[MikeJ]

I have developed an interest in getting a shotgun for home defense purposes and was wondering if anyone has experience with this model? I like the balance and feel of it and being a total novice to shotguns would like to hear from people with lots of experience. I have about 20 years handgunning experience so I'm not totally unfamiliar with firearms. ;) Mike

[Skunkabilly]

Isn't the HD just an Express with a 2-shot extension?

[MikeJ]

The HD holds 4 plus 1 if that helps.

[45R]

There are many options for the 870.

1)20in barrel
2)Surefire tactical forearm
3)Side Saddle
4)pistol grip/stock
5)Tactical Sling
6)Heat Shield
7)Ghost Ring Night Sights
8)Mag Extensions
9)25 rounds bandaleir(Sp?)

IMHO I'd just stick to the basics if your going to use it for HD.
My current configuration

Stock 870 with Remington ICRS barrel (20 inch).

Mag extensions=May be good if you need to engage more then one or two BGs. 4+1 with your pistol for backup should be plenty of firepower to negotiate a HD dilema. The racking noise itself is enough to scare the doo doo out of anyone thinking about inflicting bodily harm to yourself.

Pistol grips...self explainatory.

Slings,side saddles, lights heat shields and all the other goodies have pros and cons, but make for a great looking shotgun.

I hope this helps. I've done plenty of research on this as I have just purchased my own shotgun. D.M. who is the moderator is a great wealth of information. Shoot him a PM if you need help.

[MikeJ]

I just went to the Remington web site and they list it simply as the Express synthetic with an 18" barrel.

[Wildalaska]

Excellent basic shotgun, reliable, all you will ever need...


WildlikesemAlaska

[Dave McCracken]

Between here and TFL there's a few books worth of material on 870s for "Serious" use. Mine the archives.

And, IMO an 870 in trained, cool hands is quite possibly the BEST close range weapon ever made.

[Al in Md]

Give the Remington LE website a look and check out the Law Enforcement models. Al

[Zip06]

I have had a Remington 870 HD for about seven years. It has been through several police and civilian shotgun courses. First, Skunkabilly has it right...the HD is a short barreled Express. Do not interpret that to mean it is a lesser gun in terms of function than the Wing Master. Second, I have made two modifications to my HD; the first was replacing the spring in the magazine tube. I got a replacement from Wilson and what a difference. Second, the stock was a little short for me so I replaced the stock and foregrip with the Speedfeed. Besides being a superior stock, the foregrip is the cut down size just as the 870P.

My 870 has never jammed or malfunctioned. It has handled all sorts of specialty rounds with no problems what so ever.

My advice would be to search the Sunday want ads in the newspaper and buy a used WingMaster and have the barrel cut down. High quality and nice finish.

You probably will never need the extended magazine but if you do either the HD or the 870P will easily accept it.

I cannot overemphasize that no matter what your previous experience is with firearms; you need a class on tactical shotgun. You will realize what an awesome weapon it truly is.

I believe the 870 is the secret weapon.