Shotgun help

[krshunter]

Looking at an excellent condition older Remington 870 Wingmaster, one "Full" and the other "Mod". Will either of these older shotguns shoot steel shot? I will probably use it for grouse, pheasant, maybe an occasional goose hunt. Regs here say we have to have steel shot for any waterfoul and on public property. Upland birds on private property can be shot with leadshot. I'm new to shotgunning and looking for something versatile to get me going.

[skeet]

All the(modern) Remington shotguns are ok for steel shot..but if you are going to shoot much steel probably the Modified bbl will be better. Steel holds a much tighter patter than lead. It is also much less effective than lead. There are lead alternatives that work really well such as Bismuth and hevi shot. Expensive but much better ballistically.

[hofts]

if you think you will be hunting a lot of public, then def go with the mod, and never look back.

[gspsonny03]

krshunter, I seen your post the other day and just got the chance to respond today. Not all public land do you have to use steel shot. Only on refuges and other designated parcels so noted require steel shot. Most walk-in-areas are designated for standard ammo, of course any time you are hunting waterfowl regardless of where you hunt you have to use steel that's a given. As for what shotgun, I agree with the modified barrel. If you get into upland game hunting and really enjoy it you can always buy a new barrel that has the interchangeable choke system so that you can use what ever choke you want. You can get these for less than $200.00 and still shoot steel. I hope you enjoy it. I think it's a lot of fun.

[M.T. Pockets]

I agree with getting the one with the modified barrel, I'm not familiar with the lengths between the full & modified, but don't worry if the modified is a couple inches shorter, you won't lose anything.

I'd be willing to bet that more steel shot goes through Remington 870 shotguns than any other shotgun in the world.

The choke systems mentioned above are a great option and a replacement barrel for an 870 is going to be less costly than most other brands. I find myself using modified about 80-90% of the time anyway so don't feel handi-capped if all you have is a modified barrel. I think there will be more and more steel shot requirements for all types of hunting.

Careful with steel shot when you're eating game, it really hurts the teeth.