2 1/2" shell in a 870????

JTgunner · November 15, 2010, 10:15 PM

I got a Remington 870 wingmaster. someone gave me some 2 1/2" shells. Can I use them if i put them in the reciever one at a time. it says I can only use 2 3/4" or 3" shells.

Nnobby45 · November 15, 2010, 10:32 PM

They make 1 3/4" mini shells for use in 12 ga's.

You're aware that the 2 3/4" refers to the fired length of the case, aren't you? The loaded round is shorter by the the amount used to crimp. Are you talking about about cases that are actually 2 1/2" when fired?

In any event, try them and see if they function in your 870. Bet they will.

the rifleer · November 15, 2010, 11:09 PM

Its fine to shoot them. They just didn't write 2.5'' on there because hardly anyone makes/buys 2.5'' shells.

grousehunter49 · November 16, 2010, 07:44 AM

My bet is they willnot feed properally, and if regulation calls for 3 shells total, you will need a longer plug in magizine. In Canada we are only allouded 3 shells in gun for hunting.So be awear.

Six_Rounds · November 16, 2010, 08:04 AM

I would be shocked if they didn't feed right. the length of shell the gun is marked for is the maximum length, shorter shells will generally work fine. If you go to the extreme end o the spectrum with the aguilla mini-shells you may see feed problems, but 2&1/2 should work well enough.

That being said, there no good reason to use the shorter shells if you dont have to. I bet someone with an older pump or double that cant shoot most modern shells would be willing to do a straight round for round trade for standard 2&3/4" or 3" shells.

Joat · November 16, 2010, 09:08 AM

The 870 will shoot the shorter (2 1/2") shells.

With the mini shells (Aquila) there may be an issue with loading, I seem to remember reading that it took a "positive throw" of the forend to line the little boogers up properly. The Aquila website used to have modification instructions for R870 and MB500 lifters to allow positive functioning.

I have Win 97 that functions just fine with them and allows me to put 10 in the magazine tube.

Joat

Dave McC · November 16, 2010, 11:00 PM

I've run some of the Polywad 2.5s through various 870s. No glitches.

bhannah · November 18, 2010, 10:39 PM

Isn't this one of the cardinal rules ?
Only use ammo designed for the firearm..
Sorry just pointing out the not-so-obvious....

Scattergun Bob · November 19, 2010, 12:27 AM

Actually, the rule with scatterguns is "not to exceed" the maximum inch stamp on the barrel.

Good Luck & Be Safe

JTgunner · November 19, 2010, 12:21 PM

Got it all worked out due to all the input. thanks a million.

November 15, 2010, 10:15 PM	#1
JTgunner Member Join Date: November 9, 2010 Location: Pope Valley, CA Posts: 33	2 1/2" shell in a 870???? I got a Remington 870 wingmaster. someone gave me some 2 1/2" shells. Can I use them if i put them in the reciever one at a time. it says I can only use 2 3/4" or 3" shells.

November 15, 2010, 11:09 PM	#3
the rifleer Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2008 Location: Sunny California Posts: 1,281	Its fine to shoot them. They just didn't write 2.5'' on there because hardly anyone makes/buys 2.5'' shells. __________________ There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.

November 16, 2010, 07:44 AM	#4
grousehunter49 Member Join Date: September 2, 2007 Location: NL Canada Posts: 55	2 1/2" shells in 870 My bet is they willnot feed properally, and if regulation calls for 3 shells total, you will need a longer plug in magizine. In Canada we are only allouded 3 shells in gun for hunting.So be awear.

November 16, 2010, 09:08 AM	#6
Joat Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Location: Dayton, TX Posts: 383	The 870 will shoot the shorter (2 1/2") shells. With the mini shells (Aquila) there may be an issue with loading, I seem to remember reading that it took a "positive throw" of the forend to line the little boogers up properly. The Aquila website used to have modification instructions for R870 and MB500 lifters to allow positive functioning. I have Win 97 that functions just fine with them and allows me to put 10 in the magazine tube. Joat __________________ All things being equal, fat people use more soap. (I know I am one.) High speed, low drag does not even come close to describing ME.

November 18, 2010, 10:39 PM	#8
bhannah Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Posts: 188	ummm Isn't this one of the cardinal rules ? Only use ammo designed for the firearm.. Sorry just pointing out the not-so-obvious....

November 15, 2010, 10:32 PM	#2
Nnobby45 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2004 Posts: 3,150	They make 1 3/4" mini shells for use in 12 ga's. You're aware that the 2 3/4" refers to the fired length of the case, aren't you? The loaded round is shorter by the the amount used to crimp. Are you talking about about cases that are actually 2 1/2" when fired? In any event, try them and see if they function in your 870. Bet they will.

November 16, 2010, 08:04 AM	#5
Six_Rounds Member Join Date: June 12, 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 59	I would be shocked if they didn't feed right. the length of shell the gun is marked for is the maximum length, shorter shells will generally work fine. If you go to the extreme end o the spectrum with the aguilla mini-shells you may see feed problems, but 2&1/2 should work well enough. That being said, there no good reason to use the shorter shells if you dont have to. I bet someone with an older pump or double that cant shoot most modern shells would be willing to do a straight round for round trade for standard 2&3/4" or 3" shells.

November 16, 2010, 11:00 PM	#7
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	I've run some of the Polywad 2.5s through various 870s. No glitches.

November 19, 2010, 12:27 AM	#9
Scattergun Bob Senior Member Join Date: February 29, 2008 Location: Nine Mile Falls, Washington Posts: 1,186	bhannah Actually, the rule with scatterguns is "not to exceed" the maximum inch stamp on the barrel. Good Luck & Be Safe __________________ First, with the most, WINS! Regards, Scattergun Bob

November 19, 2010, 12:21 PM	#10
JTgunner Member Join Date: November 9, 2010 Location: Pope Valley, CA Posts: 33	JT reply Got it all worked out due to all the input. thanks a million.