[ShotgunPro]

Hello all.

I found a used Remington 870 express 18 inch - 7 shot, at a local pawn shop for $289. I'm sure I could talk the price down a little bit.

Just wondering what to look for when purchasing a used shotgun. Also, is there any way to tell what year the shotgun was made?

Are all 870s pretty much the same as far as the internal parts? Is there a specific year 870 to avoid?

Is there any way to test the shotgun without actually firing it?

Thanks :shock:

 

[ShotgunPro]

If you can get the price down, good, but if concerned about buying used....

Remington 870 Express 12g 18" blued, black-synthetic $348.00 SHIPS FREE

brand spankin' new, no tax, free shipping

 

[ShotgunPro]

Shotguns are pretty easy to breakdown. Not sure how familiar you are with the platform, but you could just take it down real quick and look inside. Otherwise, check for functions like the safety, slide release lock, the slide itself, how durable it feels (not really wobbly, 870s don't really have much play in their action), etc.

The price is on par with used 870s.

 

[ShotgunPro]

How can you tell if it's still good????

It's an 870!

Can get a new one for just a few dollars more!

 

[ShotgunPro]

Thanks again for the replies. I'm still thinking about purchasing this guy used. The barrel is a 18.5 inch and the mag tube extends as far as the barrel; is this an upgrade? Other than that, the 870 appears stock. I need research how to tear the shotgun down so I can inspect it if I do decide to pick it up. The 870 has been sitting there for almost a year so I'm sure I can talk the price down a little bit. Thanks again guy and any more suggestions is appreciated. thanks.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Thanks again for the replies. I'm still thinking about purchasing this guy used. The barrel is a 18.5 inch and the mag tube extends as far as the barrel; is this an upgrade? Other than that, the 870 appears stock. I need research how to tear the shotgun down so I can inspect it if I do decide to pick it up. The 870 has been sitting there for almost a year so I'm sure I can talk the price down a little bit. Thanks again guy and any more suggestions is appreciated. thanks.

Make sure you ask first before you tear it down or have them tear it down for you. I was kicked out of a gun store for tearing down a 1911 to look at it and he told me it wasnt mine to tear down. I told him that by not tearing it down is like buying a used car without popping the hood.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Make sure you ask first before you tear it down or have them tear it down for you. I was kicked out of a gun store for tearing down a 1911 to look at it and he told me it wasnt mine to tear down. I told him that by not tearing it down is like buying a used car without popping the hood.

Had a similar experience in a Dallas LGS.
Wanting to buy a used Glock 19 and asked the clerk if I could take the slide off.
He said 'No', I said "No thank you" and haven't been back since...

 

[ShotgunPro]

18.5" barrel on a shotty is as short as they can go without having to be rifled. So mag tube going to the end of barrel souds right, most shottys i have shot had a 26" barrel

 

[ShotgunPro]

The 870 security express came with factory extension, if it's all black, that is most likely what it is.

Great shottie, have one myself.

[ ]

 

[ShotgunPro]

The 870 security express came with factory extension, if it's all black, that is most likely what it is.

Great shottie, have one myself.

[ ]

Thanks for the replies. This 870 just says 'Express' on it. Will it say 'security express' if its that model? any differences with the security model and regular model? the mag tube on this seems like it sticks out about half an inch past the barrel.