870 Police 18.5" to 28" vent rib barrel

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Grunt96

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I have an 870P that has a 18.5" IMP CYL. barrel. Great shotgun for fun in the woods and HD, but I want to put a proper hunting barrel on it for squirrel and coon hunting. I know that I need a barrel of course, and I know where to find them online however I'm not sure about the magazine tube.

My current magazine tube is a 6 round tube and I don't think the tube will work with a 26 or 28" 870 express barrel. Hoping for some feedback as to what I need to install an 870 express 26 or 28" vent rib barrel on my 870P. I'm also wondering if it would make more sense cost wise to pick up a used 20 gauge instead for the same cost. I'm seeing 870 express barrels for around 200 bucks, and figure if I need to buy another magazine tube I may likely be able to buy a nice used 20 gauge pump for the same cost and avoid swapping barrels all together?

Also, I know some people are going to advise me to get a 22 for the intended purpose, and I have seriously considered that too. Only issue I have with a rifle for squirrels and coons is that there are nearby farms with houses and I think using a shotgun is a more responsible choice versus shooting rifle rounds into the air.
 
Based on what I have found on other forums, the 870P and the wingmaster use the same magazine retention. Can anyone confirm this? if that is the case perhaps I could get a wing master magazine tube and an express 28" barrel?
 
If you have a Remington Model 870 Express HD model number 25077, it has a fixed 6+1 round magazine and will only accept the 18 inch barrel that comes with the shotgun. You 870P should have a fixed 4 shot magazine with a removable magazine extension. Any 870 with a fixed 4+1 capacity has the interchangeable barrel capability as long as it is the same Gauge, except that some Express barrels do not have a ball detent in the barrel ring and use the internal ratchet magazine retainer. Then you would have to use a wave washer to keep the Express barrel on a Police or Wingmaster receiver. Also you might have to purchase a standard magazine cap to go from a shotgun equipped with a magazine extension to the same shotgun with a sporting barrel and 4+1 capacity.

You could probably buy a used 870 in 12 or maybe even 20 Gauge for what that 28 inch Rem Choke barrel will cost brand new.

Just my .02 and I hope I did not confuse you more :),
LeonCarr
 
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You'll have to either do the spacer, as Virginian said, or get a 'smith to move the barrel ring.

Maybe it's just me, but for $200 for a barrel, I'll find one with a gun attached to it... Used Expresses can be found for $250 with minimal looking.
 
Inebriated said:
You'll have to either do the spacer, as Virginian said, or get a 'smith to move the barrel ring.

Maybe it's just me, but for $200 for a barrel, I'll find one with a gun attached to it... Used Expresses can be found for $250 with minimal looking.
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Thanks for your help. I agree, it makes more sense to buy a new shotgun.
 
Grunt96 said:
Thanks for your help. I agree, it makes more sense to buy a new shotgun.
Click to expand...

No problem! I was trying to make one 870 do everything for a couple years, made more sense just to get used ones to do different jobs lol.
 
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