remington 870 and express to buy or not?

[Tim the student]

They can kick a lot, but they don't have to. There are a lot of variables that come into play, like how the gun fits you, how much it weighs, and what type of rounds you are firing.

I'm not trying to sway you one way or another - get what you like. Not much worse than having a gun you don't really like, or like to shoot.

I'm just saying that 12's aren't necessarily horrible to shoot. I've shot really light weight 20's that I wouldn't want to shoot all day. (With everything else being equal, the lighter gun will have more felt recoil. For example, a 5 pound 12 guage that fits you a certain way will be have more kick to it than a 9 pound gun with the same fit with the same shells.)


Is there any way you have a range that might rent guns for you to try (they probably will not have any expresses, but they may have a wingmaster), or have a buddy or family member who has an 870 you could shoot? I about guarantee if you ask, and post your location that someone here would meet up with and let you shoot theirs. (I'm in Waterloo, IA for that matter, if you are interested.)

 

[al123]

I'm new to shotguns, but I found the 870 Express to be simple to clean, and simple to break down. Rust can be a problem, so something like CorrosionX or EEZOX will be helpful. Just clean off the sticky shipping grease, then re-lube and you're good to go. So far no FTEs with different target loads.

Lot's of after market choices out to customize your 870.

 

[Pony Express]

buy one-but beware: the trigger guard on the new express models is plastic. I bought a new trigger plate assembly for $85. No functional difference-but i cant stand plastic where it shouldnt be.

 

[djardine]

Though I am new to the forum, I have owned several 870's. I have bought and sold so many shotguns , in search for the "latest and greatest" guns from other manufacturers, but find myself always going back to Remington for their ease of cleaning, their point of aim ( fits me well), and their reliability. I have read several forums about 870's jamming, but it comes down to proper barrel polishing/cleaning methods. Send me a message if you want the info on how to do this. Remington 870's are the best selling pumps for a reason. It is my opinion that the 870 is the best pump shotgun out there.

 

[Snarlingiron]

the trigger guard on the new express models is plastic. I bought a new trigger plate assembly for $85. No functional difference-but i cant stand plastic where it shouldnt be.

Well, there are differences in opinion on everything, I guess. The plastic trigger guard on the Express is more durable than the cast aluminum guard on the other 870's, IMNTBHO. A hard whack on the plastic, and it springs back. A hard whack on the aluminum one, and it is bent, likely interfering with the trigger. Let's say the plastic should break. It still won't interfere with the trigger.

Just my thinking. I have no problem with the plastic guard, and I really have no problem with the aluminum one either. I guess what I am saying is I wouldn't shy away from one because of the plastic guard, nor would I replace it with aluminum.

I have 2 870 Express's, and wouldn't take for either one. Thousands of rounds and no issues.

 

[Leaky Waders]

The old ones seem to be very reliable...the new ones sometimes require the buyer to finish them out with polishing.

If you are set on an express, then just ask the dealer what they will do to fix it/swap it out if your gun jams solid every shot; or, plan to do the shade tree gunsmithing like most other threads state; or, paya gunsmith a few dollars to do it for you; or, use one of the most reliable shotguns with certain hulls because it's the hull's fault...not the shotguns.

Personally I'd look for a wingmaster, or better yet a browning...but that's just my opinion.

L.W.

PS Asking this board about an 870 is like writing straight to remington and asking them...it's very bias. Not a bad thing, but just so you know. shotgunworld.com can also give you opinions too.

 

[JTH]

What' so special about a Rem. 870 Wingmaster? Reason I ask, is I was given a used one as a present but this is a Police Issue Riot Shotgun with pobably the shortest barrel. The shell magizine is very close to the length of the barrel. No mods still has wooden stock w/recoil pad. This is now my main home protection weapon. Sorry not trying to hijack a post, I just thought I'd ask since this weapon was the topic. Thanks!

 

[AcceptableUserName]

My take on the Remington Express Vs. the Mossberg 500/590 persuader tactically configured shotguns, formulated after owning about 5 of each in the past 5 years:

Remington PROS:

Steel Receiver. PROBABLY stronger than the Mossberg structurally, not that the Mossberg is weak.

Better action. A lot smoother with less play right away out of the box.


