New barrel or new HD shotgun?

[txgolfer45]

I own an 870 Express Magnum 12 ga with 26 inch barrel and 4+1 capacity. Should I get an 18" barrel for it for home defense or opt for an 870 Express Tactical with the higher capacity?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Jack2427]

Depends on how much you want to spend. Obviously just getting the shorter barrel will be much cheaper.
You should note that many LE agencies use the short barrel with a regular 4-5 shot magazine, even if they order a "Police Special" shotgun. For many years the NYPD used short double barrels for detectives, and to this day Chicago PD and the US Border Patrol use regular length magazines with no apparent disadvantages.
Unless I were a real tactical SG buff (I am) I would get the short barrel, put a butt cuff with 5-6 extra rounds on for HD and have a very useful setup.

 

[Dave McCracken]

If all I had for defense was an 870 with 26" barrel, I'd still be very well prepared for trouble.

My two "Serious" 870s have short barrels,the usual accessories and wear marks.

My favorite hunting shotgun is Frankenstein, a parts 870 I built that wears either a 21 or a 26" barrel, depending on mission.

Either Frank or Number 6 did for clays until I got the Beretta O/U, and still do some times. Both have a nice set of wear marks.

Using these for fast work under stress like Wobble flurries or a fast dove crossing at 40 yards doesn't hurt my survival chances if I need to use one of my HD shotguns badly, and immediately.

 

[inSight-NEO]

Id look into buying another shotty strictly for HD use. Although changing to a shorter barrel would certainly be cheaper, I think the fairly low mag capacity would continue to be somewhat bothersome. Of course, adding a mag tube extension is always a possibility, but I seem to recall this being somewhat of a pain on the Express models. Im of the opinion that anything less than 5+1 capacity on an HD shotgun is just not enough.

Now, I tend to download my shotguns by 1 round when using a "factory" setup and by 2 rounds when using an extension tube. I wont go into what I own or will own, but I prefer to always have at least 4 rounds in the tube at all times, as far as HD is concerned.

Unfortunately, my only SG relies on a mag extension to get me beyond 4+1. This is why I am myself looking for another shotgun better equipped (from the factory) for HD as I dont completely trust aftermarket accessories at times.

Of course, its all up to you. You could go with the shorter barrel and deal with the mag capactiy (or possibly spend some cash getting an extension) or save yourself a bit of trouble and just buy a shotgun better equipped for HD.

As has been stated before, that long barrel (and even the low mag capacity) of yours will still suffice for HD, if you should ever need it . But, as Im sure you are aware of, there are better application specific configurations when dealing with an HD shotgun.

 

[springfield30-06]

I have 2 870's with 18 inch barrels. One has the 4 round mag and the other holds 6 with the mag extension. The one with the mag extension definitely feels different, so you may want to go to a shop and actually hold one before you decide. Of course just getting a different barrel will be cheaper.

 

[inSight-NEO]

The one with the mag extension definitely feels different,

True, mag extensions, particularly when used along with a "standard" stock, could be construed as somewhat "front heavy," IMHO. Thats why Im using the SteadyGrip (PG) stock on my Benelli as it seems to offset the added weight of the extension.

For these reasons, it seems to me as if a 5+1 shotty (when equipped with a "standard" stock) might prove useful for HD while still allowing for good balance. Of course, having a speedfeed stock might prove useful when dealing with a 5+1 or less capacity. This will, more than likely, be my next setup as it seems like the shottys with, say 8+1 capacity, might be somewhat front heavy.

So many configurations/choices...so few funds. It does become frustrating at times.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Go for the 18" barrel. There's no real need for a whole 'nother gun--unless, of course, you just want another gun! You can worry later about the mag extension and so forth.

 

[scottishclaymore]

I'd get a new shotgun, but only because that means I'd have two.

Honestly there is nothing wrong with the capacity on that gun now. If you need more firepower than that you probably are in some seriously deep doo-doo and should have at least a squad of infantry backing you up.

 

[fireman 9731]

I am huge fan of swapping out barrels, my 870 wears an 18 inch barrel for home defense most of the time, but whenever I go out for a game of clays or hunting, I quickly and easily switch to my 28 inch vent rib barrel. It still wears the mag extension but im used to it so it doesnt cause any problems.

Not to mention that you might be able to find a good used one for cheap!

 

[inSight-NEO]

I have to add one more thing; there is nothing wrong with simply buying another barrel for HD duty and it most certainly would be cheaper to do so. Having said that, however, Im of the mind that its always a decent idea to have at least 2 shotguns (for instance, one for sport and one for HD).

Reason being that if one goes down (for repairs) then you have another as "backup." Plus, if you plan on outfitting a shotgun with various accessories "tailored" to the HD crowd, it might be more convenient to install this stuff (and leave it) on the HD shotty vs installing/uninstalling this stuff, as needed, on just one shotgun. Of course, if you arent into the "accessory" thing, then this wouldnt be as much of an issue. Still, having a "backup" is always a good idea, IMHO.

For instance, I will have another shotgun in just a bit (making it #2) and I plan on keeping a weapon mounted light system, mag extension tube, speedfeed stock, etc., installed on one gun while leaving the other essentially stock. This is ideal for me as I could then have multiple purpose weapons without needing to constantly swap stuff around on just one.

Now, this is just me and since Im not you, well....

Regardless of which way you go, you wont be making a "bad" decision and that is a good thing!

 

[Hungry Seagull]

The factory mag extension on my Marine mag 870 is useful as a external mount for laser or whatever and still keep the sling mount clear.

Capacity is more than 5 in tube plus one, but 5 is plenty anyhow for me. If you needed more than 5 or had to reload during a HD scenario you are going to find that thing pretty hot. Make sure you understand that is 5 2.75 inch shells... I have not tried 3 inch mag shells in the tube. I load those one at a time for safety. (And get the recoil out of my system whew) I probably can get 4 into my mag tube with the extension on it... but will have to double check the manual and one to go into chamber when ready to shoot.

I agree with another poster, two guns is good, if one is down for repairs etc you wont neglect your HD.

I dont think the Police really care about capacity as long there is room for 5 in the tube.