Decided on an 870
 

I've decided to get a Remington 870 12 GA shotgun. Seems simple enough, right?

Well Remington makes literally dozens of versions of the 870.

I was thinking of getting this:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_super_magnum_combo.asp
(870 Express Super Magnum Combo )

But I found this at the local store, and they said it would be 8-12 weeks to order the Super Magnum this time of year:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_combos.asp
(870 Express Combo)

Any opinions?

It seems the only difference between the two is that the Super Magnum can use 3 1/2 shells, but from what I gather it is also not compatible with most 870 barrels.

I thought all I needed to know about shotgun ammo was gauge, but there seems to be more to it. Can anyone give me a run-down?

Is this for self defense or hunting? If the former, I think you want a shorter barrel.

folding stock at least. 870, the Chevy Impala of shotguns. Nothin' fancy, but damn, they last. (plus everyone makes cool aftermarket parts for 'em)...check out www.cheaperthandirt.com for some fun stuff at good prices for the 870.

For self defense, skeet, and deer (if I ever find a friend that will let me tag along) in that order.

The thing I like about the 870 is that there it is possible to make the same gun all three.

The 3 1/2 inch 12 gauge is one of the worst ideas ever hatched for a shotgun. It is a relic of the steel shot era; a desperate attempt to get that crap to kill birds. Its recoil is all out of proportion to any increase in effectiveness, it strings its shot badly, and it is no longer necessary. The 2 3/4 inch and 3 inch shells will do everything you need them to do.

Other forms of non-toxic shot are far more effective than steel, and you can get all you will ever need in the 3 inch shell. Stick with that and you can't go wrong. The Express Combo, rather than the Super Magnum, is the way to go.

Well, I bought the 870 Express Combo. 24 hours until I can pick it up.

Good job! Keep us posted on future mods.;)

I'm thinking of a pistol grip for home use. I can always swap in the stock stock when I go to the range.

Would this be good for home-defense duty?

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/46586-10009-706.html

Might I suggest the Extrema2?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk2mFcsa7mw

A little out of my price range...

yeah, but that's alot of drywall to patch and spackle!;)

I love that video. No matter how many times I watch it, I laugh out loud during the first 10 seconds.

870 is a good choice for all of these. I have a Winchester 1300 that I use for the same things.

Well, I picked it up.

Any initial recomendations on shells for:

1) Home defense?

2) Skeet?

3) Deer?

Home defense: triple 000, all you need - bigger penetrates thru walls
Skeet: shot size 9 is preferable, 8's will do. Do NOT get 3 dram loads - get 2 3/4 dram as a max. 3 drams is for geese and hurting yourself.
What choke did you get? Modifed or tighter is tough for skeet unless you already know how.
Deer - dunno, in Texas we use bullets.

Get an improved cylinder choke.

I was looking at getting a skeet choke. The longer smooth bore barrel came with a modified choke.

skeet's fine: just slightly tighter than improved or improved cylinder

This might help you decide.
http://www.gunnersden.com/index.htm.shotgun-game-guide.html