Arguably better dimensions length wise. An 18.5" 7 or 8 shot shotgun is ideal in my book. With a Mossberg, this isn't something easily achieved.

Remington's great customer service.

PROBABLY more aftermarket products produced from the 870, probably due to the fact it has been more widely used in the long term.


Remington CONS:

Price. At nearly 375-475 for a new Express, I don't believe the value is there. I think a good portion of that extra you're paying for is reputation.

These Expresses CAN be finnicky out the box. They definitely need to be worked in and broken in. I've seen this personally on every Express I own. They seem to smoothe out after 350-500 shells, and some sanding and polishing. If you can dedicate yourself to this process prior to counting on this gun for your personal safety, you'll be ok.

Control layout. I'm not fond of the safety and slide release locations UNLESS you are using a stock that incorporates a pistol grip, in which case the Remington's controls may gain the edge. Probably my biggest knock on the 870, as I prefer full-stocks.

Disassembly. Everyones probably thinking "WHAT? The 870 is more simple than a Mossberg!" If we were comparing field guns without magazine extensions and barrel clamps, I'd agree with you. On average, disassembling and reassembling and extension-equipped 870 takes me longer than the disassembly of EITHER a 590 or a 500! Especially if you're using a high powered spring.


Mossberg PROS:

Price and value. Definitely "more gun for the money", as they say. You also don't feel as bad using, abusing and loving it back to tip top shape. It's a Mossberg, they like the punishment. And so does your wallet.

Weight. While the aluminum receiver gives up a little to the Remington's steel in the strength department, it also weighs less. This is usually a big plus, or at least a draw even deal...unless you're using a PGO. Then I'd probably prefer the extra weight for recoil absorption. But you wouldn't do that, would you?

Reliability right out of the box. I cannot say this for 590 special purposes/persuaders as I believe they need a mag tube spring replacement with a Wolff version right out of the box, but I've never had my 500's jam, chamber stick, double feed, anything. Not new, not old, not clean, not dirty. I just haven't seen it.

Disassembly. With a 590, there is no clamp or extension. Screw off the cap, open the action half way and pull off the barrel. There may be a SOMEWHAT larger parts pile with a Mossberg, but negligibly. I believe this cancels out the hassle of those pesky extensions and clamps with Wolff Extra-Power springs. I find even the 500 to be easier, albeit maybe not upon reassembly.

Equally great customer service. Mossberg's done me a solid on several occasions ; sending me free sling studs, replacement mag springs, manuals, etc. at their cost.

Mossberg CONS:


Stiff out of the box. Just not as pleasant of a feel action wise. Some people think they feel "cheap". I see it as they just need attention.

Lack of a readily available, 18.5", flush tube configuration. That in my opinion is the ideal dimensions for a self defense shotgun.

Rough parts inside the receiver. This will smoothe out in time, but they do come pretty burr-y.

The standard, non-heavy barrels are probably a bit inferior to the Remingtions standard barrels.


I am a Mossberg guy. You may be a Remington guy. But these are the differences I've seen after 4-5,000 shells over the past few years put down the barrels of both guns. Just my two cents.

 

[SnakeLogan]

Another con of the 870 the possibility of getting your finger pinched each time you load a shell.

 

[justin22885]

who really cares if the trigger guard is plastic? its not a structural piece, and thats now one less part that can corrode... i like it

 

[justin22885]

well, its obvious to me that acceptableusername is very biased.... the remington receiver IS stronger, its proven, the mossberg receiver will crack long before a remington meets its mid-life. the remington tube mag configuration you dont like?... the mossberg cant even use an extention, you need to buy a new barrel to use a longer mag... and to further rationalize you say the 500s receiver is lighter.. yes, but the overall weight of the gun is pretty much the same... another rationalization of yours, the slide lock release being in front of the receiver?... how often do you actually dump a mag.. and if emptying the magazine safely, why would i have or even want my finger on the trigger?...

this is why i went out and bought a new 870, it was after hearing all these 500 owners rationalize their decisions to make themselves feel better while 870 owners have given me nothing but confidence in their positive remarks on the shotgun

870 is the best hands down... and given winchesters features id probably take a 1200/1300 over a mossberg...

and this brings me to your last rationalization... value?... taxes including an 870 is only about $50 more, anyone who wouldnt pay the price of a few boxes of ammo for a better gun deserves an inferior product... and if youre using this for home defense, youre even moreso an idiot for not going with the better product just to save a few bucks

 

[Handgunner]

who really cares if the trigger guard is plastic? its not a structural piece, and thats now one less part that can corrode

Yeah, they should find a way to make the receivers and barrels out of it also. :banghead:

 

[Handgunner]

and if youre using this for home defense, youre even moreso an idiot for not going with the better product just to save a few bucks

So why would you buy a remington when this costs so much more?

