Went to pick up a Marlin this morning and came home with a Remington 870 Exress!!

[1858]

So I went to my local gun shop to pick up a Marlin Cowboy Limited in .45 Colt that I'd ordered and saw three cool looking shotguns on the rack. I asked the owner if I could see all three. The first two were Mossberg Model 500s and they were ok but when I picked up the Remington Model 870 .... well, it was all over!! :D The model I bought is a Model 870 Express Synthetic with an 18" barrel, 12 gauge with a 2 shot extension. I don't know much about shotguns so I'm curious if I did good?

Remington Express Model 870 (http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_synthetic_7-round.asp)

:)

[Superreverb]

Went to pick up a XYZ this morning and came home with a Remington 870 Exress!!


Funny how that happens, ain't it? :p


Have fun with it! And be sure to give us a range report.

[Caipirinha]

Can't say whether you did good without knowing how much you paid.

[Dave McCracken]

You did good. Gooder under $225 or so.

The 870 is one of the best arms ever made. It's the most popular civilian arm made, only military arms have higher numbers of units.

About 10,000,000 so far.

Follow the directions in the manual. If no manual, contact Remington at 1-800-243-9700 for one.

Enjoy.....

[MAX100]

Let us know how it does. Try some of the WalMart value packs to see if it will cycle them reliably. If it does you won't have to polish the chamber. Some of the new 870 shotguns have problems with the value packs.


GC

[1858]

Can't say whether you did good without knowing how much you paid.

I was more concerned with whether or not I bought a good shotgun. I usually do a lot of research before I buy something but this was an impulse purchase so I bought it based on how it felt rather than knowing that it was a good product. I have three Remington rifles and am impressed with all of them so I was reasonably confident.


You did good. Gooder under $225 or so.

Dave, The selling price was $375!! :( I looked on Impact Guns and it sells for $327 and their prices are usually very good. However, by the time I pay the shipping and FFL fee here it'd be about $398. Man, I sure wish I lived where you are.

It did come with a manual which I'm about to read right now. I've never owned a shotgun before so it'll be a learning experience. I didn't even buy an ammunition since I figured it'd be safer for me and my wife to "play" around with it until we know what we're doing ... then I'll pick something up.

I did buy 5000 CCI small rifle primers for $19.95/1000 so that kind of makes up for the shotgun. Primers here are selling for $35/1000!!

One last comment, the trigger is nice. I measured the pull a number of times and the average was about 4-3/4lb.

:)

[rioalumni05]

you will love the 870. rated high in the top 50 list of shotguns. you can buy tons of accessories for it, and it will last FOREVER. i picked up a lightly used 870 with the short rifled barrel about 2 months ago for $200 OTD and like it very much

[MAX100]

1858 You did pretty good on the price you paid. You are not going to find a new Express HD model like the one you bought for under about $320.

Most on here buy them used and don't realize what they cost now with the Remington price increases.

The model you bought is a better value than the one without the factory tube extension. The Express without the factory tube extension has mag tube dimples and uses a plastic racket spring retainer to keep the mag tube cap from loosening.

The model you bought has no mag tube dimples to drill out and it comes with the bbl locking lug detent ball setup. That is very important because it keeps the tube extension from loosening under recoil.

The factory tube extension kit: high quality longer spring, bbl tube extension clamp with sling swivel stud and tube extension. The kit is worth about $80 if you ever decided to sale it. It would cost you around $100 or more new from Brownells if you wanted to buy a new one.



GC

[1858]

Thanks for all the feedback and good information. I feel that I now own a quality shotgun that should last me many, many years to come. I've shot over/unders, side by sides and semi auto shotguns (always someone elses) but I've never shot a pump action before so this is all new to me. I plan on taking it slow. Since my wife is 5 feet and 100 lbs I don't think she'll want to shoot anything but popcorn in it so I'll have to do some research to figure out what she could shoot and what I should shoot.

Thanks again!!

:)

I love this forum!! :D

[Lee Lapin]

1858,

Your wife will almost certainly like the 870 a lot better if you shorten the stock to fit her properly, install a premium recoil pad and replace the magazine extension with a plain old magazine cap (that will mean a shorter magazine spring too). My wife (university criminology professor, 60-something, 5'4" and 130 pounds) can handle a 12 gauge 870 just fine, but she likes a shorter stock (12.5" fits her), a full length forearm, and no extra weight out in front of the support hand.

Before you let your sweetie crank off rounds out of the boomer, make sure it fits her properly- that's the best advice I can give you. Keep in mind that it's easier to shoot a too-short stock than a too-long one. I use the same 'house guns' (there are 3 870s outside the safe here) that fit my wife- and I'm 6'3" and wear a 37" sleeve. Remember to put your shooting hand thumb over on the knuckle of your trigger finger when shooting a short stocked shotgun, and that'll keep your thumb from busting your beezer on recoil.

