Love my 870, but I can't shoot it worth a crap

[jonathan creason]

I got an 870 Wingmaster (w/ 24" barrel) several years ago.  I've always loved the ruggedness and reliability of the 870, and had hoped this one would be a good all-purpose gun for me.  Problem is, the POA of this gun is just way off for me.  The pattern is always low and left of the target, by a good 4-5 inches at 30 yards.  I can compensate somewhat on a turkey, but I also use this gun for duck hunting and that's a good bit more difficult.  What options do I have to adjust the POA to fit me?  My first thought is to build out a cheek pad from craft foam or something, but I haven't got around to trying it.

My brother has a Mossberg 500 that works wonders for me.  It shoots like a dream for me, and I've tinkered with the thought of seeing if he was up for a trade (he has an 11-87 he uses most of the time).  I've also thought of trying to sell my 870 and buying myself a 500, but money is super tight right now, and I'd have to be dang sure I could come out even on a deal like that.

Assuming I stick with the 870, though, what would be my best options to make the gun work for me?

[allaboutshooting]

 

Problem is, the POA of this gun is just way off for me.  The pattern is always low and left of the target, by a good 4-5 inches at 30 yards.

Since your brother's 500 works well for you. I won't ask about eye dominance and some other things that can cause the problems you mention but rather focus on the gun itself.

Have you tried different chokes?  If not, I would try a flush full for example, with your gun on a firm rest and see where it hits. A choke can be the problem if it's not concentric. I'd also try some extended chokes.

Okay, if you've tried that and all of them hit low and left, the problem may be the barrel itself. The threads may not be bored concentrically. If this is a factory barrel, I would contact Remington directly. I understand that you've had the gun for a while but it's still worth a try.

Another option is to try another barrel. I saw 26" and 28" 870 barrels on sale for $89.99 the other day. They have a matte finish and are made by Target Sports but the quality of the ones I've seen is excellent. For that price they are worth a shot. (Excuse the pun.)

Thanks,
Clark

[davisd9]

Most shotguns do not shoot poa.

[Devastator]

Great answer davisd9,i would by some Williams Universal Slugger sights and you will,or should be good to go,good luck.

[jonathan creason]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice.  I've been thinking about getting a set of sights like the Williams, but have been a little hesitant because I wasn't sure if I would like them during duck season.  I don't guess I really have anything to loose, though.

[wvmntnhick]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice.  I've been thinking about getting a set of sights like the Williams, but have been a little hesitant because I wasn't sure if I would like them during duck season.  I don't guess I really have anything to loose, though.

Sights on a duck gun don't belong. There are guys that will do okay with it but the reality of it is, when shooting moving targets, if you're aiming, you're doing it wrong. Shotguns are "pointed" rather than aimed at moving targets. You're brain takes care of the rest. The biggest thing you've got to worry about is follow through which I struggle with myself at times. Your eyes and brain have a much harder time trying to focus on a front and rear sight as well as a moving bird. You might take it to a good smith and have them adjust the stock to fit you or try what Clark mentioned above. For ducks, I'd leave the sights at home. Fine for turkeys just not the other stuff.

[BandedSpur]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice.  I've been thinking about getting a set of sights like the Williams, but have been a little hesitant because I wasn't sure if I would like them during duck season.  I don't guess I really have anything to loose, though.

Sights on a duck gun don't belong. There are guys that will do okay with it but the reality of it is, when shooting moving targets, if you're aiming, you're doing it wrong. Shotguns are "pointed" rather than aimed at moving targets. You're brain takes care of the rest. The biggest thing you've got to worry about is follow through which I struggle with myself at times. Your eyes and brain have a much harder time trying to focus on a front and rear sight as well as a moving bird. You might take it to a good smith and have them adjust the stock to fit you or try what Clark mentioned above. For ducks, I'd leave the sights at home. Fine for turkeys just not the other stuff.

wvmtnhick and Clark have given great advice. Follow it.

[Jmbradt3873]

You might look at the dead ringer sights, they worked wonders on a maverick 88 20 vs that was doing the same thing for me. My 500 in 12ga was dead on the 20 hit low.

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

[jonathan creason]

Problem is, the POA of this gun is just way off for me.  The pattern is always low and left of the target, by a good 4-5 inches at 30 yards.

Since your brother's 500 works well for you. I won't ask about eye dominance and some other things that can cause the problems you mention but rather focus on the gun itself.

Have you tried different chokes?  If not, I would try a flush full for example, with your gun on a firm rest and see where it hits. A choke can be the problem if it's not concentric. I'd also try some extended chokes.

Okay, if you've tried that and all of them hit low and left, the problem may be the barrel itself. The threads may not be bored concentrically. If this is a factory barrel, I would contact Remington directly. I understand that you've had the gun for a while but it's still worth a try.

Another option is to try another barrel. I saw 26" and 28" 870 barrels on sale for $89.99 the other day. They have a matte finish and are made by Target Sports but the quality of the ones I've seen is excellent. For that price they are worth a shot. (Excuse the pun.)

Thanks,
Clark

One thing you mentioned that could be an issue is I am right handed, but left-eye dominant. I taught myself how to shoot a longbow lefty because of this, but I never could get the hang of a shotgun (most likely because I just don't have the time to invest to make it work).  Because of this I do shoot with my left eye closed, though.  Not ideal, I know, but by and large I've made it work.  If I were shooting all guns to the left I'd say that was the easy explanation, but this 870 seems to be the only one that really gives me an issue.

[allaboutshooting]

Since the 500 works for you and the 870 does not, that was my reason for suggesting that you check the concentricity of the chokes and the barrel.
Thanks,
Clark

[grayfox]

I've never been able to hit with Remington shotguns like the 1100 & 870 very well but I always seemed to do well with Brownings, Mossbergs & Berettas. Not the guns fault but some guns just fit you better than others. After becoming frustrated with my 870 express after missing a couple birds I was about to sell it. Then one night a friend of mine showed me his 870 Express with a new Magpul stock on it. When I shouldered the gun I fell in love with it & the next day ordered me a new Magpul stock for mine. It now feels like a totally different shotgun. Another option you might want to look into if it's not your barrel or choke causing the problems.