A 870 questions.

[BoomStick82]

Hi all, I'm pretty much set on picking up a remington 870 (hopefully a used wingmaster, but if I can't find one in good condition locally, I'll get an express). I have a couple of questions (for now) about them.

1) Do the "super magnums" have more parts and/or more problems in general?

2) If I end up with an 870 with a plastic trigger guard/group, will I be able to replace it with metal parts in the future?

3) Is the flex-tab user-intallable, or should I have a gunsmith do it (if it isn't present on the gun to begin with).

I have spent many many hours reading and racking my brain before settling on an 870 (over a mossberg), but I feel I have made the right choice, now I just need to find one and get out and BA/UU/R until it is a part of me. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Fred Fuller]

1) Do the "super magnums" have more parts and/or more problems in general?

I think there's one extra part- the sheetmetal stamping used to fill in the back of the bolt so the ejection port is filled in completely. They can come off inside the action if Mr. Murphy is riding your shoulder. Personally I see no real need for 3" shells, much less 3.5", but YMMV.
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2) If I end up with an 870 with a plastic trigger guard/group, will I be able to replace it with metal parts in the future?

Yes, if you want. But you will also be getting magazine tube dimples as part of the package, not to mention J-lock safeties and barrels with no detent in the barrel ring for the magazine cap. Personally I would just stay away from the newer model Expresses, if you're going to want to change all that stuff out after you buy it. Just buy a used Wingmaster, 870P or an older Express that already lacks the "features" you want to change out, and avoid the hassle from the get-go.
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3) Is the flex-tab user-intallable, or should I have a gunsmith do it (if it isn't present on the gun to begin with).

If you know your way around the gun a bit you can DIY. It should be a simple parts swap if all goes well. You will need to change the slide and bolt assembly as well as the lifter. The kit costs about $90 IIRC. Again, pick out a good used older Express, and forego the 'pleasure' of changing this out yourself.

lpl/nc

 

[BoomStick82]

Thanks for all the help, those answers are why I have been scouring the local gun and pawn shops for an older wingmaster that is in good shape.

 

[slopemeno]

Well said Lee. The most I've ever paid for an 870 has been $140 here in CA. Both had metal triggergroups, tho the Express was a 3", and had a flextab kit, and an extension. The best bet is keep looking and if you find a better deal later, sell the less desireable one.

 

[9mmMike]

Well said Lee. The most I've ever paid for an 870 has been $140 here in CA. Both had metal triggergroups, tho the Express was a 3", and had a flextab kit, and an extension. The best bet is keep looking and if you find a better deal later, sell the less desireable one.

Sell a gun?

Ha!

My first couple 870's were Express models with dimples and plastic parts. My last was a '81 WM Magnum. I have bought all my 870's used and have also bought most of my spare bits used as well. Used 870's are a ton-o-fun in my opinion.
Sometimes you are buying someone elses problems but most of the guns I've handled were just in need of some clean-up.
Look for uneven wear on the mag tube which would indicate something was bent. If the gun has been fire more than a few times, there will almost always be some bluing rubbed off but it should not be excessive and certainly not all on one side.
870's just seem to get smoother with age and usage. I would not hesitate (and I don't!) to buy used.
As noted above, the flexi-tab is easy and I see used bolt assemblies and triggers on the online auction places all the time. It is not so easy to find the older trigger groups but they are out there. I've yet to hear of a failure on the pre-j-lock plastic ones however and I would not sweat using one of those.
Good luck,
Mike