Pump shotgun for 3-gun Heavy Metal/IDPA DMG
Any ideas on what shotguns people are running for HM or IDPA DMG? I was thinking about picking up an 870 for both IDPA DMG and HD but wasn't sure if there's a better pump choice.
Like the other guns of Heavy Metal, there is not one shotgun that dominates the division. I've seen Winchester 1200s, Browning BPSs, 870s, Mossbergs, and Benelli Novas. I used an 870 for about a year before switching to the Nova. The Nova is easier to load than all other shotguns- pump or semi auto. The port is huge, easy to open up, and the lifter stays up after the first round pushes it against the bottom of the bolt. My Nova is a 24" VR, w/ a Nordic +5 tube. Some may think it's too long, but I have yet to shoot a stage at any of the major matches which a shorter gun would be a benefit.
Does HM have the same magazine capacity limits as Tac Optics (8+1)?
Yes and no. Some matches say maximum capacity of 8+1. Some matches say maximum at start of 8+1. On the matches that say maximum of 8+1 at start, the extra round comes in handy some times. Say you start w/ 8+1, engage 3 targets, and move to the next position. You can load 4 rounds while moving. It isn't one of those thing you will do on every stage, but if your barrel is 24", a +5 makes sense. I carry a 1 round plug to stick in the tube for matches that mandate 8+1 maximum capacity.
Bryan nailed it.
I've been using a mossberg 590 for a few years. Super fast to load since the lifter is out of way all the time,comes equiped 8+1 and ghost ring sights (some like them, some don't)
Originally Posted By mlp1911:
I've been using a mossberg 590 for a few years. Super fast to load since the lifter is out of way all the time,comes equiped 8+1 and ghost ring sights (some like them, some don't)
Yep, the 590 is a great gun. The safety is easy to operate and it's easy for the safety officer to see that it's on if you have to ground the gun.
The ghost ring sights do seem to make it hard to hit flying clays.
I have a 590 and would shoot it more, but it does not shoot slugs accurately, although I suppose I could try some different ones. I know Federal low recoil (truball and hydrashok) and Remington low recoil do not group very well. I was gifted some Fiocchi low recoil, might try those.
Why do slugs matter? The big matches shoot slugs out to 90-100 yds. I can hit a LaRue target with my 1100 at 100yds with a Federal low recoil truball, but using the 590 would be truly hit-or-miss.
Locally, the only hardcore HM shooter has a Nova.
Lee
