Understanding the Slug Barrel’s Role
The Remington 870, a name synonymous with reliability and versatility, has long been a favorite among hunters, law enforcement, and recreational shooters alike. Chambered in various gauges, its adaptability allows for a wide range of applications. For those seeking to extend the effective range and accuracy of their 20-gauge Remington 870, a slug barrel presents a compelling upgrade. This guide delves deep into the world of **slug barrels for the Remington 870 20 Gauge**, offering a comprehensive overview to empower you to make informed decisions and achieve optimal performance.
A standard shotgun barrel, designed for shot patterns, features a smooth interior bore. This design, while excellent for dispersing shot, offers minimal stabilization for a single projectile. The slug barrel, on the other hand, typically incorporates rifling, a series of spiral grooves cut into the interior of the barrel. This rifling imparts a spin to the slug as it travels down the barrel. This spin, similar to the spin on a football, provides gyroscopic stability, allowing the slug to maintain a more consistent trajectory and ultimately, greater accuracy at greater distances.
Rifling is the defining characteristic of a slug barrel, setting it apart from its smoothbore counterparts. The type of rifling, however, can vary. Some barrels feature traditional rifling, while others use specialized designs, such as those optimized for specific types of slugs.
Benefits of Choosing a Slug Barrel
The advantages of equipping your Remington 870 20 Gauge with a **slug barrel** are numerous, transforming a versatile shotgun into a highly capable precision tool.
The most significant benefit is undoubtedly the **improved accuracy**. The rifling within the slug barrel acts as the key element, guiding the projectile with precision. This results in tighter groupings, reducing the spread of your shots and increasing the likelihood of a direct hit, particularly at distances beyond what is realistically achievable with standard shotgun barrels and shot.
Beyond enhanced accuracy, the **extended effective range** offered by a slug barrel is a game-changer. Because of the stabilizing spin imparted to the slug, the trajectory remains more consistent over longer distances. This allows shooters to engage targets at significantly greater ranges with confidence. This is especially vital when hunting game at distances where the standard shot patterns would lose effectiveness.
Understanding the **types of slugs** that are designed to be fired from the barrel is also important. The most common are sabot slugs. These slugs are designed to be a bit larger and are made with a sabot, a plastic sleeve that surrounds the projectile within the barrel. This ensures a proper fit to the rifling inside the barrel. There are also slugs made for smooth bore barrels, such as foster slugs. When selecting slugs, it is vital to choose those recommended for your particular barrel type and intended purpose.
Exploring Barrel Variations for the Remington 870 20 Gauge
The world of slug barrels for the Remington 870 20 Gauge is diverse, offering a range of options to suit different shooting styles and requirements.
Fully Rifled Slug Barrels
Fully rifled slug barrels are characterized by their extensive rifling, which covers the entire length of the bore. This design is specifically engineered to stabilize slugs, providing optimal accuracy. The level of accuracy achievable with a fully rifled barrel is often exceptional, especially when paired with high-quality slugs designed to work with rifled barrels. These barrels are often the preferred choice for hunters aiming for maximum precision at longer ranges.
Fully rifled barrels are frequently compatible with the installation of various optics, such as scopes or red dot sights. This allows for enhanced target acquisition, further contributing to accuracy. The types of slugs you may need for this barrel may require a bit of research, so make sure you know what slugs are best suited for the barrels.
Cantilever Slug Barrels
Cantilever slug barrels offer a unique advantage, especially for shooters who prefer to use optics. The “cantilever” refers to an elevated mount extending from the barrel. This mount allows for the easy and secure attachment of scopes, red dot sights, or other aiming devices. The cantilever design also tends to position the optic at an optimal height for comfortable target acquisition and faster follow-up shots.
The ease of optics mounting is a major advantage. This allows users to select the optics that best suit their needs and shooting style, providing additional options for accuracy. Cantilever barrels also tend to be very versatile, compatible with various slug types, offering flexibility to shooters.
Smoothbore Slug Barrels (if applicable)
While less common than fully rifled or cantilever barrels, some manufacturers offer or have offered smoothbore slug barrels for the Remington 870 20 Gauge, designed specifically for use with certain types of slugs. These barrels lack rifling, relying on the inherent characteristics of the slug and its design to provide accuracy.
Smoothbore barrels are generally more economical. This means they may be less expensive to purchase. Smoothbore slug barrels typically are intended for use with specific types of slugs, such as foster slugs, which feature a unique design that stabilizes the projectile during flight.
Making the Right Barrel Choice
Selecting the ideal **slug barrel** for your Remington 870 20 Gauge requires careful consideration of several key factors.
