878 Automaster- Forgotten Classic?
Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2018 3:28 pmA year or so ago, I came across a 1959 878 Automaster 12ga and had to have it. The price was right and I happen to like old Remingtons, so it was natural that I would buy it.
A year or so later, I have had the shotgun out to the range more than a few times. Each time, I seem to enjoy it even more. Today, I packed up the 878, a Model 11 and an 870 Express and went to the range with a box of clays.
My wife tossed clays for me and I was doing okay. The Model 11, heavy and long, swung around like a Howitzer and I was "okay" with it. It's a great shooting gun, but seemed a bit awkward for shooting clays.
The 870 was, well, and 870. That's probably all that needs to be said.
The 878 was a joy. Low recoil, smooth shooting. The shotgun would swing into position like it was leading me, other than the other way around. Clay after clay busted. The lightweight shotgun and I could do no wrong.
I know it was eclipsed by the 1100 upon the introduction of the 1100 in 1963. I seem to think the 878 would have been nice alternative had it stayed in production as a Remington.
A year or so later, I have had the shotgun out to the range more than a few times. Each time, I seem to enjoy it even more. Today, I packed up the 878, a Model 11 and an 870 Express and went to the range with a box of clays.
My wife tossed clays for me and I was doing okay. The Model 11, heavy and long, swung around like a Howitzer and I was "okay" with it. It's a great shooting gun, but seemed a bit awkward for shooting clays.
The 870 was, well, and 870. That's probably all that needs to be said.
The 878 was a joy. Low recoil, smooth shooting. The shotgun would swing into position like it was leading me, other than the other way around. Clay after clay busted. The lightweight shotgun and I could do no wrong.
I know it was eclipsed by the 1100 upon the introduction of the 1100 in 1963. I seem to think the 878 would have been nice alternative had it stayed in production as a Remington.