[christophera]

Alright, there's a lot of talk about the differences about the 870 Express and the 870 Police. And, I've decided to get one but can't decide on which. Given that the Police model is better, except for trigger pull that some have said, is it worth the extra money? We're talking about $200-$250 dollar difference. And I'm really only concerned about the internals than things like the parked finish/mag tube. So, with that in mind...is it?

I stated that the Police is better but only because that's what I've seen to be the general consensus. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Opie]

Here is a thread from a while back. I have both and I swear by my police. That said the express is still a fine gun out of the box.

The express triggers are usually lighter due to heavier springs in the P models. They will all smooth out nicely after a few thousand rounds.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29337

[Dave McCracken]

I find myself a little perplexed about this.

ALL 870s are quite effective weapons right out of the box. ANY 870 that's maintained and cleaned will last longer than any of us, not matter how many rounds go through it.

FYI, most of the LE 870s out there used to battle the forces of Evil are labeled "Wingmaster" on the receiver.

I really doubt there's any practical difference between the models....

[tc300mag1]

I would just go with the express with proper care it should be fine

[sm]

Recently I shouldered a 870 Express at Academy Sports. Next thing I new I was standing outside being handed a box by the Manager that said Remington. Taped to the box was the reciept. $199.00 + tax = $212.18. I faintly recall my CCW and DL being on the counter alongside a yellow sheet of paper.

I've shot a "few" shotguns over the years. Fired a "few" shotshells in my day. Now I used a similar gun last fall bone stock against a fella with a tricked out gun. I did remove the green plug. I was able to keep it fed and shoot 10 rds - with hits- quicker than he with his tricked out gun.

I think I may run this one as test as I usually do - hard- when semester lets out, time allows.

Look for a thread "A Smoothbore".

;)

[varoadking]

A standard "blue" finish is offered in both lines, however, the "matte" finish on the sporting goods guns is a bead blast bluing. The "matte" finish on the police guns is a parkerization process. Parkerization is 60% more durable than bead blast bluing.

The Model 870P's receiver is machined from a solid block of ordnance steel for the longest possible service life.

[..]

I had an 870P and the park was far less durable than the finish on my Express.

[AUadvisor]

I have an 870 express, it is comparable to any other shotgun I have, the only thing I have noticed about it is it kicks like a mother with heavier loads.

[AUadvisor]

Also, has anyone else noticed, I went to walmart where I bought my last 870 for $199, and the price is now 289?

[christophera]

Alright, who mentioned the Wingmaster? I went to Remingtons website and now I have three to choose from, jerks.;) I want a home defense/fun gun and I want an 18-18.5 inch barrel. Can you swap 870's barrels between models? If so, I might go with a Wingmaster and get an after market barrel and then I'll have a home defense gun and,with a swap of the barrel, have a good gun to shoot clays. How much are after market barrels...$150?

[dghboy315]

i'm in the same boat as you are. i'm looking for an 870 for trap/skeet and HD. allow me to give you even more choices. i'm trying to decide btwn:

1) a new 870 express combo (this model includes 2 barrels - a long one for clay targets and a short one for HD)

2) a used 870 express and then buy another barrel

3) 2 used 870 expresses - so i don't have to change barrels and just have a dedicated HD gun and sporting gun.


i'm not sure which would be most cost effective

[christophera]

My buddy is in Iraq and I'm taking care of his firearms while he's gone. This includes the combo job 870. It's nice but I'd want to go with the smoothbore instead of the rifled barrel. I also don't like the rifle sights.

[Opie]

You could get the wingmaster, then buy a blued police 18.5" barrel. It should be pretty close on the color match, and it would be something you could pass down for generations.

[dghboy315]

christophera,

there are a few different combo packages. one comes with a rifled barrel. another one comes with a smoothbore. i would get the one with the smoothbore.

[Dave McCracken]

All 12 gauge 870 barrels are interchangeable within gauge.

315, there's upsides and downsides to all your choices. I chose Number 3, and chased the idea to the point of absurdity. 870s do not breed, but they do multiply.

Be advised that I bought one used 870 last year, #6. That was the one you used at PGC. I also got the Light Contour barrel I used on Frankenstein that day. Even with a bit of price break from a shop where I've done business for 30 years, the barrel cost more. #6 came from the same shop.

Quite often used police style barrels, 18-20", turn up. Last one I sold went for $70. Others run cheaper.

The barrel used on the 870 that's my slug gun of choice and backup for HD is an Express barrel,20", Remchoked and set up with open sights. A good pick for the "Serious" end of the spectrum.

IMO, now's a good time to stock up on 870s....

[Smoke]

I voted Express. It's what I have, use, and love.

I could easily have voted other....I've always wanted a Marine Magnum :D

Smoke

[dghboy315]

Dave McC,

where do you do you 870 shopping in this area? are there good 870 smiths in this area as well?


actually, i'm going to start a new thread instead of stealing this one

[jdmb03]

I would look at all makers of shotguns before you buy. Each one has different features, some you may like and some you won't. Shop around and see what is best for you, not what everyone tells you is best for them.

[Poohgyrr]

I'd say it's your money, pick whicever one you want. Even the 870P is cheaper around here than a Benelli......