870 Remington

[surjimmy]

I bought a Youth Remington 870 20ga. On the barrel it says 2 3/4" and 3" shells, on the receiver it just says Remington 870. It does not say Express Magnum. My question is, is it OK to shoot 3" magnum buckshot out of this gun? I'm going to keep it for home defense, I know this sounds dumb but I'm not a shotgun person. Is there a deference in 3in and 3in mag or are they one in the same? Thanks for all input.

 

[41magsnub]

3" is 3" in shotgun parlance whether it says magnum or not. It will work just fine.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors// My Express Magnum serial number starts with A and ends in U if this helps. I "think" A is for 20ga. and U is for 3" shells but it is just a guess.

I also "think " all Remington 870 Express variations are 2 3/4" or 3".(other than the "super mag")

 

[mgkdrgn]

Just because it has a barrel chambered for 3", doesn't mean the receiver is set up for them (although most, if not all, newer 870's are).

However, in your case, if you are going to be using it for HD use, you =really= don't need a 3" mag, 2 3/4 will get the job done in spades. (and you won't need a visit to the orthopedist for your shoulder)

 

[surjimmy]

I agree, I got 2 3/4 in it now, just wanted to know all aspects. Thanks for all the info, and please keep it coming.

 

[springfield30-06]

http://remington.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/162/kw/870%20magnum%20receiver/r_id/166

From the Remington website:

If your serial number ends in "N" or "U", you have a 20-gauge Magnum receiver that is capable of shooting 3-inch shells with the correct barrel.

 

[surjimmy]

Thanks 06, it ends with a U....