What Model 870 Do I Have?

[friends74]

I have a newbie question regarding my Remington 870: The receiver inscription reads "Remington 870 Magnum". It has a metallic trigger guard, a smooth bore, no dimples in the magazine tube, rifle sights, and Knoxx Blackhawk furniture. Also, the barrel is stamped "12 GA 2 3/4 or 3".

How does that model differ from the "Express Magnum" and "Police Magnum" models? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the shotgun, whatever model it may be. But I am curious.

Thank you.

[Scorpion8]

In general there are some internal parts changes, especially in the Police versions. The Express series was finished to a different level, not being blued but more of a Nitrided finish. Otherwise all fit and function is identical.

[friends74]

Thank you.

[rshooter]

What you have might be a Police gun. The 870 magnum was made for police service in this condition for some years. I have one that was a police model. The quickest tell is the furniture and fore-end. If the stock is plain and the fore-end is a corncob it was most likely a police model. You can see these for sale on gunbroker as police trade-ins frequently. You used to be able to call Remington to find out if it was sourced to a department but now cannot after the bankruptcy. Not all police magnums were sent to departments either, I have a 1995 that was bought new for me by my wife. Enjoy the gun and take care of it and it will be given someday to your children.

[friends74]

Thanks for the information and the well wishes.