Considering buying an 870!

[mstrick96]

Hello,
I've been considering what to get next and am seriously considering the Remington 870. Right now, am looking at the 7 shot with 18.5 inch barrel.

I had an old Mossberg 500 that I really enjoyed! Have always wanted a Remington though.

Am enjoying reading through the website and forum! Almost like the old Sears Roebuck Christmas Toy Catalog!!!

Mike

[Scorpion8]

Welcome aboard! There's nothing to consider about the 870, except if you think you only want "1". They can be as addicting as candy! Enjoy!

[Synchronizor]

Welcome to the forum.

If you're looking at 870s, be aware that some of the higher-capacity models use a special mag tube that won't work with most 870 barrels. They're fine for a dedicated fighting or tacti-cool build, but they lose a lot of the versatility that makes 870s so awesome.

[Chilly]

Have owned at least one 870 since 1983 or so. Good advice given on the tube length. A quality steel extension will cause no trouble, and maintains compatibility with other barrels.

FWIW, I happen to be a fan of the older Wingmasters.

Paid $250 for a near perfect 1976 20-ga wingmaster except stock had been shortened then reattached.

Paid $185 for a dirty 1951 Wingmaster that cleaned up very nicely with some bronze wool, Hoppes, and a refinish of the lumber.

Waiting on a $240 1960's Wingmaster from Gunbroker.

First was a 1983 Wingmaster the folks bought me new when I was a boy.

Not needing 3" mag, I stick with old guns.

[mstrick96]

Interesting. Can the 6 round magazine on an 870 Express be extended further?

What are the custom modifications that need to be made to the gun to replace an Express barrel?

Mike

[Chilly]

Tactical mag holds six, standard 870 hold four. You can add an extension to either, but if you plan on adding an extension dont bother buying a tactical. Only reason to buy a tactical is for a shotgun used solely as a weapon, and 6+1 round capacity is what you want. A tactical will never be a hunting gun so the market is somewhat narrow. Honestly, I see no upside to the tactical so long as one adds a quality extension to a standard 870.

Extensions are simple to add. Remove the magazine nut, remove the long spring in the tube, reinstall the longer spring that comes with the extension, install the extension in place of the nut. Dont go cheap on extension! If a cheap extension breaks the contents of your magazine spill out and you have a single shot weapon. Or the junction of the mag and extension can be a place where shell rims hang up. But a quality extension will be 100% reliable. If you add a +2 extension I dont think a clamp is needed. Really long extensions should probably have a clamp.

Barrels are easy to remove. Open action 1/2 way, remove mag tube nut, remove barrel. Assembly is reverse. No need to bother with checking headspace, just swap it over.

[mstrick96]

Thanks, everyone! This helped me to make an informed decision.

I decided that since What I want is a shotgun for home defense, I"ll get the Express Tactical with the 6 shot one piece magazine. IT's already set up exactly the way I want and it will stay that way.

Now, I'll start thinking about something for hunting. Maybe set up for turkey with a second, rifled barrel for deer. Or maybe something just for trap shooting!

[Chilly]

Variety is spice of life. I wouldnt bother myself to try a different brand of pump gun, since the 870 is the best of the type. But I do happen to be enjoying a Stoeger M3000 lately, which is an excellent hunting shotgun value. They can be found for $475, less if they happen to have a rebate going.