Are all 870s equal? Should I care?

[Benelli]

It is my understanding that the Remington 870 is a well respected platform. But are all 870s created equal? Now there are two lines in the defense department: the “870 Express” line and the “870 Police” line. Remington says there are major differences between these two lines. See: http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/articles/870ExpvsPol6-30-05.pdf

The Express Tactical http://remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-tactical.aspx runs around $450.

An 870P http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/870synthetic.htm with similar features runs at least $200 more.

Is the 870P worth the price increase?

 

[HiredHand]

I don't know when Remington started using plastic trigger guards and not sure when they started dimpling the mag tube in the Express line but I'd look for an older 870 that was made before that time period to upgrade or find a used Police 870 magnum. You might check with Oklahoma Police Supply and see if they have any police trade in 870s or look on Gunbroker.com I've seen them there for under $600.

 

[FAL guy]

Is the 870P worth the price increase?

It depends....Is the shotty going to see extreme duty or sit in a closet the majority of the time. For a home defense gun that sees more closet than range the exress is the best buy going.

 

[udiablo]

Sol.torlumke is right, see if you can find a used P 870 mag. Or else spend the extra $$.

Curious tho.....why would someone with a handle like 'Benelli" ask about a cheap little ol remington?

 

[DanB]

to the OP. for you, for me and a majority of the people on this board. NO the Police Magnum is not worth the extra cost.

I own two 870s. One Express Magnum and a Police Magnum. I bought the PM well used for a purpose. Its getting built the way I want it. Short, sexy and one mean SOB. I wanted the PM for the platform for a reason I can't put into words. I guess its my holy grail of shotguns.

The Express Magnum goes with me when I leave the house. Until I finish my build the Express helps to ensure my house stays safe at night.

You will have to do some serious work to kill an Express. About the only thing that could be carried over to the Express from the PM, aside from the slicked up action, would be an extended magazine spring. Just a few more coils never hurts.

 

[ez bake]

http://www.remingtonmilitary.com/articles/870ExpvsPol6-30-05.pdf

 

[ez bake]

In case you don't want to download the PDF from Remington's site, here's what it says:

Important differences between Remington 870 Police and 870 Express shotguns


The 870 Express has been an important part of Remington’s offering to the sporting market. It
was designed to meet a price point in the commercial market while still providing classic 870
functionality. All of Remington’s 870’s have interchangeable parts, even if they have cosmetic
differences. It is also important to note that many manufacturers use the 870 Express platform
for their Police / Combat models. Without exception, every manufacturer who utilizes our 870
platform serves to upgrade their system to a more efficient, street worthy platform.

While the 870 Express is still an 870, the best pump shotgun on the market, there are some very
important cosmetic and functional differences between it and the 870 Police. To our customers
in Law Enforcement, Military, Corrections, and Security, whose lives depend upon the unfailing
performance of Remington shotguns, the Police modifications are of paramount importance.
Synopses of the variances are provided below.


• 870 Police shotguns go thru a special 23 station check list – ranging from visual
inspection, functional testing, test firing, and final inspection.

• All Police shotguns are assembled in a “special build area” at the plant in Ilion, NY.
This section is secured and serves only to build LE and Military shotguns, with the
same factory personnel working at that assignment each shift.

• All parts that enter the “special build area” are visually inspected by hand to ensure
top quality and functionality.

• Due to heavy recoil in buck and slug loads, all 870 Police guns have a longer
magazine spring which ensures positive feed and function.

• A heavier sear spring is used to generate a reliable, positive trigger pull between 5
and 8 lbs.

• A heavier carrier dog spring is used to ensure when the carrier elevates the shell, it
will be held there until the bolt can push it into the chamber. This ensures positive
feeding when using heavier payload rounds.
• Police shotguns do not have an ISS (Integrated Safety System) which is a locking
mechanism on the safety of commercial shotguns. This type of locking mechanism
can cause delay to an officer who needs the weapon but does not have the
appropriate key. LE shotguns have the standard, proven, cross bolt safety.

• The fore-end on the Express model is longer and not compatible with many police
shotgun vehicle racks.

• The Police shotguns utilize the heavy duty SPEEDFEED Stocks and Fore-ends.

• The Express model will not allow for the addition of an extension tube without
physical modification to the tube and barrel, which can nullify the warranty.

• The Express model has a BEAD BLAST BLUE finish while the Police models utilize
either High Luster bluing or Parkerization.

• The Express model utilizes a synthetic trigger housing while the Police models use a
compressed metal housing.

• The Police shotgun barrel is locked down with a “ball detent” system in conjunction
with the magazine cap vs. a lesser grade “synthetic magazine spring retainer” lock
down as used on the Express system.

• The receivers used in Police guns are “vibra honed” to smooth out rough finishes
and remove burrs before parkerization or bluing.

• Police shotguns use machined ejectors and extractors, as opposed to powdered metal
cast which are utilized on the Express models.