Debating - new barrel or shotgun?

[txgolfer45]

Ok, I own an 870 Express 12 ga with a 26 inch remchoke barrel. It is the standard 4+1 configuration. I'm thinking of either getting a shorter barrel for it to use for home defense or getting a new shotgun like an 870 Express Tactical that has a higher capacity. If I go the extra short barrel route, that frees up funds for another j-frame revolver for CCW.

I'm thinking 4+1 should be ok for home defense scenarios with a stock shell carrier to carry 4 - 6 additional shells. Any reason not to go with that approach?

The new 870 Express Tactical shotguns look nice with the powdercoat finish. Decisions, Decisions!

 

[Snarlingiron]

Any reason not to go with that approach?

None that I can think of.

 

[Dirtpile]

You could also get a mag tube extension.

 

[hlq]

I think your right on the money the short barrel and the j-frame is the way to go.

 

[sm]

In agreement with leaving the Express bone stock and adding a shorter barrel, and getting a good used J frame, or even Model 10 snub nose, Ruger Six Series, Ruger SP101, Colt Detective Special...

Good used 870 short barrel or even a Mossberg new replacement will work. Just double check with Mossberg with the serial number of your Express.
Maybe Big Green will assist with this...

 

[hometheaterman]

I saw Mossberg barrels for the 870 at Midway. Why is Mossberg making barrels for the Remington 870? Isn't that sort of their competitors gun?

 

[Fred Fuller]

It's so easy to change barrels on an 870, it just makes sense to spend the extra $$$ on a J frame rather than a complete second shotgun.

lpl

 

[Gord]

And unless your HD scenario involves being invaded by endless waves of ninjas like a bad Van Damme movie, 4+1 should be plenty. Throw an 18.5" barrel and a four-round sidesaddle on her and call it good - which is exactly what I did.

Still got my 26" barrel in the footlocker in case I ever get a hankering to do some hunting.

I would get rid of the J-safety if your Express has one, though.

 

[ArmedBear]

My house is freshly painted.

5 shots is more than I'd want to fire.

 

[chas08]

In agreement with leaving the Express bone stock and adding a shorter barrel

I concur, 4+1 is plenty

 

[Badger Arms]

I find it ludicrous that you're asking what to do in this case. Use the golden rule of firearms:

You can always use another gun. BUY, BUY, BUY!

Seriously, I don't think you need the tacticool version. Just buy a cheap Mossberg 18.5" (the one they make for the 870) barrel and be done with it. Also don't need a mag extension or sling, but I would get the stock ammo carrier. You might also consider a flashlight mount. The least expensive route is this: http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=22533 You can get the internal and reduce your mag capacity 1 round, or the external mount. Uses cheap mini-mag flashlights.

 

[sm]

I saw Mossberg barrels for the 870 at Midway. Why is Mossberg making barrels for the Remington 870? Isn't that sort of their competitors gun?

Allow me to share a long time, running joke/jokes me and mine have had.

Remberg.

So when folks are going on about Krieghoffs, Perazzis, Kolars...

Remberg.
Yeah, this family lives in that huge mansion, next door to the family in the huge mansion that invented the paper clip.


I like it when girls, reply - Momma said to find a nice Jewish boy and Remberg is a nice Jewish boy that always takes care of me and keeps me safe.

Me and mine tend to have a lot of fun with all this stuff...*smirk*

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

I would definitely buy another barrel and throw on a mag extension. You may have to grind a couple of protrusions out of the mag tube in order to use the extension, but it's a 5 minute operation with a Dremel. No biggie a'tol.

Now, which J-frame do you plan on getting?

 

[Pete409]

I vote for buying a new (or used) shotgun like the Mossberg Persuader which holds about 7 or 8 rounds in the magazine. Then buy the pistol you want after you save up a few more $$$.

Your 4+1 gun most likely would be a 4 shot gun since most people I've talked to don't keep a round in the chamber in their home defense gun.

Sure, you can always reload some more ammo into the magazine, but I just feel better knowing it's already in there.