Good buy on 870?

[ugaarguy]

For various reasons I am currently shotgunless. I've recently moved out of the dorms on an airbase, and would now like to get another shotgun. It wil be primarily for home defense, but I'd like to retain overall utility. I grew up on an 870 Express 12 ga. that I shot everything from skeet to doves with. Tonight I Wal-Mart I was pleasntly surprised a sticker price of $238.98 on wood stocked 870 Expresses in either 12 or 20 gauge. For a general purpose shotgun, that will also work well for HD, is there a better value out there? Can I get a better price on an 870, and is there anything else I should be looking at? Thanks in advance for your advice and opinions.

 

[Fred Fuller]

If you are confident in your ability to recognize genuine problems with used guns, I'd buy used as opposed to new. You'll save some money (admittedly not a whole lot given the price you posted for a new one) and possibly even get a better gun. It's possible around here to find good sound 870s on the used racks for $150 and up from time to time. Sometimes these are older Express guns, which are mechanically as good as Wingmasters, sometimes they really are Wingmasters, sometimes law enforcement trade- ins. It takes a bit of looking around and shopping, and it has to be done repeatedly on about a weekly basis bacause inventory changes fairly quickly- at least around here it does.

If you have time to do some shopping, take a look around and see what turns up on the used racks. If you want to start busting caps and clays right now with a brand new shotgun, that sounds like a pretty hard price to beat.

Enjoy it no matter what option you choose,

lpl/nc

 

[bakert]

That would be a good price in my area. I never seem to find the prices people from other states and cities quote here. Wish I could!!

 

[Mendel5]

Used barrels?

Where could I find a used barrel for an 870? I have a 28-inch now that I can use for sporting, but I'd like a shorter barrel to keep on it when at home (20 inch)? does anyone know where I can find one cheap? Maybe with a fixed full choke? How much would something like this cost?

 

[Dave McCracken]

I've never seen a fixed Full Choke on an 870 barrel shorter than 28", Mendel5. Call around to gun shops and smiths, there may be some takeoffs.

Used 870s are great bargains mostly. I have seen an early 870 with some finish issues and replaced parts offered for $400. I passed.

Most gun shops have some used 870s, but rarely for long.

 

[Superpsy]

shotgunless?

I actually think that's a pretty decent price.

 

[9mmMike]

That's a decent price for new. I'd look for an '06 Express though with the new laminate stocks. Far nicer (so I've heard) than the "hardwood" stocks on the '05 and down Express models.
Also, the new models have dropped the silly j-lock safety as well.
Welcome back,
Mike

 

[IDriveB5]

you might want to wait a little bit, with the fall hunting season coming up, im sure there will be some pretty good deals to be had.

 

[cyanide]

is there a better value out there?

NO