Good choice! I would try to get one that comes with two barrels.(hunting/hd)
Looking to buy first shotgun
I know there are a million posts on this topic. I have had a look at existing threads, talked to some shops and people I know.
I am pretty set on a Remington 870. The question is which model...there are alot of variants and I am not sure what would best suit my needs.
Primarily, this is for home defense, but I would like to be able to hunt with it.
I was looking at the express tactical model.
Any opinions on that model, or which 870 variant would be your recommendation?
I am pretty set on a Remington 870. The question is which model...there are alot of variants and I am not sure what would best suit my needs.
Primarily, this is for home defense, but I would like to be able to hunt with it.
I was looking at the express tactical model.
Any opinions on that model, or which 870 variant would be your recommendation?
1 - 20 of 38 Posts
Are you referring to the combos?Good choice! I would try to get one that comes with two barrels.(hunting/hd)
This is the crux of my dilemma! There are so many variants. Looking for specific recommendations and reasons based on intended use. Is the tactical a good choice for an all purpose shotgun....what is the primary difference between the tactical and other model 870's?
Just get a basic 870 express, 12ga, 26" barrel. If you can find the Express Combo setup (comes with 26" and 20" rifled deer barrel)then do that. If not find the short barrel separate. Use the short barrel at home and switch out when you want to go shoot trap/skeet or go hunting. You can find 3rd party tube extensions. My brother has this setup. I will soon. Can't go wrong.
-edit-
Don't even bother with the tactical. You'll probably just spend more money than you need to.
-edit-
Don't even bother with the tactical. You'll probably just spend more money than you need to.
I have a 870 wingmaster magnum. It came with a 28 inch vent rib modified choke barrel, and it'll kill clays, ducks, and upland birds. Not long after I bought it, I also bought an 18" cylinder bore barrel for home defense.
Shotguns are like the ultimate swiss army knifes, a single gun can cover so many uses with different barrels.
Shotguns are like the ultimate swiss army knifes, a single gun can cover so many uses with different barrels.
Are you referring to this one:Just get a basic 870 express, 12ga, 26" barrel. If you can find the Express Combo setup (comes with 26" and 20" rifled deer barrel)then do that. If not find the short barrel separate. Use the short barrel at home and switch out when you want to go shoot trap/skeet or go hunting. You can find 3rd party tube extensions. My brother has this setup. I will soon. Can't go wrong.
-edit-
Don't even bother with the tactical. You'll probably just spend more money than you need to.
Remington Model 870™ Express®
If the tac is more of a gimmick, than I'd rather save the $$.
870 express combo. you can do ANYTHING with that 12 gauge.
mossy's are nice but i dont like them. i HATE the tang safety. they are a bit lighter as i recall though.
personally belive there isnt a better 12 gauge out there for the money.
mossy's are nice but i dont like them. i HATE the tang safety. they are a bit lighter as i recall though.
personally belive there isnt a better 12 gauge out there for the money.
I think this is the one you are referring to?870 express combo. you can do ANYTHING with that 12 gauge.
mossy's are nice but i dont like them. i HATE the tang safety. they are a bit lighter as i recall though.
personally belive there isnt a better 12 gauge out there for the money.
Remington Model 870™ Express® Combos
What is the going price for the combo?
yes sir that'd be the one! for a single shotgun and a first shotgun. you can do whatever you want with it. deer hunt, clay pigeon, birds, whatever. and a shotgun is THE best HD weapon.
im not sure what they are running for price but that is my recommendation
im not sure what they are running for price but that is my recommendation
I will definitely take a look at that model this weekend. I like the versatility it offers. I guess the only downside I can see is 4 round capacity versus 6?yes sir that'd be the one! for a single shotgun and a first shotgun. you can do whatever you want with it. deer hunt, clay pigeon, birds, whatever. and a shotgun is THE best HD weapon.
im not sure what they are running for price but that is my recommendation
the cheaper versions have a weaker finish, and their foregrips are a little longer so they interfere with a side saddle ( a company makes a 4 shell one that does fit instead of the standard 6)
it also if you want to put an extension on it has dimples that interefere with that, but you can easily tap those out using a 1/2 socket wrench using a similar sized socket.
