What's the best way to find a Remington 870?

[KFC911]

I want an older one with an 18.5" bbl and wood stock. Doesn't have to be mint, but I'm picky and want a nice one. I just don't care for the new spoons....even the classic names don't seem to have the same quality imo. I have never attended a spoon show or shopped online....point me in the right direction! Thanks!!!

[targa911S]

an older one with a 18 1/2" barrel will have been chopped.

[BK911]

Like This?
Only been shot about a dozen times.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by KC911

I want an older one with an 18.5" bbl and wood stock. Doesn't have to be mint, but I'm picky and want a nice one. I just don't care for the new spoons....even the classic names don't seem to have the same quality imo. I have never attended a spoon show or shopped online....point me in the right direction! Thanks!!!

I have had good luck on Gunbroker. There are just a few 870's on there now

http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=870

My son learned to shoot on an oldish 870 20 gauge Express. He inherited a 1950's 870 12 gauge two years ago...barely shot. That vintage 870 is night and day better than the stuff coming out today. It is not even close.

Good luck!

Edit: Here's one: http://www.gunbroker.com/item/640704859

I only shoot guns, so I can't vouch for the condition, etc. They are out there.

[id10t]

Originally Posted by targa911S

an older one with a 18 1/2" barrel will have been chopped.

Weren't the standard police models 18" barrels?

If I wanted one, I'd take cash and hit the local pawn shops, gun shops that don't deal in only new stuff, maybe a local gun show...

Or just buy new.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by BK911

Like This?
Only been shot about a dozen times.

Yes! Exactly like that...except on my hardwood floor it would be pointing towards the northeast.....damn Yankee invaders and such . You interested in selling? David, when did the shorter 18/18.5" bbls appear from Remington (approximately)....not interested in a chopped one. Also, does it matter whether 12/16 ga if loaded with 00 buck shot? Recoil differences? I'm not a shotgunner...obviously . My current lever that I keep handy is soon to become a truck toolbox spoon....damn turtles . The Colts stay locked up fwiw. I won't shoot this one much either...I'm a natural with a rifle, so just enough to get comfortable with it. Thanks all!

[BeyGon]

Does Remengton still make the folding stock short barrel 870? Mossberg still makes one like it.

[KFC911]

I don't think I want a pistol grip Dean.......I'm the "rifleman"

[BeyGon]

Originally Posted by KC911

I don't think I want a pistol grip Dean.......I'm the "rifleman"

https://www.remington.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/model-870-express-synthetic-tactical-7-round

[id10t]

I would avoid 16 gauge like the plague - unless you like paying $10 for a box of basic bird shot.

Go wtih 12, if you are recoil shy or of smaller stature (or someone like that may be shooting) then nothing wrong with 20ga.

Personally I'd get a Mossberg 590 - never been a fan of remington

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by id10t

I would avoid 16 gauge like the plague - unless you like paying $10 for a box of basic bird shot.

Go wtih 12, if you are recoil shy or of smaller stature (or someone like that may be shooting) then nothing wrong with 20ga.

Personally I'd get a Mossberg 590 - never been a fan of remington

Thanks....I'm learning! First shot my dad's 12 ga on Thanksgiving day when I was a VERY scrawny, little 9 year old runt....recoil is no problem, and I'm a bit larger than that these daze . Why do you prefer the Mossberg over a Remington?

I'm reconsidering a chopped bbl on an older 870 (say 20 years) verses a newer one....assuming it's a nice chop...what does the PPOT braintrust say? Assuming it's nearly perfect, other than the chop, what would a fair price to both parties be? Thanks all!

[HardDrive]

I'd go older than 20 years if you're looking for a good 870. I have a mid 1960s model that is just beautiful. The stock fit and finish is excellent.

I think there is a lot of anti-Remington feeling out there because it became a wall street shell company that makes JUNK firearms today. A modern 870 is pathetic. The furniture looks like a 15 year old kid made it in shop class.

12 gauge is the way to go. 20 gauge is still a viable choice, but the reduction in recoil is negligible IMHO.

Sorry, I'm of no use when it comes to prices. I've inherited 5 shotguns. I've got them coming out of my ears.

[stevej37]

The first gun I ever bought new, was a 870 Remington Wingmaster with vent ribbed barrel. Bought in the late 60's...I still have it and won't ever sell it. Best shotgun I have ever used.

[tabs]

My put the fear of Gawd into them is a Winchester solid frame 97 riot gun. I would look at the Winchester mdl 12 riot guns.

Lots of choices, they made tons of 870's...good idea to look for older ones in the configuration you want.

[id10t]

Originally Posted by KC911

Why do you prefer the Mossberg over a Remington?

The dual pump arms/rails, the truly ambi safety, and the fact that the military chose the 590a1 over the others.

Of course the Remington does have one slight advantage - the way the barrel and mag tube interface, on the Mossy if you get a longer mag tube you need new barrel or to relocate the lug on your current one.

[911boost]

I love my 870 that was a sheriff department gun for years until I picked it up for 10 bucks.

I've duracoated it.

[KFC911]

Keep the ideas and suggestions coming guys....love this place . The Marlin lever that is soon to become a truck spoon is only 9 years old....it has no sentimental value, and the quality sucks compared to the first Marlin I purchased 40 years ago...deer rifle . It's a disposable spoon, though it's made of wood and I'm thinkin' a new 870 would be the same....functional, but not a spoon I give a crap about, but works . I have a few of those now, a couple will live in my truck, the classics stay locked away...thoughts??? I wish I'd had the lever in my truck this morning ...5 big azz turtles in one of my ponds...2' easy in diameter...mating season and they normally don't show themselves like that. I wasn't gonna try a shot with my little Ruger 9mm....too far . But I did take out a snake... I SHALL RETURN!!!

[BeyGon]

ok then, back to the Mossberg 590 for a look. I like mine with the pistol grip but I understand why some don't.
When I worked in SE Alaska doing surveys some of the guys carried folding stock Remington 870s velcroed to their back pack. Not to kill but it sure would change the bear's direction. I carried a 44 mag, I never had to use it but when hiking on bear trails I would pull it out on occasion and pop a round just to let things know I was in the area. didn't want to surprise anything.

I think this is a good looking item.

590 7-Shot | O.F. Mossberg & Sons

[KFC911]

Dean, you're starting to get me I have a preference for classic wooden spoons, whether Colts, Smiths, Marlins, etc. but my newest Ruger isn't....maybe need to rethink my wooden stock criteria....this one may need to be a truck spoon too someday...thanks!!!

Oh yeah...I'm a lefty....wouldn't mind a spoon that I don't have to adapt too a righty world....for once . I like that Mossy....

[BeyGon]

I think you can spend extra and get a wood stock for either the 870 or 590/500, if you have to have one.
I carried a Stevens 77 with 18" barrel in Vietnam and that's where I began to like shotguns.