Current Remington 870 Express HD

[Slater]

Seen these over the years in Wal-Marts, Big 5's, etc. They've gone through some iterations over that period - started with a Field forend, then went to the Police-style forend. Now they're advertised as having a one-piece mag tube (I noticed that the muzzle now extends beyond the mag on the newer versions). Also, I believe now they're marked "Tactical" instead of "Express".

One of the big complaints over the years is that they tended to rust easily. Is that still true or has Remington addressed that issue?

 

[jaguarxk120]

When you have a sand blasted finish that has a profile of twice the area of the receiver, then there is twice the area for rust to start.

The surface is rough like a fingernail file, that rough surface has a greater area for rust to start and unless the steel is kept coated with oil/grease it will start rusting.

 

[t16sugarbabe]

I had one of these for a short while. Fit and finish was pretty good. However the bolt rattled around in the receiver quiet a bit. I called Remington and asked about it and they were no help so I called Nighthawk custom and they knew exactly what I was talking about. They said that half the 870's they get from Remington do this and they send them back because it doesn't meet their standards. They said the gun will function however the bolt or the receiver will ware out a lot sooner do to the excess movement. My friend bought a new 870 express last year with the same issue. He sent it back to Remington and they fixed it. He decided to sell it though. And after a couple of times in the field and at the range it was already starting to rust. The finish on the new 870's are a lot smoother, but apparently they still rust easier then other shotguns. Hope this helps.

 

[Sunray]

"...marked "Tactical"..." The word 'tactical' is the latest marketing buzz word. Used to be 'LEO' or Law enforcement. And there are still 870 Express shotguns. You can have an Express Tactical too. All of it is marketing. Same gun. Different finish.
"...they tended to rust easily..." No moreso than anything else made of steel. Mind you, bluing isn't the best protective finish to start with.

 

[Assault]

The 870 will hold up as long as you keep it cleaned and oil (won't rust). Now if you abuse it like I did my SM, it will still hold up with cleaning and oil. Great low budget shotgun

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Get yourself a spray can of Remoil and a old t-shirt.

Spray the exterior surfaces with oil and really rub it in--you won't believe all the brown/rust or whatever it is that comes up.

I've done that with every Express I've owned (except the camo coated ones)----never any rust issues after that.

 

[gamestalker]

The only SG's I really ever had problems with rust in, is two old Wingmaster's that have seen many years of hunting in the extreme elements. But even with those, I have been able ton control the rust, keeping it to a minimum and stopping it from spreading with a little oil, and some elbow grease.

GS