Personally I like the flat black parkerized finish. I think it shows up less
Personally as I keep saying I like vent rib barrels so I'd get the 28" and 21" vent rib combo that they make and get a +3 round extension and that will work with either barrel.
Edit: NVM the 21 only comes in combo with the deer barrel for the youth combos.
If you get only 1 barrel, get the short one, you can pick up a used 28/26 at a gun show for less than an 18 bead (at least for a mossberg that was true)
If you have the money and want to change the stock, either speedfeed or knox recoil is the correct approach for you.
If you have the money: Model 870™ TAC Desert Recon Series
If not, what I'd get is this and replace the stock Remington 870 Express 20 Youth 21 RC Mod Black : Pump at GunBroker.com
it also if you want to put an extension on it has dimples that interefere with that, but you can easily tap those out using a 1/2 socket wrench using a similar sized socket.
Personally I like the flat black parkerized finish. I think it shows up less
Personally as I keep saying I like vent rib barrels so I'd get the 28" and 21" vent rib combo that they make and get a +3 round extension and that will work with either barrel.
Edit: NVM the 21 only comes in combo with the deer barrel for the youth combos.
If you get only 1 barrel, get the short one, you can pick up a used 28/26 at a gun show for less than an 18 bead (at least for a mossberg that was true)
If you have the money and want to change the stock, either speedfeed or knox recoil is the correct approach for you.
If you have the money: Model 870™ TAC Desert Recon Series
If not, what I'd get is this and replace the stock Remington 870 Express 20 Youth 21 RC Mod Black : Pump at GunBroker.com
I was wondering about the youth models....are they just smaller. Are they still suitable for an adult?the cheaper versions have a weaker finish, and their foregrips are a little longer so they interfere with a side saddle ( a company makes a 4 shell one that does fit instead of the standard 6)
it also if you want to put an extension on it has dimples that interefere with that, but you can easily tap those out using a 1/2 socket wrench using a similar sized socket.
Personally I like the flat black parkerized finish. I think it shows up less
Personally as I keep saying I like vent rib barrels so I'd get the 28" and 21" vent rib combo that they make and get a +3 round extension and that will work with either barrel.
Edit: NVM the 21 only comes in combo with the deer barrel for the youth combos.
If you get only 1 barrel, get the short one, you can pick up a used 28/26 at a gun show for less than an 18 bead (at least for a mossberg that was true)
If you have the money and want to change the stock, either speedfeed or knox recoil is the correct approach for you.
If you have the money: Model 870™ TAC Desert Recon Series
If not, what I'd get is this and replace the stock Remington 870 Express 20 Youth 21 RC Mod Black : Pump at GunBroker.com
You're definately looking at the right pumpgun.
Pick a variation that suits your needs and you'll have the best.
- brickboy240
Pick a variation that suits your needs and you'll have the best.
- brickboy240
Lol....that is the issue for me! Which variation. I think the combo would be nice though, depending on the price.You're definately looking at the right pumpgun.
Pick a variation that suits your needs and you'll have the best.
- brickboy240
Well I ended up with an 870 express combo, but went with a 20 gauge. I got it on sale for $379. Here are the specs.
20 gauge
26" (Vent Rib)
20" (Fully Rifled Deer) Vent Rib Rem™ Choke (Mod.)
Fully Rifled Deer
Looking for some feedback on the choice of 20 over 12. From talking to others and doing some research, it seems to be much like the 9mm versus 45mm debate.
I have little doubt that the 20 gauge will be more that adequate for home defense. Question is how about for hunting? IS a 20 gauge adequate to hunt deer?
20 gauge
26" (Vent Rib)
20" (Fully Rifled Deer) Vent Rib Rem™ Choke (Mod.)
Fully Rifled Deer
Looking for some feedback on the choice of 20 over 12. From talking to others and doing some research, it seems to be much like the 9mm versus 45mm debate.
I have little doubt that the 20 gauge will be more that adequate for home defense. Question is how about for hunting? IS a 20 gauge adequate to hunt deer?
Yes you are fine with your 20 g, imo.Well I ended up with an 870 express combo, but went with a 20 gauge. I got it on sale for $379. Here are the specs.
