Remington 870 express tactical....anyone have one

General Firearms Shotguns
1

so I’m thinking about picking this up later this week and was just seeing if anyone has feedback on it

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-tactical.aspx

2

I recently picked up one (at least a very similar model). I had a problem with the magazine follower getting hung up where the mag extension mates with the tube… so I could only get 4 shells in.

I ended up buying a scattergun technologies spring and follower… problem solved. Other than that, it’s been 100%.

Aaron

3

If you plan on upgrading it down the road then you’d be better served by buying a Remington Police Model 870 and avoid the “Express” model line.

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

4

I got one. Works fine, finish scratches easily. I changed the MIM extractor for a machined one and the breacher choke for an Improved Cylinder. Also added a side saddle. So far, so good.

5

Great article, certainly has me thinking differently about the two models.

6

Bought that exact gun. The rear ghost ring (XS) and I did not get along. I stripped the screws in two sets of them before I took them off. I think they’d be fine if you just were careful and took your time, I did neither.

If I did it again, I’d get the police model for the better internals.

Other than that, it’s an 870. No surprises there. I’ll probably take mine to Superior firearms and have a little customization done.

7

This particular model has some nice features at an attractive price. The rail allows for easily mounting a T1 or similar if you ever want to try one out on a shotgun. I’d dump the goofy extended, ported, “tactical” choke and screw in a plain modified rem-choke.

For most users, the buttstock will be too long. Bolting on a Remington “youth” buttstock or a Hogue “Shortstock” will fix that. Add a Vang domed safety, a simple carry strap, and, possibly, a Sidesaddle and you’ll be good to go.

I’ve seen these as low as $379 recently.

Rosco

8

The 870P is the wiser purchase in my humble opinion and a better investment in the long run if your budget allows. If the express model is truly all your budget allows it is a good starting point. I had an 870 express for 5 years and used it in several 2 and 4 day shotgun classes per year without any issues that were related to the shotgun. I did ultimately sell the express model and bought an 870P once I had the funds. A few of the accessories on the 870 you are looking at could be improved over time as some have already pointed out. I will say in hindsight I wish I had waited and saved a little more money and bought the 870P initially but that is a decision for you to make.

9

I purchased a 870 express new and had Vang Comp give it the treatment. I now use it for home defence. They might be a better shotgun out there but I enjoy knowing I have a dependable companion.

10

Any thoughts on this one?

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-887/model-887-nitro-mag-tactical.aspx

http://www.gunblog.com/remington-887-nitro-mag-tactical-review/

11

I must admit the 887 tactical looks very cool but its a solution to a.problem that isn’t there. Stick with an 870. It has a huge after market. The 887 does not. Now if youve just got extra money burning in your pocket and this will be a play toy go for it and give us a range report.
Just for curiosities sake does the 887 use 870 mag tube extensions?

-Jax

12

I have to admit that the 887 is very sexy looking. This is the first time I have seen one. Do they make a 887 “P”? I guess what I am asking is does it have the Police internals in it like the 870 “P”? If so, that thing is a beast. It appears to be perfect to throw in the trunk of the cruiser and forget about. Very durable looking…, solid steel reciever. It appears that it has a small place on the front to attach a light and run the pressure pad back to the forearm.

Anyone have any range reports or further information on this boom stick?

If only I had $1350 or even $1900 for the semi

http://www.nighthawktactical.com/Tactical_Shotguns.html

KC

13

I have the Express Tactical, and here is what I have to say compared to this link:

  • The Ex.Tac is magnum as well.
  • The Ex.Tac. does have the longer magazine spring.
  • I don’t know about the sear spring bu it doesn’t matter.
  • It has the heavier carrier dog spring.
  • They don’t have the ISS, and have the cross bolt safety, like the LE.
  • They have the speedfeed fore-ends.
  • It already has an extention tube.
  • It isn’t parkerized, but any good firearm paint can be used at low cost.
  • It has been proven that there is absolutely no difference between the polymer trigger housing and the metal one, not a single one has broken yet.
  • It does have the “ball detent” to lock down the barrel.
  • I couldn’t care less about the “vibra honed” thing, my Ex.Tac is very smooth after working the action a bit.

The only thing one may want to change is the extractor, but even this isn’t mandatory, I have never heard about one breaking, even under severe abuse.

The special plant thing doesn’t drive me nutz, I’m pretty sure the workers at the normal plant have built enough 870’s to know what they are doing.

Now compare the prices and make your own conclusions.

14

Sorry, but that looks like a mall ninjas wet dream. Saw them in person at CTD.

15

Moose knucks!!! I laughed my ass of reading that and the family looked over at me. Excellent…

Maybe a have a bit of the mall ninja in me…?:big_boss:

KC

16

:smiley:

Not trying to poop in the punch bowl. If the gun runs then great but I can’t get past it’s cosmetics as I love the 870 Police Magnums.

17

well I found a 870 police magnum at a price I can’t refuse. I’ll have it by the end of the month and I’ll post some pictures

18

Vader, a good choice on your purchase that you won’t regret.

19

[QUOTE=vader;780242]well I found a 870 police magnum at a price I can’t refuse. I’ll have it by the end of the month and I’ll post some pictures
/QUOTE]

Used/new and curious on the price in your area.

20

I really have to agree. But I am not a shotgun expert. It seems to me that there are millions(?) of 870’s in private hands and most seem to outlive the original owner.

Maybe LEO agencies need the Police model but I can’t imagine what most users would gain from this. However, for those in the know, I have questions too:

A couple of years ago I bought the new model civy 870. Mine just says “Remington 870.” As I understand it, this new branding removes the Express and Magnum badges and all new 870’s are rated for magnum loads.

I can see where the finish may not be as nice as a phosphated Police model, but what is this finish? It seems like a black oxide on a bead blasted finish. The interior seems have some rough machine marks but after less than 50 high brass loads and a little Militech, the action is as slick as you could want. I use USGI CLP and Militech. So far rust has not been a problem.

Is is really worth replacing the MIM extractor with a Police extractor? Has anyone really seen one break? Police extractors seem to be in high demand. When did Remington start to use the MIM parts? It seems to me that you could just use an old school extractor from an old hunting shotgun. Gunbroker has old steel 870 parts all the time.

How important is the Police trigger group? You can buy one for around $80 but that is almost 1/3 the price of the whole gun. What am I getting out of this part that I can’t get from the standard part?

In general, I would argue that your average gun owner would be better served buying a base (perhaps used) 870 and just upgrade it with custom parts.