[Savage Hunter]

I just got my bear guide license, and I’m thinking quite strongly about getting a 20” fully-rifled barrel for my 12 gauge 870 Express Super Magnum, and using it with sabots as my back-up gun. I’d like to get some feedback from those who have hunted with 12 gauge sabots and a fully-rifled barrel. The areas I’ll be guiding in are quite dense, and all shots will be less than 100 yards, so long-range accuracy is not an issue. Really what I’m looking for is feedback on the actual performance of this combination on the game you were hunting. I suspect it is quite devastating, but I’d like to hear about some actual accounts. Thanks.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

[Savage Hunter]

jbee, yes, you can get a recoil pad for your 870. Remington sells a custom pad called the SuperCell Recoil Pad. I got one for my 870 and it works great. I used to get a pretty sore shoulder after 50 rounds at the trap and skeet club. Now I hardly notice it after that many rounds.

Why don't I get a 458 Win Mag? Because I'm guessing it would cost about $1,500 minimum, and a 20" rifled barrel for my 870 would cost just over $200.

Why don't i get a 450 Marlin? I may get a 450 or .45-70 down the road, but again, $200 for a rifled barrel, and minimum $800 for a new Marlin.

 

[Savage Hunter]

I appreciate the feedback so far. Cost of ammo is not really an issue. This would not be a plinking outfit. I have other guns I can take to the range for fun. I'd shoot enough rounds out this rig until I was comfortable with my performance on paper, and other than using it in the field, that'd be about it. I'm not a sucker for punishment.