[FJC]

Ok, I'm close to ordering an 870P, and my dealer can get either the blued or the parkerized. I'm immediately leaning toward blue, as I generally prefer that. I thought I'd post this and ask for any opinions on the bluing job on the 870P's - is it a decent blueing, or not something worth bothering with? Price is nearly the same (only $10 difference), so that's not a concern.

This will be an HD shotgun, with occassional training/fun shooting - it won't be a hard-use gun in a hostile environment (stored in a nice safe with a goldenrod most of the time).

Thanks for any opinions/comments!

[Min]

For the 870 Police, I'd get parkerized. It's a fitting finish to a "tactical" SG (as opposed to hunting).

[dfariswheel]

Remington says that their parkerizing is 60% more durable than a blued finish.
They coat all their police guns with a sprayed-on coat of cosmoline to protect it during long term shipping and storage.

They recommend spraying the gun dripping wet with Rem-Oil and allowing it to soak for 15 or 20 minutes, then rubbing it off with a cloth.

This not only removes the cosmoline, it impregnates the finish with protective lube.

Instead of Rem-Oil I used CLP Breakfree, and the parkerized finish does hold lube much better.

So, given a choice I'd take parkerized. I've seen more blued guns with rust than parkerized.

[Al in Md]

IMHO go for the blued with walnut stocks. As stated in your post your 870 will not see much outdoor use and with proper care will look great for years. The blued and wood combination just looks better to me. I do have to qualify my answer that I have 10 yr. old blued 20in. brl. police model that looks real good, fit, finnish and function. Haven't seen a recent production model. OBTW finding a rem. blued three round extension was a bit of a chore (both two and three round parked ones were plentiful) but they can be had. As stated by others Parked would be the way to go for an actual LEO use gun, but for a home/safe-queen the blued version is a viable choice. Congrats. on a good choice for a defense shooty. Al

[Dave McCracken]

It's up to you, FJC. For the stated mission, no huge advantage to the Parkerizing, if indeed it is a phosphate process and not just the unpolished metal blued.

FWIW, my oldest 870 (Made in 1950)has been used on muggy July range days, in goose blinds and salt marches. I've stood in swamps and watch rain turn into ice on it. The bluing is getting thin from handling, but there's no rust.

[SanduneCC]

Parkerized is more macho and you know it! :p