I have a couple 870's. One has a 26" impr. and the other is a 30" full choke. The Improved cylinder can put a slug in a pie plate up to a 100 yrds and thats with open sights and a smooth bore barrel. Its a great bird gun too for pheasants and ducks. The full choke is my turkey gun though.
I am sold on the 870's. Good Luck.
Bobby