870 Tactical noob question

[northern1]

I'm comparatively inexperienced when it comes to scatterguns. Me and everyone in my family have all had 500's but recently I aquired an 870 Tactical with the rail and XS grs get up

I've gone through stickies and used the search function to the best of my ability and understand the difference between the 870-P and the Express line...

My question is, is the 870 Tactical just a tac'ed out Express ? The reciever just says 870 Tactical as opposed to 870 Tactical Express. Is it still missing all the upgrades and bonuses the 870P has ??

Thanx

[bluejackets92fs]

I'm comparatively inexperienced when it comes to scatterguns. Me and everyone in my family have all had 500's but recently I aquired an 870 Tactical with the rail and XS grs get up

I've gone through stickies and used the search function to the best of my ability and understand the difference between the 870-P and the Express line...

My question is, is the 870 Tactical just a tac'ed out Express ? The reciever just says 870 Tactical as opposed to 870 Tactical Express. Is it still missing all the upgrades and bonuses the 870P has ??

Thanx

Yes they are. The only models in the 870 line that have any significant differences are the police magnum models. If your SN starts with "RS" or ends in a "M" it means you have an express receiver. So no differences between an express and just 870. Magnum means chambered for 3 1/2" shells. When you go to a police magnum receiver you change a few internal components but i'm not sure which ones off the top of my head.

[northern1]

Thank you. Sounds like I already have my answer but the info on the SN is interesting and helpful. I'll check it out when I get home and then get to work on upgrading any internals I can just to satisfy my paranoid side.

All in all I'm still happy with this piece. Am I correct that the 870P is dicontinued ? Seems like they're more difficult to find.

[bluejackets92fs]

Thank you. Sounds like I already have my answer but the info on the SN is interesting and helpful. I'll check it out when I get home and then get to work on upgrading any internals I can just to satisfy my paranoid side.

All in all I'm still happy with this piece. Am I correct that the 870P is dicontinued ? Seems like they're more difficult to find.

Why upgrade? I have a regular express magnum and I have run that gun through absolute hell. Dropped from tree stands at 21 feet, dropped in mud, snow, ice you name it and it functions 100%. If it isn't broke, why upgrade. If it makes you more comfortable with the weapon then I understand completely but your gun and it's setup should be fine.

Police Magnums I believe are still around but very hard to get NIB.

[northern1]

Good to know and on the flip side of things I don't disagree. I trust the 870. I guess I'm just coming from the AR world where there is no room for 2nd best and I'm always striving for the best. Plus up grading is just fun and keeps me distracted.

The 870 has one hell of a history and lineage though and I look forward to really grasping the system inside and out.

EDIT:

What about this "tactical" choke ? During my search it seemed most weren't fond of it. I personaly don't like how it looks but if it served a purpose or provided a benefit other than breaching I'd be all for it.

Any other chokes I should look at ? And why ?

[bluejackets92fs]

Good to know and on the flip side of things I don't disagree. I trust the 870. I guess I'm just coming from the AR world where there is no room for 2nd best and I'm always striving for the best. Plus up grading is just fun and keeps me distracted.

The 870 has one hell of a history and lineage though and I look forward to really grasping the system inside and out.

EDIT:

What about this "tactical" choke ? During my search it seemed most weren't fond of it. I personaly don't like how it looks but if it served a purpose or provided a benefit other than breaching I'd be all for it.

Any other chokes I should look at ? And why ?

Well, how many doors do you plan on breaching? I know my life total of door breaches is 0 so I would personally scrap it. As for another choke. I would just keep it improved cylinder bore that way you can shoot slugs and buckshot. Not so much from the buckshot side but slugs definitely.

I know where you are coming from in terms of wanting to upgrade. I love a good project firearm. Doing my Saiga 12 conversion as I type actually. If you want to upgrade the gun to as close to a Police Magnum let me get you in contact with my 870 guy. Pm coming

[Toyoland66]

There are only 2 internal upgrades worth doing on an express.

1. Upgrade the magazine follower
2. Replaced the mim extractor with a barstock one

[danasaki]

If you feel you have to upgrade any parts on your 870 to get it closer to the 870P model in terms of what the P model has over the Express, you could change out the:

MIM extractor to a steel one (inexpensive and easy to do)
Install the stronger carrier dog follower spring
Add an R3 recoil pad if your gun does not already have one
Install after market shell follower and spring

You might also want to install a larger safety button (Wilson or Vang). The P models do not come with this, but is is an easy and affordable and useful upgrade)

Keep in mind none of these are necessary, just icing on the 12 gauge cake.

Good luck, congrats, and happy shooting!

[northern1]

Thanx much guys. Learning has occurred.

[mkmckinley]

I have a Police Mag and honestly, after the "this is cool" feeling wore off I kind of wish I had an upgraded Express. If you upgrade the parts in an express the only difference is that the express weighs less and won't rust, which is good.