MJO

Hello everyone. I have an 870 express with, I want to say, an 18" smoothbore barrel. My question is: would I need a choke to use buckshot? I was thinking 00 shot and I'd say the maximum distance I'd be shooting would be 30-35 yards. Any answers and other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

cnmiller

you did not say shell length! however , you should pattern your gun with different size buckshot to determine best grouping. 35 yards should not be a problem in harvesting a deer with buckshot.

MJO

My apologies. It is a 12 gauge and can chamber a 2 3/4" or 3" shell.

cnmiller

No big deal. Same thing - pattern your gun at 35 yards , use best one. If the recoil is not too moch for you try 3" .

slowpoke14

I going to have agree you need to shoot different size buckshots. But I would say outside that try a 1# buckshot either 2 3/4 or 3 inch. if you can find copperplated is the best but I also shoot plated and unplated 3'' 1# and 00 buckshot and 2 3/4 for whitetails in Va. But copperplate are hard to find. good luck

Tymac

I as well would shot and see which is the best. As far as choke(if it has screw -in chokes) i shot a full. But, i have a friend that shot with extra full(and believe it or not; we have the same shot gun and his is different than mine). And try different brands. They'll have some that shot better than others...Good luck and let us know what ya get..Ty

JBOW

I also have a 12ga 870 smooth. Here in TN it is illegal to use buckshot so, I discovered last year that rifled slugs work extremely well out to about 75 yards. I shot a 6 point at about 40 yards just using the bead sight. With that much lead he was stopped in his trax. I plan this year to buy a red dot scope for myself and my sons 870 youth 20 ga.