1187 v. 870 express, which is a better shotgun?

[leadcounsel]

For clays, for home defense, for social work... which do you prefer? The 11-87 or the 870 express?

How easy is it to swap out the 1187 barrel for a short barrel for home defense?

 

[dak0ta]

870

 

[cromlw]

Once you go Semi-auto it's hard to go back to a pump Ill tell ya that,,,,,,barrel change is the same as the 870 unscrew the mag cap and slide it out

 

[wankerjake]

If you're willing to foot the bill, I think most will agree the 11-87 is a better shotgun. But for a budget shotgun, the 870 express has done me right for over ten years.

 

[Virginian]

Two different action types, two different quality grades. I would say the 11-87 is the better gun, by far - except in some of the cheaper models, but some people prefer a pump for home defense. For mall ninja-ing, a fully pimped out pump appears highly desirable. For REAL clays the 11-87 would be preferred for all but die hard pump gun shooters. For hand tossed or cow pasture it doesn't matter.

 

[Master Blaster]

I have both prefer the 11-87, the 870 is too easy to short stroke and jam under duress, and sometimes when shooting a double. A couple years ago I bought a 20" slug barrel for my 11-87 right here for under $100, pull the bolt to the rear, unscrew the mag cap and off comes the barrel, reverse for the new one.

 

[Fred Fuller]

the 870 is too easy to short stroke and jam under duress

Which is blaming the hardware for what is in actuality a software/operator problem, IMHO.

But if you're offering, I'll take the 11-87 (which I can sell for enough to buy two or three good used 870s).

Seriously, it's a matter of personal preference, and personal budget. If you can afford the 11-87 and a spare shorter barrel with no checkbook breakdown, go for it. With suitable ammo these days the semi is just as reliable as the pump, though the semi might be more picky as to the ammo it will run with reliably. Either one is going to require an operator capable of running the gun, if it is going to work in any or all of the roles specified.

Loading the 11-87 under pressure is going to require more practice, given that you have to depress that little silver button set into the lifter to get a round in the magazine. There's a couple of hardware offerings that purport to fix that (the 11-87 Tactical lifter and the EZLoader), but whether you want to look into those is another individual preference. I've installed EZLoaders on a couple of guns, and they work OK when properly installed, but I hate having to fight with a gun to feed it, which is one of the reasons I like 870s better. It's just another one of those things where YMMV.

 

[El Guero]

I have both right now.

My 11-87 is a target model, so if I want to go shoot clays that's what I'd bring.

If I was going to go hunting for pretty much anything, I'd take the 870.

If I wanted to shoot anything at any time with either gun though, I'm sure a couple barrels would keep me in business (plus the spare stock for the 11-87)

 

[throdgrain]

I have the 1100 and the 870, I alternate a bit, but always go back to the 870. It just feels right.

Also the 1100 are a pita to clean

 

[jmr40]

Also the 1100 are a pita to clean

The 11-87 is no different. The 870 is the gold standard of pump guns. The 11-87 is bringing up the rear of the pack in semi-auto's. They are not bad guns, but if I were spending the extra money for an auto I'd pass on the 11-87 and buy something else.

If forced to choose just one of those 2 I'd probably go 870. I own a couple of 870's and believe they are the designs to most likely to take the most abuse and neglect and still function for years. But while I keep the 870's around, the Benelli auto's are the guns I actually use the most.

 

[Master Blaster]

Also the 1100 are a pita to clean

What is difficult to clean on an 1100?

 

[btg3]

How easy is it to swap out the 1187 barrel for a short barrel for home defense?

Realize that the gas system for the 1187 depends on a fired shell to produce a particular pressure to properly cycle the action. Thus, the 1187 is not designed to handle all loads . And this equation changes depending on barrel length. For defensive purposes, it is critical that you verify your ammo of choice will reliably cycle the gun with a given barrel.

Also, for home defense...
Are you comfortable with 5-round capacity? If not, heed the reload comments posted above when deciding between the 2 guns. Of course, you can increase capacity with a mag extension, but the added weight does not suit some shooters.

My choice for home defense is a plain 870 with 18.5" barrel. I also have Remington semi-autos with field barrels.

Whatever you select, do not fail to train with it -- tactical shotgun (or defensive shotgun) matches and instructor coaching/training will help greatly.

 

[CSA 357]

i have both, 1187 sp and 870 sp the 1187 wont eject light field loads other than that they are both good shot guns but as we speak the 1187 is by my bed loaded with #4 buck

 

[dprice3844444]

there is nothing like the sound of an 870 racking in the morning

 

[btg3]

^^^^
No need to spend money on ammo. Heck, an MP3 player with "that sound" is all you need...