Remington 870

[Artiz]

Hi, I don't have any shotgun and would like to buy one in the next months.
It will be my first one but I want one that will last.
I certainly want a 870, wich one? I want an all-purpose shotgun.
I am interrested by the Tac desert, the XCS Marine Magnum and the XCS Super Magnum.
I don't see many reviews on the Tac Desert Recon and the XCS Marine Magnum so I would like to know who has a Tac Desert Recon, and if they recommend it. Reviews are welcome. :)

[scrat]

i dont know of that many people that own one. a lot of people own the 870 express. i have one myself. its a very good shooter very durable and versatile

[Youngster]

I would recommend the top-of-the-line 870P over what are essentially gussied up Express models, unless maybe you specifically need a Marine type finish.

[rswartsell]

Can't directly comment on the models as I don't own them however when you say all purpose shotgun you make a case for the base model, as each modification is with a "purpose" in mind. I.E. the Marine Magnum for the excessively harsh environment of salt water. Super magnum for turkey or geese. etc.

There is wisdom when beginning to K.I.S.S. I do believe that you make an excellent choice when thinking the Remington 870 action though.

Listen to a lot of opinions and understand that you can modify later if your use finally heads in one specific direction, and that much modification of that platform isn't likely to be completely necessary. More along the lines of it would be nice if....once a specific application is desired.

[JImbothefiveth]

I have a marine magnum, but not the xcs model. Recoil is harsh, I'm glad it comes with the thick recoil pad.
I think I've fired maybe 35-50 rounds out of it this year, and I can't remember if it jammed once or not at all. I fired it a bit about 12 years ago, and now this year. For the 12 years in between, it's been sitting at normal room tempurature, without any abnormal humidity, and I don't think there's any rust.

It's also very loud, I can't tell because I wear hearing protection when shooting, but it's gotten such remarks as "what are you shooting, a cannon?".

[rswartsell]

P.S. I do have an 870 Express Magnum 28" vent rib though and I like it. I shoot trap with it and bought later a slug barrel for deer or HD. I like mine a lot.

[Dirty Bob]

Or you could do what I did and shop for a used Wingmaster. Mine was cheaper than a new Express, and the Wingmasters have a certain style and class that the new Express model lacks. The Express is still a great gun, but I strongly prefer the Wingmaster.

You did well in choosing the 870. I'm sure any of the ones you mentioned would serve you well.

Regards,
Dirty Bob

[rswartsell]

+1 for Dirty Bob, when I bought the Express I bought it used. 870's are common enough that a good used market almost certainly exists near you and could save you some $$.

[NavajoNPaleFace]

I have an 870 Express Magnum in 12 guage and with the long ribbed barrel.

It's a great shotgun but the meatier construction makes it heavy for longtime carrying for dove and quail hunting. For me, anyway. It may be diffeent for others.

[JImbothefiveth]

The heavier it is, the less recoil.
Just something to remember when you buy.

[rswartsell]

Between Navajo and I you see;

1. extra weight good for trap, absorbing recoil, etc.

2. extra weight not so good for hunting birds when you carry it all day and have many fewer shots

Between Dirty Bob and I you see;

1. how important is good glossy bluing and fit and finish, etc? The class and attractiveness of the finish a definite plus, but extra $$.

2. Used will almost always find you a better deal if you are patient and know how to avoid a misused or worn out gun.

Tactical or Recon mods. I would personally avoid until the use of the gun has been determined, additions to cost that may not be useful or actually detrimental to some uses.

[Artiz]

The heavier 870 shotgun is 8 lbs (2008 catalog confirmation), both the Marine magnum and the tac desert recon are 7½ lbs, the XCS Super Magnum is 7.5/8 lbs, not a big difference, but they each can hold 4 more rounds in the stock, wich adds weight.
The difference I think will be in the fact that the Marine Magnum and the Tac Desert have a 7 rounds mag. capacity.
And, I want a shotgun that can withstand cold temperatures like -30°C (we have this kind of temperature all the time where I live in Quebec City) and up to the normal 30-35°C, add humidity, etc.
That's why I want something very durable.
The use of the gun is not precise for the moment, a combination of: hunting, range, home defense, etc. I will eventually buy another shotgun for a specific use, or buy another barrel, maybe a magazine-tube extension, as I know that the 870 is upgradable.

