Yoshi Report post Posted June 8, 2017 We have a 870 express youth model (20 GA with a 21’ barrel ) that I have already put a recoil pad, swivels, and is an excellent Turkey short gun (until his 16-18 because of recoil 3”), and reasonable home defense option to keep(short gun) My son is 12 and already 5.35 and 150 lb. and can shoot my automatic full-size berretta (with bird shots) Getting the full-size barrel for the 870 range from $200 to $275 (plus shipping 26’ to 28’)Full size replacement stocks range from $65 to $110 (plus shipping) So having the complete option to go back and forward would be an average $300 (for a field $350 gun) that he also uses it for Dove, Quail and practicing for fun on Sporting clays in the range What would be the forum recommendations do 1) Buy just the barrel (26’ 28 barrel) and later go to a 12GA2) Buy the barrel and the stock3) Get another20GA auto (like model 11-87) use the same turkey choke4) Or leave the gun as is and later get a 12 GA (Auto) Would appreciate the feedback Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HyNoon Report post Posted June 8, 2017 If you don't have another kid to use it , you could sell it , but if it's been in the family a while your kids might want it for his kids , your grandkids. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stanley Report post Posted June 8, 2017 I've got the same situation X 2. Bought each of my son's 870 youth models for their 14th birthdays. Now they are 20 & 23 years old, respectively! Guns basically sitting in the safe, and they use my old shotguns for hunting these days. I guess for now, I'm going with option 4. Will just plan on leaving the guns as they are, and let the boys buy bigger 'adult' model shotguns of their own as/if they want to. Love those youth guns! S. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted June 8, 2017 No need to get a longer barrel. My understanding is Remington tested the longer barrels and discovered that there wasn't a significant speed loos or gain between 21 and 28 inches. My 870 has a 21" barrel. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoshi Report post Posted June 8, 2017 I've got the same situation X 2. Bought each of my son's 870 youth models for their 14th birthdays. Now they are 20 & 23 years old, respectively! Guns basically sitting in the safe, and they use my old shotguns for hunting these days. I guess for now, I'm going with option 4. Will just plan on leaving the guns as they are, and let the boys buy bigger 'adult' model shotguns of their own as/if they want to. Love those youth guns! S. I know the feeling!! I also don't want to sell the gun... I can keep it for his kids and or use it for home defense with Turkey shots 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoshi Report post Posted June 8, 2017 No need to get a longer barrel. My understanding is Remington tested the longer barrels and discovered that there wasn't a significant speed loos or gain between 21 and 28 inches. My 870 has a 21" barrel. I also heard the same thing that as long as you have a good Choke...you're good to rock Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Huntnfish Report post Posted June 9, 2017 Longer barrel is better for pointing if you plan on shooting dove and quail. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
