington 870 30" Full Choke
"I've been using a Remington 870 with a 30-inch full choke barrel for waterfowl hunting for five years now," says experienced hunter, Mark Johnson. "The difference in range and pattern density compared to my old 26-inch barrel is remarkable. I've had significantly more successful hunts since switching, especially on those longer shots. However, the weight can be a factor on long hunting days. It's definitely a trade-off, but for me, the added reach is worth it."
Conclusion: Is a 30-Inch Full Choke Right for You?
The Remington 870 30-inch full choke barrel is a powerful addition for hunters and shooters who prioritize long-range accuracy and pattern density. Its benefits are undeniable, particularly for waterfowl hunting. However, the increased weight and reduced maneuverability should be considered. Careful evaluation of your shooting style, hunting needs, and physical capabilities will determine whether this specific configuration is the right choice for you. Consider the trade-offs between range, accuracy, weight, and maneuverability to make an informed decision.