Express vs Express Magnum? So confused...

[AutoFiend]

I'm trying to figure out the difference between the Remington 870 Express and Express magnum. I have a regular Express and I'm wondering if I can just switch the barrel to a magnum barrel to shoot heavier loads? Are the receivers themselves different? Remington suggests they are, but Ive been reading a lot of conflicting information on other forums.

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1224696

http://www.fieldandstream.com/answers/guns/shotguns/ammunition/remington-870-express-vs-express-magnum-i-have-older-remington-870-

People seems to be suggesting it is perfectly fine to shoot 3" magnum shells thru any express barrel as long as the barrel is marked for 3" shells. Is "magnum" just a marketing ploy?

Pretty new shooter and I'm looking for a little clarification. I also want to be safe.

thanks

[26 Inf]

If your barrel is chambered for 3 inch you can shoot 3 inch.

The receivers are essentially the same - the difference between an 870 which shoots only 2 3/4 inch and one which shoots 3 inch is the ejector. Annnnddd, for some time the only ejectors put into 870 receivers have been the 3 inch.

If you have a barrel that is chambered for 3 inch, and a receiver with a 2 3/4 ejector, the shotgun will still shot 3 inch, but it won't eject properly.

The immediately apparent differences between an 870 Express Magnum and an 870 Express Super Magnum would be a barrel chambered for 3.5 inch shells and a longer ejection port, the receivers are dimensionally the same size, not wider or longer, etc.

If you have a 2 3/4 inch chamber shoot only 2 3/4 inch.

If you have a barrel chambered for 3 inch you can safely shoot any commercially loaded 2 3/4 or 3 inch shell.

If you have a barrel chambered for 3.5 inch you can safely shoot any commercially loaded 2 3/4, 3 or 3.5 inch shell.

Hope that helps.