Rem. 870 express ?

[Viking88]

I bought a 12ga 870 "express" a long time ago, it does not say "express magnum" but the serial ends with an M. I have heard that if the serial # ends with an "M" that it is ok to use 3"mag shells. Is this correct info? Thanks

 

[jmburton]

whats a mag shell?

 

[dfariswheel]

Serials that end in "M" are Magnum receivers.

Before attempting to shoot 3" shells, check the info stamped on the barrel to be sure you have a 3" barrel also.

 

[Viking88]

thanks for the info dfariswheel!

jmburton, maybe you should go buy a shotgun book for beginners. If you weren't being a smartass I meant 3" magnum SHOTGUN SHELLS. Thanks

 

[duke40]

My 870 Express came with a Magnum receiver (like yours, the serial number ends with an 'M') but a 2 3/4 inch chambered barrel. I bought a $99 Mossberg (they make one for the Rem 870) barrel for it and I shoot 3 inch magnums through it with no problem.

 

[Lucky]

Where can I get the shotgun for beginners book? You were joking, but maybe there's a title you could recommend?

 

[Viking88]

haha yeah I was joking. I bought "The Shotgunners Bible" by George Laycock. It has tons of good info. A search at the online book store of your choice should turn up some good reading. Good luck!

Duke: thanks I checked the barrel and it says for 2 3/4" or 3" shells so looks like I'm good to go! thanks fellas

 

[Lucky]

Thanks, I just ordered one.

 

[Enthusiast0368]

I have a question about those magnums. Now I have no intentions of shooting 3 1/2" shotshells, but according to the Remington catalogue the 870 super mags are interchangeable with all 3 common sizes (of shotshells). So would the super magnum, with the 3 1/2" chamber, be built to stronger standards or higher strengths of any sort?

Also, will it handle the shorter shells- 2 3/4 and 3"- just as well as the regular 3" chamber? What I'm really asking is the magnum just as good as a regular 870 express, but with the added option of loading the large 3 1/2 shells.