Need sighting in procedures/recommendations for 870

Strabs · February 11, 2000, 11:03 PM

What are the correct procedures to take? It's an 870 w/20" I.C. barrel.
For checking the sights, what should I pay attention to sighting in first, slugs(rifled) or buckshot? (I want the versatility of using either type of load at any time. Are separate adjustments needed for each type of load-or just height compensations when aiming?)

Dave McC · February 12, 2000, 09:16 AM

Strabs, does your 870 have rifle style sights?If so, I assume(bad idea) you know how to zero in. Zero for slugs first, then check and see where the pattern lands for whatever duty shot load you plan on using, 00, 0, etc.
IME, most, not all buck loads will center a bit lower than slugs will hit,to the point that a bbl with a plain bead, no ramp, will shoot buck maybe 18 inches below POI with standard Forster style slugs.

I recommend you zero from the bench,with plenty of recoil protection and maybe a dose of your favoriate anti-inflammatory first. Bench work with slugs is not fun, but it is crucial.

'Nother recommendation or two. After you establish a good working zero from the bench, fire a few shots from a standing position, using good form.Sometimes POI shifts big time.

Also, try patterning your practice field or trap load, if you use one,and msot folks do. It might save some frustration and ammo.

Hope this helps...

Coop de Ville · August 14, 2001, 01:21 PM

Thanks for the info...

What is a good range to sight in at? I have an 18" Police with rifle sights. I picked up a bunch of K.O. 1oz. slugs and would like to get a "zero". I have not been able to find any trajectory info on these slugs...

Thanks and regards. -Coop

Dave McC · August 14, 2001, 02:07 PM

Check thr archives Coop, I'm certain we covered this a while back. If I can find the thread(s), I'll bring them back up...

February 11, 2000, 11:03 PM	#1
Strabs Member Join Date: January 5, 2000 Posts: 70	What are the correct procedures to take? It's an 870 w/20" I.C. barrel. For checking the sights, what should I pay attention to sighting in first, slugs(rifled) or buckshot? (I want the versatility of using either type of load at any time. Are separate adjustments needed for each type of load-or just height compensations when aiming?)

February 12, 2000, 09:16 AM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Strabs, does your 870 have rifle style sights?If so, I assume(bad idea) you know how to zero in. Zero for slugs first, then check and see where the pattern lands for whatever duty shot load you plan on using, 00, 0, etc. IME, most, not all buck loads will center a bit lower than slugs will hit,to the point that a bbl with a plain bead, no ramp, will shoot buck maybe 18 inches below POI with standard Forster style slugs. I recommend you zero from the bench,with plenty of recoil protection and maybe a dose of your favoriate anti-inflammatory first. Bench work with slugs is not fun, but it is crucial. 'Nother recommendation or two. After you establish a good working zero from the bench, fire a few shots from a standing position, using good form.Sometimes POI shifts big time. Also, try patterning your practice field or trap load, if you use one,and msot folks do. It might save some frustration and ammo. Hope this helps...

August 14, 2001, 01:21 PM	#3
Coop de Ville Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2000 Posts: 436	Thanks for the info... What is a good range to sight in at? I have an 18" Police with rifle sights. I picked up a bunch of K.O. 1oz. slugs and would like to get a "zero". I have not been able to find any trajectory info on these slugs... Thanks and regards. -Coop

August 14, 2001, 02:07 PM	#4
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Check thr archives Coop, I'm certain we covered this a while back. If I can find the thread(s), I'll bring them back up...