20 gauge
26" (Vent Rib)
20" (Fully Rifled Deer) Vent Rib Rem™ Choke (Mod.)
Fully Rifled Deer
Looking for some feedback on the choice of 20 over 12. From talking to others and doing some research, it seems to be much like the 9mm versus 45mm debate.
I have little doubt that the 20 gauge will be more that adequate for home defense. Question is how about for hunting? IS a 20 gauge adequate to hunt deer?
I know a guy who has more guns than sense,,, he deer hunts in So. Minn with a YOUTH model 870, 20 ga. Mostly because it's lightweight.
Was going to suggest a "turkey" 870, the barrels come a bit shorter, I think mine is 23,24 inch, somewhere in there.
You did fine with your pick.
I hear turkey is quite a challenge! The combo does have a 20" rifled deer barrel and my question is can that only be used with slugs? I am new to shotguns so it seemed to me that shot might not be good to use in a rifled barrel. If that is the case, am I better off using the 26" barrel with shot for home defense?Yes you are fine with your 20 g, imo.
I know a guy who has more guns than sense,,, he deer hunts in So. Minn with a YOUTH model 870, 20 ga. Mostly because it's lightweight.
Was going to suggest a "turkey" 870, the barrels come a bit shorter, I think mine is 23,24 inch, somewhere in there.
You did fine with your pick.
Is there a good resource someone can point me to so I can find basic answers like this?
Since you ended up with a Remy, check out their site, get into the frequently asked questions about shotguns, everything you wanted to know about your 870 will be there.
Good deal you are concerned about taking responsibility for your home protection, next good deal is knowing your shotgun and practice shooting.
Sabot's out of your short, 20' rifled, barrel, they are expensive but worth it.
Shot and rifled slugs out of your smoothbore, just get on the remy site and read, it's all there. Or just keep asking, someone will be along to help I'm sure.
Good deal you are concerned about taking responsibility for your home protection, next good deal is knowing your shotgun and practice shooting.
Sabot's out of your short, 20' rifled, barrel, they are expensive but worth it.
Shot and rifled slugs out of your smoothbore, just get on the remy site and read, it's all there. Or just keep asking, someone will be along to help I'm sure.
Thanks for the tip. I did alot of reading on Remington's site, and found some good info there. Seems a 20 gauge was a good choice for s first shotgun, and from talking to some friends who hunt, might prove more versatile for different types of game. My primary concern was to be able to hunt deer with a 20, but it the consensus seems to be that is fine. I do wish I had a shorter smoothbore for home defense, as the 20" is rifled for deer slugs. I guess I could always add a shorter smoothbore for HD, but really the 26" is not so hard for me to wield indoors. My primary defense weapon is my pistol anyway. I really wanted a diverse use shotgun, so trade offs were inevitable. I hope I made a wise choice and that 20 gauge buck will not be too hard to find.Since you ended up with a Remy, check out their site, get into the frequently asked questions about shotguns, everything you wanted to know about your 870 will be there.
Good deal you are concerned about taking responsibility for your home protection, next good deal is knowing your shotgun and practice shooting.
Sabot's out of your short, 20' rifled, barrel, they are expensive but worth it.
Shot and rifled slugs out of your smoothbore, just get on the remy site and read, it's all there. Or just keep asking, someone will be along to help I'm sure.
A few questions:
1) What would be a good choice for a home defense round? Would it be best to use buckshot out of the 26" barrel for HD and if so what size buck?
2) I noticed that the munual states that the Action Bar Lock needs to be pushed up in order to open the action. However, after a dry fire the lock is already pushed in and the action opens without pushing it in. Am I correct in assuming this is normal? Seems to make sense to me that if the firing pin is not cocked the action would open without needing to push the lock in. I only ask because the manual makes to distinction.
3) As far as storing, does it matter if it is cocked or not? In other words, is it best to dry fire before storing it? (unloaded of course).
1 - 20 of 38 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Shotgun Forums
A forum community dedicated to all shotgun owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
AIRB0RNE6176
27 Replies
GunZoneDeals.Com
22 Replies
Flash
19 Replies
Recommended Communities
