Understanding Slug Barrels
What is a slug barrel?
The Remington 870. The name itself conjures images of rugged reliability, simple operation, and enduring legacy. This pump-action shotgun, a workhorse of American firearms, has earned a reputation for its dependability, making it a favorite among hunters, law enforcement, and home defenders. The versatility of the Remington 870 is one of its most appealing aspects; its ability to adapt to various shooting scenarios is unparalleled. One of the key ways this adaptability manifests is through interchangeable barrels. This allows users to customize their 870 for everything from upland bird hunting to breaching doors. Among the options, the *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel cantilever* stands out as a particularly effective configuration, especially for those seeking precision and extended range capabilities.
For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of shotguns and their barrel types, understanding the function of a rifled slug barrel is crucial. Shotgun barrels can generally be classified into two main types: smoothbore and rifled. A smoothbore barrel, which is the standard configuration for many shotguns, has a smooth interior surface. Smoothbore barrels are ideally suited for use with shot, allowing the pellets to spread out and cover a wider area, making them effective at short to medium ranges. A rifled barrel, in contrast, features spiral grooves cut into the bore’s interior. These grooves impart a spin to the projectile as it travels down the barrel. This spin stabilizes the projectile in flight, much like the rifling in a rifle barrel, thereby enhancing accuracy and range.
This brings us to the *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel*, a specialized barrel designed specifically for shooting slugs. Slugs are solid projectiles, typically made of lead or a lead alloy, designed for single-shot accuracy. While smoothbore barrels can be used with certain types of slugs, such as Foster slugs, rifled barrels are best suited for sabot slugs. Sabot slugs consist of a slug encased in a sabot, which is a lightweight carrier that separates from the slug after it exits the barrel. The sabot helps the slug fit snugly inside the rifled barrel, taking advantage of the stabilizing effect of the rifling. This combination of a rifled barrel and sabot slugs significantly improves accuracy at longer ranges compared to traditional smoothbore/slug setups. Rifling allows the slug to spin which drastically improves accuracy.
Types of Slug Barrels
The versatility of the Remington 870 is one of its key strengths. Its ability to quickly change barrels is a major benefit. This allows you to switch from a short, smoothbore barrel for home defense to a longer, rifled barrel for hunting in a matter of minutes. The *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel cantilever* setup gives the shooter the advantages of increased accuracy, while also being a simple installation.
What is a Cantilever Mount?
Another crucial component of this setup is the cantilever mount. This is a specialized mounting system that attaches to the barrel and extends over the receiver of the shotgun, creating a stable platform for mounting optics, such as scopes or red dot sights. The primary advantage of a cantilever mount is that it allows you to mount optics without having to drill and tap holes in the receiver, preserving the integrity of the firearm. This is often a key consideration for those who want to maintain the classic aesthetics of their shotgun or who prefer to avoid permanent modifications. The cantilever mount also provides a more secure and stable platform for the optics than some other mounting options.
The cantilever mount design also elevates the optics, giving the shooter a clearer view of the target and potentially improving eye relief and sight picture. A good cantilever mount is robust and designed to withstand the recoil of a shotgun, ensuring that the optics stay zeroed even after repeated firing.
Key Features & Specifications
Let’s dive into some key features. The barrels are available in different lengths, typically ranging from twenty to twenty-four inches. The choice of barrel length often depends on the intended use. Longer barrels tend to improve accuracy and velocity, but they can also make the shotgun less maneuverable in tight spaces. Shorter barrels are more compact and better suited for close-quarters situations. The twist rate, which refers to the rate at which the rifling grooves spiral down the barrel, is another key consideration. A faster twist rate is generally preferred for heavier slugs, as it provides greater stability in flight. The cantilever mount is usually constructed from high-quality materials like aluminum or steel, ensuring durability and reliability. The mount is specifically designed to fit the barrel and securely holds the optics, preventing movement during firing.
Advantages of Using a Remington 870 Rifled Slug Barrel with Cantilever
This configuration offers several clear advantages. One of the most significant benefits is the dramatic increase in accuracy. The combination of a rifled barrel and sabot slugs, coupled with the stability provided by the optics and the cantilever mount, results in tighter groupings at extended ranges. This enhanced accuracy is critical for hunting, where precise shot placement is crucial for ethical harvesting.
The easy mounting of optics without gunsmithing is another compelling reason to choose this setup. The cantilever mount simplifies the process of attaching a scope or red dot sight. This means that you can easily upgrade your shotgun without the need for specialized tools or professional gunsmithing services. The *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel cantilever* is an accessible upgrade for even novice shooters.