[rswartsell]

I'm thinking extreme temperature reliability of operation and durability are 2 different issues. For extreme cold I think that the lubricant you use will be a bigger factor than the model designation. Temperature changes causing condensation require diligent care and maybe the Marine Mag wouldn't be so critical to clean diligently, if that's what you mean. Local laws will dictate how much of the 7 round capacity you might use for any purpose, for HD I would see the 7 as a plus, not for other purposes.

P.S. extended aftermarket mags are common and fairly easy to add.

Their shorter defense oriented barrels won't swing through trap very well and you lose sighting radius, for clay pigeons or live birds.

They appear to be designed more for buckshot, slug applications. While you still can get extra barrels, this equation usually goes- add the more Tactical barrel. Not too sure about getting a 28" vent rib Remchoke bbl. for a tactical model but I guess it would work.

[Artiz]

Local laws do not restrict any bolt-action or pump gun in mag capacity, so a 7+ round capacity is ok. ;)

[rswartsell]

To put it bluntly, high cap short barreled tactical shotguns are not all purpose guns. Instead they are dedicated to the needs of law enforcement, military, home defense. They will be at a disadvantage in wingshooting targets or hunting. It would be unusual to select one and then modify it to expand its purposes and probably won't work as well as going in the opposite direction. The Marine Magnum finish and materials are to deter (not prevent) corrosion.

If you decide you really want one by all means go ahead. It just isn't the "preferred" route for all purpose shotgun.

[Artiz]

I think I should go for the Super Magnum XCS, then if I want (I WILL want, lol) something shorter for home defense and fun at the range, for Buckshot and slug, the Marine Magnum (XCS or not) would be a nice choice.

[rswartsell]

You get the capability of 3 1/2 shells but don't need to use them all the time, definitely adding to versatility there.

[Artiz]

Yeah that's what I saw, and I like the fact that it can be used with pretty much any rounds, from 3½ to 2¾, it's very useful.

[rswartsell]

I'd sure like one if I was shooting more ducks and geese. Don't see a real problem with using it to practice on clays, nickle plated internals good if budget not a problem.

This could be your gun. If you investigate additional barrels, they might be an option to consider if you didn't want to buy 2 shotguns. I'm sure you realize that this is not the most economical way to get in the game, but if you can afford it I believe it will serve you well for a lifetime.

[btg3]

It won't shoot the 3-1/2", but the Express can be had for $229 (with rebate) at Academy (or any stores that will match--eg: Dick's). The special ran last week and will probably be back again before year end.

Can get chokes for around $20.

Also, Mossberg makes an 18-1/2" barrel for the 870 at $89 from Midway.

Some shooters may need more versatility, but for the price, this is worth considering.

[mgkdrgn]

+1 for Dirty Bob, when I bought the Express I bought it used. 870's are common enough that a good used market almost certainly exists near you and could save you some $$.

+2 for Dirty Bob

If you can, find yourself a good used (older the better) Wingmaster. The with the money you save over a new one you can get an extra barrel to handle what ever the one you got isn't real good at. (ie, you buy one with 22 inch IC, and you'd really like to shoot some trap too, so you go looking for that 28" Vent Rib modified)

[Famine]

I bought an express super mag with the long vent rig barrel, and then bought the 18" barrel some months later. I can shoot skeet and have a practical HD weapon. It worked for me, so it might work for you.




Side note, someone said the Marine kicks hard. My brother has a Marine 870, and I shot it about a month ago, and yes, it seemed to kick pretty hard, harder than mine. Is that just the weight difference, or is there something else different about that gun.

[JustRick]

We shopped for an older 870 and found a 20 gauge Wingmaster with a *perfect* walnut stock and foregrip for $329. Based on the serial number it was made in the late 1960s. It's way, way nicer than a new Express. You can find these nice old guns, but I guess you have to luck out. We found ours by asking a sales rep at a local gun store, and they had one - in back. We bought it even before it hit the racks.

[3pairs12]

I also am not familliar with the models that you are asking about, but the express is a great value. The wingmaster is fine also if you don't plan on hunting geese, just a little prettier.

[ziggy222]

i think a basic 870 express in 12 guage with 24 inch ribbed barrel that takes up to a 3inch shell would be the most versatile.