The **intended use** is paramount. If your primary goal is hunting, the type of game you are pursuing and the typical distances you will be shooting at will heavily influence your choice. Hunting larger game at greater distances will typically necessitate a fully rifled barrel paired with high-performance slugs. For short-range hunting situations or target shooting at closer distances, a smoothbore barrel may be adequate.
If hunting, the **type of game** itself plays a pivotal role. Big game hunting often requires precision and extended range, making a fully rifled or cantilever barrel ideal. For hunting smaller game at closer ranges, a smoothbore or a more basic rifled barrel might suffice.
**Optics requirements** should be a major component of your decision-making process. If you intend to use a scope or red dot sight, a cantilever barrel is often the best choice, as it provides a convenient and secure mounting platform. If you prefer to use iron sights or are comfortable with a more traditional approach, a fully rifled barrel without a cantilever mount might be suitable.
**Budget considerations** are always important. Fully rifled and cantilever barrels may come with a higher price tag due to their advanced features and manufacturing processes. Smoothbore barrels may be more budget-friendly, providing an accessible entry point to slug barrel shooting. Determine your spending limits and explore options within that range.
**Barrel length** can have an impact on both accuracy and range. Longer barrels may offer a slight advantage in terms of accuracy and muzzle velocity, but they can also make the shotgun more cumbersome to handle. Shorter barrels may be more maneuverable, but they might sacrifice some accuracy and range. Consider your shooting style and typical hunting scenarios when choosing a barrel length.
Installing and Maintaining Your Slug Barrel
Once you’ve selected your chosen **slug barrel**, proper installation and maintenance are essential for optimal performance and longevity.
Installation Process
Installing a slug barrel on your Remington 870 20 Gauge is a relatively straightforward process. First, ensure your firearm is unloaded and the action is open. Remove the forend and then unscrew the magazine cap. Slide the barrel from the receiver. Ensure the receiver is clean. Next, slide the new barrel into the receiver, aligning it correctly. Replace the magazine cap, tightening it securely. Reinstall the forend. If you are installing a cantilever barrel, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching the optic mount. After the barrel is installed, make sure you use the correct **slugs** and do a function test to ensure everything is working as intended.
Maintenance Regimen
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for preserving the accuracy and extending the lifespan of your slug barrel. After each shooting session, clean the barrel thoroughly using a suitable cleaning rod, patches, and bore cleaner. Pay particular attention to the rifling, removing any lead or copper fouling that might have accumulated. Store the barrel in a dry, protected environment to prevent rust and corrosion.
Achieving Accuracy: Techniques for Slug Shooting
Using a **slug barrel** is only half the equation to reaching your full potential. Mastering the techniques required to harness the full potential of your setup is just as important.
Sighting In Your Firearm
Before heading into the field, it is imperative to sight in your shotgun. This process involves zeroing your sights (iron sights or optics) to the point of impact of your chosen slugs at a specific range. Secure your shotgun in a stable position, such as a gun vise or shooting rest. Fire a group of shots at a target, noting the point of impact relative to your point of aim. Adjust your sights accordingly, making small adjustments until your shots consistently hit the target at your desired point.
Perfecting Shooting Skills
Proper shooting technique is essential for achieving accuracy. Maintain a firm but not overly tight grip. Place the buttstock firmly against your shoulder, ensuring a comfortable and consistent cheek weld against the stock. Control your breathing, taking slow, deliberate breaths. Squeeze the trigger smoothly, without jerking or anticipating the recoil. Practice regularly to develop muscle memory and refine your shooting skills.
Slug Selection Strategies
Experimentation with different types of slugs is a critical step toward achieving optimal accuracy. Not all slugs will perform equally well in your particular barrel. Test a variety of slugs to find the ones that consistently deliver the tightest groupings at your intended shooting distances. Pay attention to the slug’s weight, design, and construction, and how it interacts with your chosen barrel type.
Safety First: Responsible Firearm Practices
Safety should always be the paramount concern when handling firearms. Never point your shotgun at anything you are not willing to destroy. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it before firing. Wear appropriate eye and ear protection at all times when shooting. Familiarize yourself with and adhere to all local hunting regulations. Proper firearm storage is essential to prevent unauthorized access and ensure safety. Store your shotgun unloaded, with ammunition stored separately in a locked location.
This detailed guide provides the knowledge necessary to select, install, and optimize your **slug barrel for the Remington 870 20 Gauge**. With the right barrel, a bit of practice, and an unwavering commitment to safety, you can transform your shotgun into a precision instrument, ready for any challenge. Remember to always follow local laws and regulations and to prioritize safety in all your shooting endeavors.