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/37_871/products_id/49049

It costs alot more, so it should be MUCH better for HD. Wouldn't you agree?

 

[ishida]

well, its obvious to me that acceptableusername is very biased.... the remington receiver IS stronger, its proven, the mossberg receiver will crack long before a remington meets its mid-life. the remington tube mag configuration you dont like?... the mossberg cant even use an extention, you need to buy a new barrel to use a longer mag... and to further rationalize you say the 500s receiver is lighter.. yes, but the overall weight of the gun is pretty much the same... another rationalization of yours, the slide lock release being in front of the receiver?... how often do you actually dump a mag.. and if emptying the magazine safely, why would i have or even want my finger on the trigger?...

this is why i went out and bought a new 870, it was after hearing all these 500 owners rationalize their decisions to make themselves feel better while 870 owners have given me nothing but confidence in their positive remarks on the shotgun

870 is the best hands down... and given winchesters features id probably take a 1200/1300 over a mossberg...

and this brings me to your last rationalization... value?... taxes including an 870 is only about $50 more, anyone who wouldnt pay the price of a few boxes of ammo for a better gun deserves an inferior product... and if youre using this for home defense, youre even moreso an idiot for not going with the better product just to save a few bucks

How funny justin. I see it as YOU rationalizing getting a more expensive product, but with less value for the money.

how has it been proven that the Mossberg will crack long before? I don't see a military contract for Remington 590s. Both the 500 and 590 passed the tests for durability and reliability, and they've both been abused in military and civilian applications. They last just as long, except they're a better value for the cash. They're also designed better.


Oh, and you're a damn hypocrite too.
"it was after hearing all these 500 owners rationalize their decisions to make themselves feel better while 870 owners have given me nothing but confidence in their positive remarks on the shotgun"
When it's a shotgun that's a better VALUE, it's rationalizing the purchase, but when it's more EXPENSIVE, it's just a plain-old positive comment?

 

[Virginian]

Good grief. Arguing over Remington and Mossberg pump shotguns is totally useless. I'm a Remington fan, but really, there is about 0.0000001% chance of either one not working right out of the box. And if you do have a problem, and call Rermington or Mossberg instead of bleating all over the internet, last time I looked, either one of them will take care of you. The feel is a little different, the controls are a little different, get whichever one you like best and don't look back. The ducks and the bad guys won't care which one you use.

 

[hometheaterman]

I've owned a Remington 870 Express and didn't like it at all and had issues with it. If it was me I'd either buy a Wingmaster or just get something else totally. I don't see why in the world anyone would buy an express when you can get a nice but used Wingmaster for the same price just about and not have to worry about it.

 

[mljdeckard]

I bought an express synthetic specifically to have a gun I can drag through the sagebrush and leave in the back of the truck covered with mud, and not feel bad about it. And I have hammered it. It's got melt smudges on the furniture where it touched the exhaust on an ATV. One day I cranked through a whole case of S&B imported birdshot shooting clays. It has never failed to fire, feed, or extract.

Maybe I'm a tasteless Philistine, and I should prefer purpose-built guns that cost thousands of dollars, and maybe one day when I'm rich I'll get a few, but right now, this is the gun I trust for EVERYTHING.

 

[blackops]

The 870 in the shotgun world is the AK of the assault rifle world. Built to last a very long time.

 

[hometheaterman]

I agree the 870 is however, I think it's the 870 wingmaster that is not the express line that often needs work right out of the box.

 

[Kernel]

Bought two Expresses in the last five years. Both have been flawless. Paid less than $250 NIB. They go on sale, plus Remington's rebate, every year like clockwork. Sold my Mossberg 500 10 years ago, long before the Remmies came into my life, but would never even consider another one. Take down and reassembly on the Remmy is much easier IMO. Higher build quality, too.