My top choices so far for a new turkey gun are the 870 & 11-87. Is it worth the extra $300 +/- for the 11-87? Or is the 870 too reliable to pass up? Open to any other suggestions as well
Thanks
Both are very good. You just have to decide how much felt recoil you want to endure.
The semi 11-87 is going to thump you less in the shoulder than the 870.
I bought a used 11-87 going on 7 years ago. Its only a 3in. gun, but I'm very happy with it. As for reliability, it's never given me a problem in the field or at the bench.
i have both of last years models with sureshot stock and i would go with the 870 because its just so reliable and i ve had problems with the 1187 3 1/2
I started with an 870 and went to an 1187...the 870 sure is a lot more fun to carry all day...the 1187 has about 1/3 of the recoil.
I only noticed the recoil on the bench, not in the woods though.
870 pros ;cheaper,reliable,lighter
870 cons; kicks bad, wobbly forend
11-87 pros; way less recoil,solid forend,quick second shot from awkward positions
11-87 cons; heavy,cost
I'm the same... got a new 870 turkey gun last year...and sold it this year. Went back to my old 1187... I love that thing. 1187 just feels more solid and better to me. I thought I could get used to the pump.... I was wrong
I like the 870 sm . Lighter to carry .
I have a couple 1187s and a few 870s. I like them both and usually grab either or depending on my mood. Hunting most of my life with both autos and pumps, the speed difference has never held water for me. I feel I can shoot both accurately at a similar speed. The 870 does kick far more, so that's about the only difference I can think of.
The reliability folks speak of always gives me a grin as I've had more failures in the field from an 870 than an 1187. I've owned 3 1187s and none have missed a lick.
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The reason I need a new one is that I've had misfires on two turkeys in a row. I have an old 3" 870 that I have worn out over the years duck hunting. It's supposedly fixed now but I just can't trust it.
I appreciate y'alls thoughts.
I really want an auto loader and would consider the 11-87 no doubt. I own an 870 now and I love it.
If you still do a lot of duck hunting I would opt for the 870. I bought a 1100 magnum Special Purpose when they came out. It was great for turkey hunting, but was unreliable for duck hunting. I wished that I had bought the 870. I don't know how the 1100 compares to the 11-87, but the 1100 magnum was too heavy to use for an all around gun. I have an 870 Express for my duck gun, it has worked without fail for 22 years now. Just my experience with the two.
I hunted w/ an 870 for several years and really like it. I did have some ejection issues w/ 3.5in loads though (HeviShot). I bought a used 1187 SM this year and have loved it so far. No problems and while heavier, the recoil reduction is very nice. Can't really go wrong w/ either in my opinion.
either way you cant go wrong..i perfer the 870sm because of the simplicity of a pump.
870 can knockem around and still kill turkeys
I picked up a used 11-87 SM a few days ago and love it. Points nice and is a shooter with #5's and the jelly head ! For a pump gun an 870 is about as rock solid as they get. Either way you are dialed in with Remington.