New 870 Express Advice Please

[Synchronizor]

I guess the one on their website is an older model? For some reason I really like the way it looks. I think it's because the mag tube is the same length as the barrel and the different forearm. Are there any other differences?

This particular 870 is a dedicated HD/tactical model that has a nonstandard mag tube that is longer than all other 870s. This makes take-down faster and easier, but it cannot accept any other barrels. If you want more flexibility, you should look for an 870 that comes with a +2 extension.

It'll have the same capacity, but you'll also have the ability to use other 870 barrels and extensions on the same gun.

[jkloeker]

If you want more flexibility, you should look for an 870 that comes with a +2 extension.

It'll have the same capacity, but you'll also have the ability to use other 870 barrels and extensions on the same gun.

That's the one I'm looking for!!! Unfortunately I can't seem to find anyone that has it or even knows what I'm talking about.

[gd2a]

I wasn't aware of an 18in / +2 configuration either. What BPS told me they used to sell was a 20in with extension that held 7 +1, that's what I would have preferred. For a defensive shotgun though, I trust the one piece mag tube with six rounds will suffice. For me the real challenge was finding Federal low recoil 00 Buck that was fairly priced (given the current state of affairs) and in stock. I'm told it should arrive to my door in mid February.

To that point, I found the websites, "www.ammoseek.com" and "www.gun-deals.com" to be helpful starting points.

Matt

[Synchronizor]

That's the one I'm looking for!!! Unfortunately I can't seem to find anyone that has it or even knows what I'm talking about.

Unfortunately, a lot of employees have no idea what the differences are between 870 models. The long-mag-tube 870s are perfectly fine for building a dedicated HD shotgun, but they're commonly sold in big-box stores where the employees don't know what they're selling. Prospective 870 owners who go looking to buy a multi-role 870 don't realize the difference until they try to install a hunting barrel.

Prior to 2012, that model was built on a standard Express receiver, with a +2 extension. Same layout, same capacity, same finish and furniture, but it was a much better starting point for a multi-use shotgun. I started with one of these early 25077 models, and it's been great. Mine seemed to have better fit & function out of the box than the really basic Expresses, though it was still nowhere near as slick as it got after breaking in.

My early 25077 dressed up in its out-of-the-box configuration for one of my videos.

25077 stock build.JPG (117.96 KiB) Viewed 3950 times

It's essentially the same thing as the higher-end Tactical Express models, just without a couple extra bells & whistles like the breacher choke and ghost-ring sights (which I don't like anyway).

The 25077 model seems to have been reassigned to the long-mag-tube 870s, but I still see the older version around. There was one in a Big 5 store when I was in there looking for pistol ammo a week or two ago (though the price was a little steep).

[Carlo1137]

That's what I got! The tactical express!