[ShotgunPro]

Gents,

Need advise on which Remington 870 to get. This will be my first shotgun and will likely be home defense / SHTF and fun at the range. You guys always provide excellent advise and help pulling the trigger on my next purchase. Want to ensure it is the best option for me to prevent that buyers remorse. Any Pro's / Cons are greatly appreciated.

Here are the three I narrowed it down to:

1. Model 870 Express Tactical #81198 Cost $315
Remington 12 Ga Tactical Express/18.5" Barrel/Ghost Ring Sights/Black Finish

2. Model 870P Standard Synthetic Stock #24421 Cost $435
The Remington 870 Police Shotgun in .12 GA Magnum features an 18-inch barrel, Parkerized finish, Black synthetic stock, Rifle Sights, Improved Cylinder, Black Rubber Recoil Pad, 3" chamber, 14" Length of Pull, and 6 round tube.

3. Versa Max Tactical #81059 Cost $755
The Remington 81059 Versa Max Semi-Automatic Shotgun in .12 Gauge Magnum features a 22-inch barrel, matte black finish, black synthetic stock with rubber overmold grip areas, IC and tactical choke tubes, 3" chamber, black rubber SuperCell recoil pad, vent rib, extended bolt handle and bolt release button, picatinny receiver and barrel clamp rail, and a 7+1 capacity.

 

[ShotgunPro]

870p max owner

2. 870 best of the three. Do you have kids? You will need someone to pass this down to after your are done with it...
18.5 Length better for HD. Parkerized finish alone is worth extra $.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Then we will go saturday

 

[ShotgunPro]

Sry miss post

 

[ShotgunPro]

2. 870 best of the three. Do you have kids? You will need someone to pass this down to after your are done with it...
18.5 Length better for HD. Parkerized finish alone is worth extra $.

Thanks for the advice, I thank you are right. I was leaning toward the police model anyway. Recently took the Remington Armorer course for the 700 and the Remington instructor stated the 870P was built on the Military /Law enforcement line.

Not much difference in overall build, but has a more stringent Q/A inspection. And has to go through all milspec testing if applicable.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I would go with #1. No real reason for Parkerized unless you take it duck hunting, and if you want to use it for bird hunting, you aren't going to need the rifle sights (don't pay for stuff you don't need). You can pick up a 26" barrel for bird hunting for probably $150, and they take 30 seconds to swap out.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I had this exact conversation with my LGS and since this will be my ONLY shotgun. I went with the 870P since for only slightly more it has some of the upgrades that I wanted for hunting. For HD I picked up a separate shorter barrel and I just swap them out as needed. I really like the synthetic stock, seems very durable and while I like the look of the wood furniture, I seem to be very hard on things and thought this would wear better.

However, I don't think you can go wrong with the express either since everything you may want to add is an option to add on to any of the models.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Just googled #1, that's an intense looking gun. I was thinking your standard black, synthetic stock, extended mag, short barrel... apparently not

 

[ShotgunPro]

Yeah, because I took the Remington Armors course for the Rem 700. I get to purchase 1 firearm at a discounted price. The price I listed for each is what it will cost me directly from Remington. Many people have told me to buy another Remington 700 rifle because the discount is better on the higher priced firearms. But really the only thing I am lacking now is a shotgun.

Looks like a decent discount from the prices I see online and at the LGS.

 

[ShotgunPro]

#2.

 

[ShotgunPro]

Dude...thats a killer price on the Versamax! I dont think you can touch a versamax at a retail store for under a grand. Personally i would jump on that deal...and then pick up a used 870. You cant have more fun on the range than with a semi-auto. Especially if you ever want to get into skeet or sporting clays you NEED a semi auto. My dad bought one last year and it is a sweet shooter...so soft. Plus if you ever want to hunt a semi auto is much nicer than a pump.

As far as HD...you still cant beat a pump...but i would trust my semi auto if i didnt have a pump. I do have an 870 bedside. I have a regular express with and 18" bbl loaded with buck. But it never leaves bedside. All my hunting and range time is spent with a semi auto.

Figure if you buy the Versamax and then pickup an 870 used for $300-400 you have 2 guns for the regular price of the versamax.