Which model accepts the most mods/accessories/upgrades?

[Banekiller01]

I'm new to the shotgun world, and will be picking up an 870 in the very near future. This thing is going to see all sorts of applications and modding. Deer, turkey, self defense, clays, and just all out fun. So since i'll be using different barrels, stocks, chokes, and cartridges, my question is: which model accepts the most modification, if there is a forerunner? If they all modifications are universal, I have my sights set on an 870 Express Super Mag combo.

[Chief Brody]

Since you'll be swapping parts around for different purposes, the only thing you'll want to avoid is the one-piece 6-round magazine tube seen on some new Express Tactical models. A one-piece 4 round tube or a 4 rounder with a 2-round extension is good to go. The difference being the new 6-round tube does not share barrel compatibility with other 870s.

Welcome to the forum, lots of great information here.
Steve

[Synchronizor]

There're virtually no mechanical differences between similarly-chambered 12ga 870 models. As long as you get something with a standard 4-round magazine tube (as opposed to the 3- or 6-round tubes used by a few specialized 870 models), you'll have the same options for barrels, furniture, and accessories as any other.

However, there are some minor differences that make certain models slightly easier to work with. Nothing that's a deal-breaker, really, but if you really want the best base for a multipurpose 870, it helps to be aware of them.

>Super Magnum 870s have some internal parts that are not interchangeable with other 12ga models, and some fore-ends need a little tweaking to fit on a SuperMag. Most other accessories will fit a SuperMag just fine though, and you can use 3"- or 2.75"-chambered barrels with a SuperMag receiver as long as you use compatible ammo. You'll also be limited to camo or Express finishes with a SuperMag, though you can always refinish them if you want. So no major limitations, but if you don't really care about being able to shoot 3.5" 12ga shells, you'll have more options in certain areas with standard 12ga 870s (plus, standard 12ga 870s are a bit simpler, with fewer moving parts that can cause problems).

>Most current-production civilian 870s that come from the factory with magazine caps now have magazine tubes that are dimpled on the end for the new-style internal-ratchet spring retainers. This is only really a concern if you want to be able to use magazine extensions - and even then the dimples are pretty easy to remove. But if you do want to be able to use magazine extensions, you'll save yourself some work by starting with a Police 870, an older used 870, or any 870 that has (or had) a factory-installed magazine extension.

>Not all 870 receivers are drilled and tapped for a scope mount. It's a minor thing, really; any 870 that isn't factory-tapped can be drilled and tapped by a gunsmith, and there are plenty of other (and in many cases better) ways to mount an optic on an 870. But if you specifically want a receiver-mounted, factory-pattern optic rail, you can save yourself some time and effort by getting an 870 that's already drilled and tapped.

[Banekiller01]

UPDATE: Put money down on an 870 express today, should have it in about a week!

[aegusto]

A little late to be joining this conversation, but I'd look for a used 870 Wingmaster built in the 1980s. Complete parts interchangeability and no funky dimples in the magazine tube. The Wingmaster version seems to have been built to a slightly higher standard of quality than the Express models as well. I don't know why, but there it is. I bought my Wingmaster in 1982 at a grocery store (of all places). No idea why they were selling guns. I got it painted with Cerakote for rust prevention and a more durable finish. Cerakote offers a color called "Socom Blue" #H-245Q that looks (to my eye) very close to matte bluing. Goes particularly well with wood furniture. They have about a zillion different colors so I'm sure you can find something to your taste. Bottom line: I think a gently used older 870 will serve you better than the newer models (particularly the Express) that Remington is selling now. Before you rush down to the gun store, spend some time on Gunbroker or Armslist and see what you can find.

[Synchronizor]

A little late to be joining this conversation, but I'd look for a used 870 Wingmaster built in the 1980s. Complete parts interchangeability and no funky dimples in the magazine tube.

A problem you run into with 870s manufactured in the 1980s is that those from earlier in the decade do not have the updated flex-tab action - something I consider essential for an 870 upon which lives may depend. Older 870s can be updated very easily, but you'll have to consider the cost of the update (generally $50 - $150, depending on whether you buy new or used parts) in addition to the purchase price of the gun itself. If you just want to avoid having to deal with the magazine tube dimples, used guns from the late 80s and early 90s (pre-1993) all had un-dimpled mag tubes and flex-tab actions, and they should be about the same price as earlier 870s. Even after Remington introduced the internal-ratchet system, they've still made some 870s with old-style magazine tubes.