Is it an Express or 870P

[ozarksflyfisher]

I just bought two used police trade-in 870s online. One is an 18 1/2" blued finish, rs, ati stock, Eotech light forend, receiver reads 870 police magnum, average condition, the second is 20", parkerized, rs, wood buttstock, Surefire light forend, receiver says 870 magnum (not police or express), excellent condition. I remember my dept getting rid of a bunch of express guns that they had troubles with, and I could tell were cheaper , and I want to make sure both of these are P models. Remington hasn't responded to my question that included serial numbers. The second one has all the other signs of being a P model, but retired PD armorer/dealer friend says if it doesnt say "Police" or wingmaster, its an express. He'd pay express price. Haven't decided which one Im keeping. I know it shouldnt matter to me so much, but I had bought them believing both to be P models, and I want to sell them with proper description. The unknown one has a CG barrel code, making it a 2012 or 1986 model. It looks less than 10 years old to me or has spent no time in the cars.

[Synchronizor]

Receiver markings vary, it's not really a good thing to go on when trying to determine models.

The unknown one has a CG barrel code, making it a 2012 or 1986 model. It looks less than 10 years old to me or has spent no time in the cars.

Check the serial number. Assuming that barrel's the original, if the serial starts with "RS", it's a 2012 gun. If it starts with "W", it's an '86. Expresses weren't introduced until 1987, so a 1986 date of manufacture probably means it's not an Express. Barrels do sometimes get switched though, especially among pool weapons like those in LE armories.

the second is 20", parkerized, rs, wood buttstock, Surefire light forend, receiver says 870 magnum (not police or express), excellent condition.

An Express wouldn't have a Parkerized finish unless it's been re-done at some point.

[Laser Dave]

Call Remington on the Phone .The Phone Number is on their Web Site . Just call and they will connect you with the Correct Department. Hope this helps.
That is what I did, and they told me when my gun was made ( 1952 , I bought it used in 1964 , My first Shot Gun. I have bought Remington 11-87 and a Browning B5 and got rid of both of them . The Browning B5 you could not hit at target 50 yards away with out a peep site on the Gun.
My old 870 just has a flat top receiver and a round ball at the end of the barrel for a site and from day one I have always hit a target or a Deer ( except the first Deer I shot at and that was because I step on a twig as I had to turn to line up my shot and the Deer bolted ).

[ozarksflyfisher]

Looks like original parkerization to me, all like new. I just wanted to verify its a P model. I think my friend was justrying to get it from me cheap. I think its the one Im hanging onto. Never really got the hang of collapsable stocks. That one does say Police magnum.

[ozarksflyfisher]

Just checked the serial. Starts with a "w". Wow, must have lived somewhere other than a car.

[ozarksflyfisher]

Kinda nostogic thought, my first full year of being an officer was 1986...Thanks.