RE: beginner questions..
 

The 870 is a GREAT gun. The only reason I don't have one anymore is because I traded it for a Benelli M2!!:)

The one I had would do everything I wanted it to do and it never quit, even in the worst weather. IMO, they are the best pump guns made today.

If you do decide to get it, I don't think that you will be disappointed.

RE: beginner questions..
 

Wow, I wish I could say that. I use a 12ga for ducks andI have an 870 syn supermag and this thing has done nothing but jam EVERY time I use it. I went to a Winnie X2 and love it. BTW, I had 2 Benneli's and hated them. Oh well, to each his own.MY 870 is JUNK tho.

RE: beginner questions..
 

I have heard of people having a lot of trouble with the SuperMags. Mine was just the 3 inch version and never hiccuped once.
Oh, well,no use getting in an argument over it.:) Everyone has their own opinion.

ttyl,
Pheasantfanatic

RE: beginner questions..
 

I have had every Remington made(I think) and this is the first one that ever gave me problems. I'm sure it just needs to be honed or whatever in the barrel toextract reliably. It shoots the 2 3/4 shells great but for some reason the mags swell up and won't eject without a lot of trouble. For anyone face to face it can be bought for $100. It is missing the end cap and the forearm is cracked.

RE: beginner questions..
 

Sounds like it had some rough use so, prolly the problem you have had came from that. I have the 1100 magnum and have shot a few 870s and enjoyed them both. The barrel seals get chewed up in my 1100 magnum so I change barrels for 2 3/4 inch shells and never had a problem with those.

No doubt that they are different, however they can be set out the night before if you wish ( at least up here) and then you have a better hunt. If it is windy you have even a harder time locating them. Also up here I choose a bird farm that is made in some wooded areas making the pheasants fly zig zag through the stuff. I would normally get 10 birds and have 5 released the night before and have 5 planted so it becomes more challenging. I also like to use 2 3/4 #6 shot with a modified barrell.

RE: beginner questions..
 

I've had an 870 for ten years now and have never had a problem with it. I'd use it for everything from quail to deer. The number 4s or 6s will do the trick for wild pheasants and 7 1/2s for tame birds. The only reason I don't use mine for any thing but turkey and home security any more is because its just alot heavier than my o/u or my muzzleloader