I've been wanting a scope for my 870 Express for a long time and have decided that now is the time. This gun is only good for about 50-60 yards max. The past 4 deer I've killed have been 30-40 yard shots. I don't need a ton of zoom but need some good low light visibility. Any suggestions?
I have the Bushnell Banner series on my muzzleloader and love it. I have a cheaper Simmons on my 870 20 gauge and it's just okay. I'd go with the Banner in 4x and call it a day. Good scopes for a great price. Spend a little time with your 870, though. I think you can get it dialed in for more than 60 yards. I have 3" groups at 100 yards with mine shooting Remington Sluggers and an improved choke.
2 3/4", 20" barrel, improved choke, and iron sights and I'm only good for 50. With a scope I may be able to extend that some.
I run a Nikon with their long range reticule setup on my 3" mag Rem 1100 with hastings slug barrel. For a shorter shooting setup like your 870 I would consider just going with one of the "red/green dot" types of setups versus a "traditional scope". That's what I almost put on the 1100, but opted for a traditional scope since I can reach out there a lot farther.
I debated a red dot for my 870 but decided for the traditional scope. Cost was a factor and I had doubts that a low cost red dot would withstand the recoil. they are nice though...
I've got an Ithaca deerslayer Storm with a rifled barrel, and I use a leupold 1X4 shot gun scope. It's dead on accurate , not cheap, but not expensive. you get what you pay for. I've used a Franchi 20 GA. 18" smooth bore for years and found that if you can match the best round that your gun will accurately shoot , you should be fine with a 1x4 scope. great for tired eyes.
I haven't had a Bushnell scope for a long while now , so I'm not sure of the quality. For $80 it might be worth a try. E-Bay has one brand new $79.99 with free shipping.
I guess it's a matter of how much you want to spend. For under $100 it's hard to beat the Bushnell Banner IMO. If your price range is higher then you're looking at another class of glass. My buddy swears by his Nikons. I'd surf the web (Basspro, Cabela's) for reviews on scopes you're interested in.
I got a deer during shotgun season last year, but I'm having terrible luck with turkeys lately. The Bushnells are getting pretty decent reviews so I may give one a try. I don't want to sink a lot of money into a gun that I shoot about 4 rounds out of a year.
I have a fixed 4x32 that I will trade for 2 used 20" chains 3/8 if your interested. I just sold my slug barrel. Can send pics if ur interested.
I ended up with that Bushnell posted above. Haven't even opened the box yet. Been too busy with other stuff and not looking forward to the beating I'm going to take sighting it in.
