HD shotgun

[dmrcflyr2]

Hi all. I am looking at buying a 12 ga shotgun primarily for HD. I have been reading researching and handling the Mossberg 500/590 and the Remington 870. Having used an 870 in the past, military, I am leaning towards it. I just saw a used 870 Express formerly owning by a police officer. The barrel had been shortened to 20". It has the wood stock and fore end and is in very good condition. The shop is asking $250 for it. It seems a bit high for a used Express, although I do not know its age or extent of usage. Does this price seem high? Should I shop around for as better deal on a used one, possibly, non Express? I really have a thing for the Magnum Marine but at $529, it is a bit pricey for what I will really need.

Any advice or opinions are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[cslinger]

Buy the one that fits and shoulders best. As far as quality goes there really isn't enough difference between the big names to write home about.

I like 870s. My wife likes her Benelli Nova, friends like Mossbergs and so on.

I highly recommend the Marine Magnum though. I love mine and it is so smooth it is like it's on ball bearings.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Any of the Big Four pumps will work very well as a HD tool. While I favor 870s, none of these are dogs.

Get the one that feels best and BA/UU/R until it's MOA is ingrained. Software is more crucial than the hardware...

 

[Fred Fuller]

That's high by comparison in my area (southeastern NC), unless there are some extras included like aftermarket screw-in choke tubes in the shortened barrel. A good used Express gun around here goes for less than $200, sometimes a good deal less. For $250 you should be able to get a police trade-in 870P in extra-good to excellent condition, or a good used Wingmaster. I'd keep looking for a better deal if I were you. There are too many good used 870s around to pay full price for anything in NIB condition (NIB= new in box) IMHO.

Good luck with the hunt, hold out for a bargain on a Cinderella shotgun... money saved on the gun is more money for ammo later.

lpl/nc

 

[Rupestris]

If that Express has a the older, metal trigger guard (sans the J-lock) and has the flex tab lifer, and the bead/sights are installed properly, then $250 is a decent price in my book.
You'd be hard pressed to build one like that for for the same price.

Once its yours, see Dave's reply and follow it to the letter.

 

[dmrcflyr2]

Thank you all for the responses. As much as I LOVE the looks of the Marine Magnum, I was reminded of another financial obligation last night and it is now off the list.

I think I can swing for either the used Express or a new Express model 25077. Whenever I can afford it I prefer to buy new, especially if it is something that I plan on keeping for a long time.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Since 870s last longer than just about anything, used ones are usually good investments. But if only new will do, so be it.