Remington 870?

Question

is the remington 870 express 20 guage a good shotgun?

Answer 1

The 870 platfrom is perhaps one of the most reliable and versatile of all pump action shotguns. I've found the 12 gauge to be more to my liking. However...the 20..when used within it's capabilities and in sync with the users personal preferences, is a great gun as well.
Another great thing about the 870 is that due to it's ubiquitous nature, there are TONS of aftermarket bells and whistles readily available for it. Happy hunting.

Answer 2

The Remington 870 Express 12 guage was voted the best shotgun ever by Field & Stream. It is the best 12 guage shotgun made. It has sold nearly ten times as many as its closest competitor the Mossberg 500. I would go 12 guage, not 20.

Answer 3

The Remington 870 pump shotgun had been around since 1950. 12 gauge is the most popular, but if you prefer 20 ga. that is fine. 12 gaguse is kind of high on recoil and recovery time for rapid fire. Recovery time for 20 ga. is quick, recoil is very very mild.I use a Remington 870 Express with an 18" barrel as a house gun, and I highly recommend this gun, in any gauge.

Answer 4

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with an 870. Like many others who answered I think if you are only going to have one shot gun an 870 12 GA with the ability to handle the 3 inch shells is by far the best choice you could make. I have both a 20 and a 12 and love both of them. However if I could only keep one it would be the 12.

Answer 5

This weapon is the primary longarm of American law enforcement. This shotgun has more acessories made for it than all the other shotguns put together. The reason for this is a history for dependability dating back to the mid part of this century. The 870 comes in many models and configurations from a model for Trap compitition to the favorite riot gun for law enforcement. The 870 comes in both a left and right hand model. The 870 utilizes twin action bars to prevent binding of the slide action during rapid operation of the weapon. The 870 also utilizes twin shell stops to prevent shells from slipping from the magazine tube. It is possible that a shell can slip from the magazine and wedge between the shell carrier (the part that lifts the shell from the magazine) and the slide assembly (the part that moves the bolt itself). In the new models of the 870 this problem has been cured by the installation of the "flexitab kit". It is very easy matter to clear this type of jam. Clearing is accomplished by slamming the weapon against a hard surface while racking the action. The flexitab conversion consists of a carrier assembly, a slide assembly, and a breech block assembly (either black or chrome). An easy way to tell if the flexitab assembly is installed in you gun or one you might by is by the U shaped cut in the carrier assembly. For those weapons that have the old style assembly all is not lost. The flexitab conversion can be owner installed in any 870. This kit can be ordered directly from Remington, but they give a better price to police officers. The part numbers to order the conversion kits are 93339 (Black bolt) and 93340 (chrome bolt). Now for those without the funds for this kit all is not lost. The problem can be addressed in another way by modifing your existing carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be removed from the weapon and a slot cut in the middle of the carrier assembly for 3/4 of its length. This slot allows for a narrow item (like a knife blade) to be slipped in and push the shell back in the magazine tube. The slot can be easily cut by a Dremel cutting wheel. The slot should be 1/4 inch wide for 3/4 of the length of the carrier. The slot should be started in the center and be cut equally in both directions lengthwise.

The second problem that can be encountered is that the shell stops can become worn and let shells slip from the magazine tube. These shell stops can be replaced but are riveted in the weapon. They must be drilled out and new ones installed by utililyzing a special tool made just for this purpose. This is generally a gunsmith operation.

A minor problem that the current 870's have is the magazine tube follower is made of plastic. These can break and jam the weapon. This can be easily and cheaply fixed by replacing the plastic follower with one from either Choate or Scattergun Technologies. They are Orange and Green respectively. These are both highly visible and have a elongated "tail" to prevent kinking of the magazine spring. These replacement parts are highly recommended for all 870's.

Spare parts I recommend for this weapon are the following: Firing pin, firing pin spring, trigger housing retaining pin (these are used to hold the trigger assembly to the receiver), and 2 magazine springs. The magazine springs should match the magazine tube length. This is especially true for those weapons with extended magazine tubes.

Spare barrels come in a wide variety of lengths, chokes, and combinations. Barrels come in fixed and changeable chokes. Barrels can also be obtained with adjustable chokes, such as the excellent Poly Choke adjustable device. Sights available range from a simple bead front sight through adjustable "Ghost Ring Night Sites".

Probably the best but is the Express Magnum model that utilizes a parkerized finish. It is chambered to take the normal 2 3/4 inch and the 3 inch shells

Answer 6

Eer since I was about 12.....870's have been all i hunt with. Upland, turkey....They are so versitle......I just got done building a Marine 870 tactical....With a top folding stock, 18" barrel. They are a great shotgun and would recommend getting one

Answer 7

Yes, it is a very dependable shotgun. If you happen to be left handed, the Mossberg 500 might be a better choice, due to the location of the saftey. The safety is operated with the thumb and is as easy to operate right or left handed. Happy hunting.

Answer 8

Hi,,, I am a hunter and I suggest this... get the 12 guage.... 20 is ok,, but for all round hunting you will appreciate the 12 better!!!!

Trust me on this.....

Good Luck

Answer 9

the 870 is the standard to choose.. the Express is reasonably priced and is the same gun as the Wingmaster without the expensive wood..

Damn good choice!!

Answer 10

I have that gun in 16 gauge. My Dad bought it used in 1953. Today my son uses it with rifled slugs for deer. He's been successful in 4 of the last 5 years. I used the gun mostly for rabbits when I was growing up. In all cases its been a great gun.