Good and bad years for the 870 Express?

[Jason_W]

I have a 20ga 870 express that I received as a 11th birthday present about 21 years ago now.

The thing has proven to be a foolproof tank and still regularly takes small game in spite of having taken many a tumble with down numerous muddy, rocky, and pricker bush filled hillsides.

I have an odd urge to undertake some kind of customization project and i'd like to start with a used 870 express in 12 ga. How would I best go about finding one that's as reliable and durable as my 20 ga?

 

[Kingcreek]

The older ones like mine have a metal trigger and seem to me to be better quality than some of the newer ones. I like the early birch stocks too.

 

[Jason_W]

An old, cosmetically rough but mechanically sound 870 would be perfect for what I want to do.

 

[rule303]

The ones that had issues likely had them right out of the box. Any used 870 is a pretty safe bet.

 

[jmr40]

None of the 870 Express problems were ever major problems, 99.99% were simple issues where the gun needed a good cleaning or some minor tweaking. I'd trust any 870, made any time, after a few rounds to check for function and possibly some very minor tweaking I could likely do myself.

 

[Jason_W]

Good to know. I was actually a bit surprised to see all the 870 hate when I started frequenting gun forums.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Yep any year any gauge 1950-2012 and you are good to go with an 870.

The more you shoot it the better it will fit you.
Parts are everywhere if you ever need them.
I like the 21 year old 20ga. story.You could try to find a 12ga. from the same year.

I have 870s from 1953 Wingmaster,12ga. to 2005 Express Super Magnum Turkey, 12ga. and my least favorite to shoot is the 2010 tactical with Ghost ring. (I'm just too used to using a bead sight) but it functions as well as most.

What shell length are you going with?
I find beaters in the sub $200 dollar range all the time in 2 3/4".

Good luck with the build.


***If more of the haters ran most 870s like they meant it ,instead of like they were scared of breaking it, there would be fewer haters.

 

[jmr40]

I was actually a bit surprised to see all the 870 hate when I started frequenting gun forums.

I see lots of complaints on newer guns, but almost all is over either cosmetic flaws or minor glitches that can easily be taken care of. The 870 is a solid, proven design. When you don't want to pay over $300 for an all steel gun you are going to get a few cosmetic flaws and find a few that could have gotten a little more attention before leaving the factory.

You don't buy an Express for the finish. It is meant to be thrown in the bottom of a muddy duck boat, used as a paddle if necessary and keep working no matter how much mud or ice is on it. You hose the mud off when you get home, dry it by the fire and do it again the next day. If you want pretty, spend $700 for the Wingmaster.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Jason, the Express haters are a small and vocal minority. I started a thread here and it looked like less than 5% of the Expresses had issues.

Some of those "Issue" Expresses just needed smarter owners.

Others benefited from chamber polishing, better ammo, and Reading The Fine Manual.

BTW, after handling and shooting perhaps 40 Expresses over a couple years, I ran across exactly one with issues. I believe that puts the glitch rate at 2.5%....

 

[A strange person]

The only thing to hate about the 870 is how darn popular it is. I got one not too long ago because I just needed the thing, no matter how much it clashed with my otherwise esoteric persona. When I examine it's innards, I am consistently very impressed at how a repeating weapon can be constructed out of such a small number of large, simple, rugged, solid, machined steel parts. Only a bolt-action rifle is simpler and tougher.

If you get a lemon, it could only be because one of the workers at the factory had a seizure while machining it. I honestly don't think it matters much when it was produced. Pick one up, and if the barrel isn't rusted or bent or anything silly like that, the action works, and you hear a "click" when the trigger is pulled, you got a winner. I almost regret buying mine new.

 

[sam05]

I have owned four 870s, still own three of the four (stupidly traded one away) all have been excellent performers. I have an older 20, traded a well used late 80s/early 90s 12, a 1986 12, and a new super mag 12. The one I traded is the only one that I have regretted letting go, I think I'll just hang onto the ones I have now. You just can't go wrong with a Remington 870.

 

[shiftyer1]

Ain't never had a problem with either of mine

 

[Jason_W]

Right now my only repeating 12 gauge is a Benelli Nova tactical that I use primarily at the range and for close range brush hunting. It's durable and reliable, don't get me wrong, but the ergonomics leave a lot to be desired. Additionally, while I understand the utility of synthetic stocks, they just don't feel as good in the hand as wood, IMO.

On top of all that, I'm really bored lately and could use a restoration and customization project to keep me busy.

 

[sam05]

Sounds like a beat up 870 is just the medicine you need. The best way to shop for one is to go to the pawn shops and gun store used racks and pick out the lowest priced most beat up 870 you can find and get it because it didn't get all beat up and used cause it didn't work. Then go home and start your project. I love taking a beat up tired looking gun and redoing it!

 

[Jason_W]

That's plan. My first project will be to customize one for non-flying game. Most of the deer hunting I do is close range and in thick brush. A short barreled shotgun packing a slug shines in such territory. I could see refinishing a stock with a tough polyurethane shell, having it drilled and tapped for an optic, and adding a short, 18.5 to 20 inch, choke tube ready barrel.

I'd sell my Nova to fund the project, but unfortunately it sustained some damage that doesn't affect function but destroyed any resale value.

 

[One_Jackal]

I would leave the old 870 as is. Find some cheapo job for a short barrel pistol grip.