used police or new tactical 870?

[texasrangers]

Ok, you guys convinced me to get an 870 and im very appreciative of it. Now, what are the differences between an 870 tactical and an 870 police magnum? I can't buy a new police magnum its just out of my price range but I can get a used one for $450 that looks pretty good except for some scuffing on the barrel. the tactical would be $400 and is new. what would you do in my situation?

[Buck]

Buy the used PD gun...

or a new one for around $100 more... http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIte...Item=115442929

B

[texasrangers]

Thank you Buck your advice is very much valued I am going to the get the used model as the new one is a bit out of my price range. Just for my knowledge though, what is different about the Tactical model?

[Buck]

The PD guns are assembled on a completely separate production line with better quality parts and tighter QC...

B

[SeriousStudent]

I think you will be very happy with a used 870 Police Magnum. I have been quite pleased with mine. I have put about 300 rounds through it, testing slug and buckshot patterns. It really seems to like the Federal Flite-Control rounds, with the reduced power loads. Mine has the 20 inch tube, with rifled sights.

I have a 870 Express Magnum as a backup, and there is really no comparison. If you have ever driven a really nice car, then been stuck with a cheap rental car at the airport......

Well, it's kind of like that.

[austinN4]

The tac guns are simply express models with different clothes - buy the used 870P.

[texasrangers]

so now that i know im getting the 870 P, what should I do to accessorize when i get it? I was thinking ghost ring and front sight, inexpensive sling (under $25) and either a shotshell holder on the stock or something like an ATI shotshell holder on the side and then id also get a 56 round bandolier. does anyone know how much ghost rings and front sight would be? what inexpensive slings can you recommend? thanks

[mike benedict]

I would buy a used 870 wingmaster and cut the barrel off
lots of good wingmasters can be had for less than $175

[Dan Goodwin]

Absolutely check out the used Wingmaster Magnums at area pawn shops. Go with dickering in mind and bring two crisp $100 bills and a $50 or so in another pocket. The 20-in. RS barrels are just fine for defense.

Get a two-point sling and a reliable light. Get an Eagle Industries Patrol Bandolier shotgun model that hold 12 rounds and two pistol mags. Practice. Shoot skeet, wobble trap, go hunting with it (depending on yr state laws take the light off first). A lot.

Do you really need a 6-8 shot shotgun? Five shots from the standard mag will handle most problems and keeps OAW down.

[dbrowne1]

I bought a police trade-in Wingmaster a few years ago that came with a 18" cylinder bore barrel and a ramp front sight. It had some cosmetic wear but was functionally fine and in fact quite smooth. The trigger housing was missing a lot of finish but appeared to be a nice solid piece of aluminum (rather than the plastic on the Express models and the powdered metal-looking metal ones on the newer production Police and Wingmaster guns).

I don't recall what I paid for it exactly but it was somewhere around or under $200.