Remington 870 Express HD

[Slater]

Picked this up a couple weeks ago from the local Big 5 Sports store. I had an HD model when they first came out several years ago but later sold it to fund another purchase. I noted a few changes from the original iteration:


1. Instead of the receiver being marked "Remington 870 Express" it now just says "Remington 870"

2. Instead of the original Field forend they've gone to the Police-type forend.

3. Sling attachment points added.

4. The muzzle is now even with the mag tube instead of the mag tube sticking out slightly ahead of the muzzle (as with the one I had previously). Evidently the barrel has been lengthened somewhat?


A decent HD weapon but still probably not up to Police standards as far as the quality of certain parts and the external finish.

Not too many problems with corrosion here in Arizona but I've heard some complaints that Expresses can be corrosion-prone in damp environments. Anyone have this issue?

[austinN4]

1. Instead of the receiver being marked "Remington 870 Express" it now just says "Remington 870"

2. Instead of the original Field forend they've gone to the Police-type forend.

3. Sling attachment points added.

4. The muzzle is now even with the mag tube instead of the mag tube sticking out slightly ahead of the muzzle (as with the one I had previously). Evidently the barrel has been lengthened somewhat?

A decent HD weapon but still probably not up to Police standards as far as the quality of certain parts and the external finish.

Not too many problems with corrosion here in Arizona but I've heard some complaints that Expresses can be corrosion-prone in damp environments. Anyone have this issue?

Most of the time, my 870E sits in a closet adjacent to my humid bathroom. It has for about 3 years and I have had no problems with rust whatsoever.

BTW, Remington went to an 18.5" barrel some time ago. And they started adding the sling swivel studs a couple of years ago. They also started adding the Police (it is really a Speedfeed) forend on some of their Tactical line (dressed up Expesses) models.

One thing you missed in your comparison to older Express models is that Remington stopped using the stupid J-lock a couple of years ago.

As far as the build goes, the Express still uses some MIM parts whereas the same parts in a 870P are machined steel. The 870P also uses stiffer springs all around. And, of course, the 870Ps are made in the "special area".

My #25077 looks just like yours except is has an 870P buttstock with R3 pad and my safety button is a Vang Comp.

[JSGlock34]

Everytime I see one of these I'm tempted to buy it. Seems like a lot of value for under $350.

[TheGreenRanger24]

Yeah, I was tempted recently to buy one of these . . . that is, until I found an 870 Police Magnum at a local gunshop for $630. 'Course, then I realized I don't have the money for either. *Sigh* That's another story though.

[Uni-Vibe]

I bought a 870 Youth Express in 20 gauge for home-defense. First night I had it, I took it apart for cleaning and lubing; I couldn't get it back together to save my soul. Action bars locked up in the receiver and I had to beat it with a plastic hammer to get it free.

Took it back to the store, they pulled an identical one off the shelf. I disassembled it and it did the same thing right there on the store counter.

They were nice enough to give me my money back. I know it wasn't me, because I can disassemble and reassemble my old 870 Wingmaster 12 gauge in seconds.

I bought a Win. 1300 20 ga. youth with low round count; excellent little HD gun, it is.

As far as I'm concerned, Rem. Express shotguns are junk.

[Saginaw79]

Yeah, I was tempted recently to buy one of these . . . that is, until I found an 870 Police Magnum at a local gunshop for $630. 'Course, then I realized I don't have the money for either. *Sigh* That's another story though.

If you had paid that for a Remington 870P you'd have gotten ripped off, WAY too much. They can be had regularly for like $500 tops


I have been contemplating an 870, but I heard it has an ISS unless its a P model and I dont trust them

Is that what the J Lock is?

[austinN4]

I have been contemplating an 870, but I heard it has an ISS unless its a P model and I dont trust them. Is that what the J Lock is?

Yes, and Remington doesn't use them anymore. If you buy a used one with the ISS aka J-lock, just replace it.

[Saginaw79]

Yes, and Remington doesn't use them anymore. If you buy a used one with the ISS aka J-lock, just replace it.

Im glad to hear that!

[Dunderway]

I read this in another thread also. Most new 870s are a little tricky to put back together, but by no means require a hammer. You know to push the shell tabs right? I would have liked to have been there.

I bought a 870 Youth Express in 20 gauge for home-defense. First night I had it, I took it apart for cleaning and lubing; I couldn't get it back together to save my soul. Action bars locked up in the receiver and I had to beat it with a plastic hammer to get it free.

Took it back to the store, they pulled an identical one off the shelf. I disassembled it and it did the same thing right there on the store counter.

They were nice enough to give me my money back. I know it wasn't me, because I can disassemble and reassemble my old 870 Wingmaster 12 gauge in seconds.

I bought a Win. 1300 20 ga. youth with low round count; excellent little HD gun, it is.

As far as I'm concerned, Rem. Express shotguns are junk.

[Dunderway]

Picked this up a couple weeks ago from the local Big 5 Sports store. I had an HD model when they first came out several years ago but later sold it to fund another purchase. I noted a few changes from the original iteration:


1. Instead of the receiver being marked "Remington 870 Express" it now just says "Remington 870"

2. Instead of the original Field forend they've gone to the Police-type forend.

3. Sling attachment points added.

4. The muzzle is now even with the mag tube instead of the mag tube sticking out slightly ahead of the muzzle (as with the one I had previously). Evidently the barrel has been lengthened somewhat?

1. that seems common lately

2. Awesome - One less part to join a box of A2 grips, and standard Aimpoint mounts.

3. Great.

4. They use an 18.5" barrel now instead of the original 18".