Stay Safe,

lpl/nc

[rantingredneck]

Funny how 870's tend to follow people home. They tend to stalk me I think..........:D.

Great gun. Pick up some shells and head to the range with a patterning board to find out what it likes.

I've had best luck with Remington Managed Recoil 00 loads and Fed LE Flite Control loads. Each barrel is different though.

[41magsnub]

It's like dropping a quarter and coming up with a dollar!

[BruceRDucer]

1858:

Don't feel bad about the price you paid. You got a good'n
and the store made a profit. They're happy and you're happy. Everybody's happy. You got what you wanted. If I had been there, I'd have bought it too!

Congratulations!;)

[Dave McCracken]

You still got a cost per use of a tiny fraction of a cent.

Working life of an 870 runs to 250,000 rounds or more.

Use light loads and as Lee said, set it up for the smallest person who may need to use it.

Enjoy....

[1858]

Your wife will almost certainly like the 870 a lot better if you shorten the stock to fit her properly, install a premium recoil pad and replace the magazine extension with a plain old magazine cap (that will mean a shorter magazine spring too).

Lee, then she's gonna have to buy her own!! ;) This shotgun is primarily meant for me so there'll be no short stock, recoil pad or surgery on the magazine tube. I'm still trying to understand your tip about putting your thumb over your trigger finger knuckle ... :scrutiny:

Thanks guys for your wisdom and encouragement. I feel good about this shotgun and look forward to shooting it.

:)

[MAX100]

I'm still trying to understand your tip about putting your thumb over your trigger finger knuckle


What Lee is saying is when shooting shotgun with a shorter stock or shorter LOP that is to short for you. The hand that you grip the stock with will be close to your face. If it is too close your thumb will hit you in the beak (nose). If you use Lee's tip by putting your thumb on the other side of the stock you won't get a knock in the beak.

That is why some like a pistol grip stock. One of the benefits of having a adj pistol grip stock on a tactical shotgun is you can have a much shorter LOP and not have to worry about your hand hitting you in the face because your hand will down on the pistol grip.


GC

[mgkdrgn]

"I don't know much about shotguns so I'm curious if I did good?"

Lets see, you just bought the hands down most popular and mass produced shotgun in history.

Ya, you did fine. (I own two, both over 30 years old)

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Have the same gun.

Traded out the plastic follower with an aluminium plug---then bought the factory youth stock (13" lop).

Its a sweet handling little gun now.

[1858]

Traded out the plastic follower with an aluminium plug

Omaha-BeenGlockin ... anything like this one?

Red anodized aluminum magazine follower. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Remington--Mossberg-12ga-Red-Alum--FOLLOWER--NEW_W0QQitemZ110273295599QQcmdZViewItem?IMSfp=TL08072311102r28358)

MAX100, thanks for the clarification.

mgkdrgn, :D Cool!

[jpatterson]

Any other advantage to aluminum plug over stock one besides longer last, anti corrosion?

[Auburn1992]

You are not going to find a new Express HD model like the one you bought for under about $320.


Actually, I picked my new one up (18"bbl 2+ ext., HD version) for only $300 @ Sportsmans Warehouse

[MAX100]

Actually, I picked my new one up (18"bbl 2+ ext., HD version) for only $300 @ Sportsmans Warehouse

They buy them in large numbers and get price discounts. It is hard to compete with the big chain stores. They also run sales on the older 870 shotguns and the ones they are over stocked on. Does yours have the new longer fore end, model #25077. If not it is last years model.

1858 was saying that if he bought it over the net for a cheaper price he would have paid about the same as he paid local because there are other cost that go with internet purchases. There is a Shipping cost and a transfer fee. Not to mention a wait for it to arrive.

I think he did pretty well and he supported his local Gun Shop without being robbed.


GC

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Mine is a solid aluminium factory plug---not sure if they are offering them anymore.

The advantage of the aluminium is the factory plastic follower has been known to crack and tie things up.

Probably not that big of an issue--just an added measure of confidence for a defensive gun.

Wilson sells solid nylon followers that seem pretty sturdy too.

[Auburn1992]

Does yours have the new longer fore end, model #25077. If not it is last years model

I don't know, do the forends look any diffeent, or are they just longer?

[1858]

I think he did pretty well and he supported his local Gun Shop without being robbed.

That same gunshop gave me a discount this morning on the 7% fee they usually charge for firearm transfers. I ordered a Winchester '97 shotgun from Collectors Firearms in Texas.

:)

[MAX100]

I don't know, do the fore ends look any different, or are they just longer?