The overall versatility is also a major selling point. This setup can be effectively employed for hunting a variety of game animals, from whitetail deer to wild hogs. It is also suitable for target shooting, allowing you to enjoy the challenge of precision shooting with a shotgun. Furthermore, depending on local laws, this setup can be suitable for home defense, providing a more accurate and effective alternative to a standard smoothbore shotgun.
How to Install and Use a Remington 870 Rifled Slug Barrel with Cantilever
Installing and using this setup is straightforward. The process of swapping out barrels is a simple one on the Remington 870, typically involving removing the magazine cap, the fore-end, and the old barrel, and then installing the new *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel cantilever* in the reverse order. Ensure the barrel is properly aligned and that all components are securely tightened.
Mounting optics requires a few additional steps. First, ensure you have the correct rings or mounting hardware for your chosen scope or red dot sight. Attach the rings or mount to the cantilever base, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Next, carefully mount the optics onto the rings or mount. Once the optics are securely attached, you can begin the process of sighting them in. This involves adjusting the scope’s or red dot’s reticle to align with the point of impact of your slugs at a specific range. This process typically involves firing several shots at a target and making small adjustments to the scope’s or red dot’s windage and elevation turrets until the point of impact matches your point of aim.
When shooting and handling the *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel cantilever*, keep several things in mind. Always practice safe gun handling techniques. Confirm that the firearm is unloaded before working on it. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. When shooting, use the proper ammunition for the barrel. Rifled slug barrels are designed for use with sabot slugs. Ensure that the slugs you are using are compatible with your barrel’s twist rate. Start your shots with a stationary rest. Practice aiming and trigger control to maintain shot placement.
Selecting the Right Optics for Your Remington 870 Slug Gun
Choosing the right optics for your Remington 870 is essential for maximizing its accuracy potential. Scopes and red dot sights both offer advantages. Scopes provide magnification, which is beneficial for longer-range shooting. They also provide a more precise aiming point with crosshairs or other reticle patterns. Red dot sights, on the other hand, are typically faster to acquire the target, making them ideal for situations where quick target acquisition is paramount. Red dot sights are generally lighter and more compact than scopes.
The appropriate magnification level depends on your intended use. For hunting deer at moderate ranges, a scope with a magnification range of 2-7x or 3-9x is often sufficient. For closer-range shots, a lower magnification setting can be advantageous. Reticle types, such as duplex or BDC (bullet drop compensating) reticles, can also impact accuracy and range. A duplex reticle, which has a thicker outer portion and a finer center crosshair, is a popular choice for its simplicity and ease of use. A BDC reticle is specifically designed to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges. When selecting optics, consider the durability and recoil resistance. Shotgun recoil can be significant, so choosing optics that are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of shotgun use is crucial to ensure that they will function properly and maintain their zero.
Comparison with Other Slug Gun Options
Let’s look at some alternatives. While the *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel cantilever* is a popular option, there are others to consider. Bolt-action slug guns offer excellent accuracy, but their slower rate of fire may not be ideal for some situations. Other pump-action shotguns may offer similar features, but the Remington 870 is renowned for its reliability and aftermarket support. Semi-automatic shotguns provide a faster rate of fire, but they can be more expensive and may not offer the same level of accuracy as a well-tuned pump-action with a rifled barrel. The Remington 870, with its simple design and reliable operation, remains a solid choice.
Maintenance and Care of Your Remington 870 Rifled Slug Barrel Cantilever
Maintenance and care are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel cantilever*. After each shooting session, clean the barrel to remove any lead or carbon buildup. Use a specialized bore cleaner and a bore brush to thoroughly clean the bore, then wipe it dry. Inspect the cantilever mount regularly for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that all screws are tight and that the mount is securely attached to the barrel and receiver. Proper care of your optics will also keep your system functioning correctly. If you have a scope, keep the lenses clean. When storing the shotgun, store it in a safe place, such as a locked gun cabinet. Protect the barrel from moisture to prevent rust or corrosion.
Safety Precautions
Safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Know your target and what is beyond it. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. Wear appropriate eye and ear protection. Always unload the firearm before cleaning or storing it. Follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding firearm ownership and use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the *Remington 870 rifled slug barrel cantilever* setup represents a winning combination for those seeking enhanced accuracy and versatility in their shotgun. By adding a rifled barrel with a cantilever mount, you transform your Remington 870 into a precision shooting machine, perfectly suited for hunting, target shooting, or even home defense (if legal in your area). The setup combines enhanced accuracy, ease of use, and reliability. If you’re looking to take your shotgun shooting to the next level, this is a setup you should definitely consider.
