I’m looking at getting one of the 870 Express HD versions (18.5 inch barrel, extended mag tube) for HD purposes. The 870 Police version is also an option, but at around $200 more. It’s been suggested to me that “if you’re going to get an 870 for HD, go for the Police version”.
So, would the Express be perfectly adequate or does the Police offer any desirable advantages?
There is a pretty good sticky on the 870P vs. Express at the top of this forum.
Remington 870 Police VS Express & Timline
Personally, I went with the 870P. They’re not too difficult to find and there is not that much of a premium. That said, there are plenty of shops that build the base Express into a solid shotgun.
Recently I converted a 870 wingmaster for someone into a home defense tactical style shot gun.
I put on an 18.5" barrel manufactured by mossberg. Extended magazine tube, telescopic butt stock, and side saddle. It was a pretty EZ conversion and requires no specialty tools. If you can pick up a used 870 cheap, the actions are pretty rock solid, and convert it; you’ll save a few bucks vs buying new and have a setup exactly how you want it.
If I had the option, I would pay a little more for rifle sights.