This is the new 870 Express HD with longer fore end stock set. Some like the longer fore end some don't. It works well for both long and short arms. I like the way it looks. The quality of the 870 Express I have received this year has been very good. I have dealt with their custom service this year and it has been excellent. Maybe the Cerberus take over is a good thing. Time will tell.

The new 18.5" bbl Express HD Model # 25077 with 7+1 tube extension. I replaced the factory 6+1 tube ext with one of custom made +3 (7+1) tube ext. It adds one more round to a 18.5" bbl 870, 11-87, 1100 shotguns.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/MAX100/REM870MC-5.jpg


With Heat Shield 7+1 tube extension and without the factory mag tube clamp. Nice looking 870.


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/MAX100/870HC-1.jpg



GC

[1858]

MAX, that shotgun looks AWESOME although to be honest, I like the clean lines without the heat shield.

Does yours have the new longer fore end, model #25077. If not it is last years model.

I know this question wasn't meant for me but my shotgun is order no. 25077. It's described on the owner's manual as a Model 870 Express Synthetic pump action shotgun, 18" BBL. 12 GA. CYL BORE with 2 shot extension. I can't find any reference to HD. Is this a Remington acronym?

Thanks.

:)

[MAX100]

I don't know how Remington list them. They are listed as home defense models in my dealer catalogs. Many call them HD models to separate them from the Police models.

Remington list the new Express as having a 18" bbl but they really have a 18.5" bbl. The extra 1/2" is important because now they are capable of 7+1 capacity with a tube ext that is even with the muzzle, The factory extension limits the capacity to 6+1.

Some like heat shields some don't. I sale them both ways.


GC

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

They call it the 7-shot Express.

Looks good with the heat shield--but you really need to get that barrel clamp back on there---the reasons for the clamp have been listed in numerous threads on this board.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_synthetic_7-round.asp

I've handled the new stocked version in the store the other day--liked how it felt--didn't like how it covered the loading port when all the way back--but I doubt if it really makes any difference.

[1858]

I've been reading the owner's manual and there appears to be an error with regard to the function of the action bar lock.

TO OPEN THE ACTION:

1. Push upward on the action bar lock.
2. Pull the fore-end rearward to open the action.

TO LOAD ONE SHELL ONLY:

1. Point the firearm in a safe direction.
2. Engage the safety mechanism.
3. Push upward on the action bar lock.
4. Pull the fore-end fully rearward to open the action.
5. Put one shell of the correct gauge and length through the ejection port.
6. Push the fore-end forward to close the action.

TO LOAD THE CHAMBER AND MAGAZINE:

1. Follow steps 1 - 6 above.
2. Press shell against the carrier.
3. Push six 3" or 2-3/4" shells of the correct gauge and length, one at a time, fully forward into the magazine.

http://firearms.hawthorn-engineering.com/shotguns/rem870/rem8701.jpg

An arrow points to the action bar lock in the image above. As far as I can tell, the only function of the action bar lock is to allow you to eject an unfired shell i.e. clearing the action when the shotgun is "cocked". Am I missing something?

I've been "playing" with a 12g snap cap to familiarize myself with this shotgun.

Thanks.

:)

[rantingredneck]

An arrow points to the action bar lock in the image above. As far as I can tell, the only function of the action bar lock is to allow you to eject an unfired shell i.e. clearing the action when the shotgun is "cocked". Am I missing something?

Either that or to chamber the first round from the magazine when your hammer is cocked. Or to load a single round directly into the chamber as shown above.

Basically hammer cocked/action locked. Hammer down/action unlocked.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Can also be used to load a cocked gun or to open the action to show a "safe" condition.

[rantingredneck]

I have to say I really don't much care for the new style Remington forends. Of course I didn't really like the old style standard ones either. I greatly prefer the short speedfeed/police style forend.

[1858]

Either that or to chamber the first round from the magazine when your hammer is cocked. Or to load a single round directly into the chamber as shown above.

OK ... so is Remington saying that the normal "storage state" of this shotgun is with a cocked hammer? Maybe this is where I'm confused. To me, if the shotgun is unloaded and in the safe, wouldn't the hammer typically be uncocked. As I said before, I don't have much (read ANY) experience with shotgun ownership.

:)

[MAX100]

Omaha-BeenGlockin

They call it the 7-shot Express.

Looks good with the heat shield--but you really need to get that barrel clamp back on there---the reasons for the clamp have been listed in numerous threads on this board.


The factory tube extension is a 6+1. The one I have the 18.5" bbl 870 above is a custom 7+1 tube ext.

I don't agree that a clamp is needed for normal duty use. There are many other shotgun manufactures that don't put clamps on their shotguns with +2 & +3 tube ext. Wilson Combat doesn't use a clamp on their custom 870 shotguns.


GC