Police 870s vs. Express 870s

[P.B.Walsh]

Ok, you've seen my past threads about 18" vs. 20" barreled shotguns, so you probaly figure I'm trying to buy a new "tactical" shotgun. This thread I want to know if a Police 870 (870P Synthetic 20BBL Rifle Sight) is that much better than an Express (Model 870 Tac. SFIV 20" Desert Recon 12ga.)

I've heard that a 870P is more durable than a 870 Express, is this true? The Express that I listed has everything I want, while the 870P dose not, I'm buying from www.snipercountrypx.com and the 870P is $565.00 and the 870 Express is $621.00.
So which is better for HD and deer?

Thanks

 

[RatDrall]

Express 870s will rust easily, Police models soak up oil and resist corrosion.

The Police models also have metal trigger guards. Express guns have plastic trigger guards.

Just curious....what, exactly, makes you want the desert recon gun?

 

[kcmarine]

Quick question... how sold are you on the 870?

 

[P.B.Walsh]

I want the Desert Tactical because of the Remington Tactical Choke. I plan on putting some paint to make the Express rust free, but I did not know that the Express had a plasic trigger guard, I thought that they were all steel.

Thanks

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Oh, I'm quite sold on the 870, because it has a bit more aftermarket support than a Mossberg 590, and the 870 has more steel in it (so I have heard), and I love my 700 rifle, I think I can expect another good product from Remington.

 

[jakemccoy]

Yes, the 870P is more durable because it has a parkerized finish, among other reasons.

http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/articles/870ExpvsPol6-30-05.pdf

By the way, I'd buy used if I were you and save some money. About a year ago, I bought a used 870P from JGsales.com for $325, 18" factory IC barrel, rifle sights, factory magazine extension. I'm pretty sure it was never fired. It has some nicks on it, probably from taking it in and out of the cruiser. That's cool. The last thing I want is a pretty HD shotgun that I'm afraid to ruff up.

Also, these things won't be collector items anytime soon because there are so many out there. That Express for $621 will probably drop in value a couple hundred dollars (or more) after you put one shell through it. I'm certain I wouldn't buy that gun used for $421. You might as well keep it nice and pretty in the safe.

 

[kcmarine]

Hm. Fair enough.

If I were you, I'd get the police model. It's going to be more durable.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Ok, I'll get the 870P, can you add chocks to the barrel?

This shotgun WILL NOT be a "safe queen".

Thanks

 

[C-grunt]

I dont think the 870p barrels have changeable chokes. I have one on my 870 Express and its solid all the way through.

 

[Youngster]

All newer 870s have a plastic trigger guard, I wouldn't worry about that too much however as the plastic one may well be more rugged than the sintered aluminum one. Where the "P" model really stands above the Express is in fit and finish, it's just so much smoother and better put together. It would probably be less hassle to get an 870P cut for choke tubes or buy another barrel for it than get the Express up to par.

As an aside, I considered getting my 870 cut for chokes but I found that Flitecontrol buck runs at least as tight through an IC choke as anything else I could through a steeper choke so I never bothered.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

Ok, I'll get the 870P.

Thanks for all of the great help, I love this fourm.

 

[inSight-NEO]

Its been said before, but it boils down to finish, fit, stronger parts and better QC vs. the Express.

Now, you could buy an 870 and essentially have it "converted" to the Police model (similar to the way I converted my 590SP to a 590A1), but in the end, this route may actually prove more expensive than just buying the 870P outright.

I guess it all depends on how patient you are and how much you are willing to spend.

Ok, I'll get the 870P.

Oops..just saw this. Anyway, good call on going with the 870P (although, I do love the Mossberg 590..in any form).