The Remington 870 is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability, versatility, and widespread use across various fields, from hunting and sporting clays to home defense. The 28-inch barrel variant holds a special place among enthusiasts, offering a unique balance of performance characteristics. This article delves into the specifics of the Remington 870 with a 28-inch barrel, exploring its advantages, disadvantages, and ideal applications.
Why Choose a 28-Inch Barrel?
A 28-inch barrel on a Remington 870 provides several key advantages, particularly for specific shooting disciplines:
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Improved Accuracy: The longer barrel contributes to a more consistent and predictable shot pattern, especially at longer ranges. The increased sight radius also enhances aiming precision. This makes it a popular choice for target shooting and hunting birds at longer distances.
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Reduced Recoil: While counterintuitive, a longer barrel can actually reduce felt recoil in some instances. The longer barrel allows for more complete powder burn, leading to less abrupt force transfer to the shooter.
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Increased Velocity: With a longer barrel, the shot charge has more time to accelerate, resulting in higher muzzle velocity. This translates to flatter trajectory and increased range.
Applications for a 28-Inch Remington 870
The 28-inch barrel Remington 870 truly shines in specific scenarios:
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Hunting: This barrel length is excellent for upland bird hunting, waterfowl hunting (especially from blinds where longer shots are common), and even some types of larger game hunting depending on the chosen choke.
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Sporting Clays: While shorter barrels are often preferred, a 28-inch barrel can offer a competitive edge for certain sporting clays events where longer shots are required, emphasizing accuracy and control.
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Target Shooting: For trap, skeet, or other target shooting disciplines, the increased accuracy and consistent shot pattern of the longer barrel can significantly improve scores.
Considerations When Choosing a 28-Inch Barrel
While offering several advantages, there are also some factors to consider:
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Maneuverability: A longer barrel naturally reduces the shotgun's maneuverability, especially in tight quarters or dense cover. This might make it less suitable for home defense or situations requiring quick target acquisition in close proximity.
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Weight: A longer barrel adds weight to the firearm, potentially leading to fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
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Choke Selection: The choice of choke tube significantly impacts performance. Understanding the different choke constrictions (e.g., full, modified, improved cylinder) and their impact on shot pattern is crucial for optimizing the 28-inch barrel's capabilities for your specific application.
Remington 870 28-Inch Barrel: The Verdict
The Remington 870 with a 28-inch barrel offers a compelling combination of accuracy, velocity, and range, making it an ideal choice for hunters, target shooters, and sporting clays enthusiasts who prioritize precision at longer distances. However, reduced maneuverability and increased weight should be carefully considered depending on the intended use. Ultimately, the best barrel length depends on individual needs and preferences. Careful consideration of your specific shooting requirements is key to selecting the optimal Remington 870 configuration.
