[msiley]

So I'm in the market for a shotgun (oh and a rifle, a few handguns, another rifle.... does it ever end?)

I saw a 870 Police for sale between $500-600.

Anywho, besides the increased quality control of the Police model.
How does the Police handle compared to the Regular and
is it worth it? (is the trigger different, action smoother, etc.)

Thanks!

[Hungry Seagull]

Are you seeing the words "Police" and feeling like a child drawn in by the shine... oh that shiney.... must...

Most 870s should usually be built one way. I think different Models will offer small differences like gauge etc but when you pick up a 870 for this or a 870 that your hands should go to the same trigger, the same action bar, the same safety (Unless you have a J internal lock) etc.

The furnature might be different and some will be more tatical than others.

Bottom line, do you like the gun? Do you have a oppertunity to rent and shoot it? Have you inspected the gun for rust etc?

Buyer Beware is my thought.

[msiley]

I do feel drawn to it! It says Police! :-)

I like 870s from what I've handled.

It said it was NIB, found it on GunsAmerica. So, sadly I can't inspect it.

Just wanted to know if I was getting more/less for my money because
it had Police in the description.

[EAJ]

Remington Arms Company

Important differences between Remington 870 Police and 870 Express shotguns

The 870 Express has been an important part of Remington’s offering to the sporting market. It was designed to meet a price point in the commercial market while still providing classic 870 functionality. All of Remington’s 870’s have interchangeable parts, even if they have cosmetic differences.

It is also important to note that many manufacturers use the 870 Express platform for their Police / Combat models. Without exception, every manufacturer who utilizes our 870 platform serves to upgrade their system to a more efficient, street worthy platform. While the 870 Express is still an 870, the best pump shotgun on the market, there are some very important cosmetic and functional differences between it and the 870 Police. To our customers in Law Enforcement, Military, Corrections, and Security, whose lives depend upon the unfailing performance of Remington shotguns, the Police modifications are of paramount importance.

Synopses of the variances are provided below.

• 870 Police shotguns go thru a special 23 station check list – ranging from visual inspection, functional testing, test firing, and final inspection.

• All Police shotguns are assembled in a “special build area” at the plant in Ilion, NY. This section is secured and serves only to build LE and Military shotguns, with the same factory personnel working at that assignment each shift.

• All parts that enter the “special build area” are visually inspected by hand to ensure top quality and functionality.

• Due to heavy recoil in buck and slug loads, all 870 Police guns have a longer
magazine spring which ensures positive feed and function.

• A heavier sear spring is used to generate a reliable, positive trigger pull between 5 and 8 lbs.

• A heavier carrier dog spring is used to ensure when the carrier elevates the shell, it will be held there until the bolt can push it into the chamber. This ensures positive feeding when using heavier payload rounds.

• Police shotguns do not have an ISS (Integrated Safety System) which is a locking
mechanism on the safety of commercial shotguns. This type of locking mechanism
can cause delay to an officer who needs the weapon but does not have the
appropriate key. LE shotguns have the standard, proven, cross bolt safety.

• The fore-end on the Express model is longer and not compatible with many police
shotgun vehicle racks.

• The Police shotguns utilize the heavy duty SPEEDFEED Stocks and Fore-ends.

• The Express model will not allow for the addition of an extension tube without
physical modification to the tube and barrel, which can nullify the warranty.

• The Express model has a BEAD BLAST BLUE finish while the Police models utilize
either High Luster bluing or Parkerization.

• The Express model utilizes a synthetic trigger housing while the Police models use a
compressed metal housing.

• The Police shotgun barrel is locked down with a “ball detent” system in conjunction
with the magazine cap vs. a lesser grade “synthetic magazine spring retainer” lock
down as used on the Express system.

• The receivers used in Police guns are “vibra honed” to smooth out rough finishes
and remove burrs before parkerization or bluing.

• Police shotguns use machined ejectors and extractors, as opposed to powdered metal
cast which are utilized on the Express models.

[RetiredLawman]

The officers in my city and county do not have shotguns issued to them. They have a 30 round 223 rifle called the "Patrolman". Their liability carrier refuses to insure them due to population density of the area. About a year ago they turned in their shotguns for these military looking rifles.

[KevinAbbeyTech]

The officers in my city and county do not have shotguns issued to them. They have a 30 round 223 rifle called the "Patrolman". Their liability carrier refuses to insure them due to population density of the area. About a year ago they turned in their shotguns for these military looking rifles.

That sounds like a terrible idea.
If I was an officer in your area, I would keep the .223 in the trunk and carry my Remington 870!

[Rshooter]

Look at what EAJ posted and then decide. Personally I would go with an older WingMaster "Police" on Gunbroker. They are 2 3/4 guns but they are much smoother in my humble opinion. I have a new police and two Wingmasters and much prefer the older guns. They will save you a lot of money too.

[lions]

The police model does have certain differences that EAJ posted but there is nothing wrong with the express model. If you are looking to save some money go to Remington's website and check out the 870 express 7-shot.