I keep changing my mind. Opinions appreciated

[The Tiger]

I was ready to buy a Benelli Nova tactical for HD and camp use. Now I'm conflicted.

I plan to take this gun on some backpacking trips out of California where it would see some weather. So corrosion resistance is a factor for me. I was thinking the Benelli Nova was the ticket but now I'm not sure. I have an older 870 express with a 18" barrel. It's a good reliable gun but it's seen some hard use over 20 years. There is some discoloration that looks to be the start of corrosion on it. The parkarized finish has worn off in a lot of places.

I wanted something new because I'm afraid the trusty old 870 will rust away if I get caught in a rain storm while backpacking.

What if I Cerakoted the 870? I also found some pictures of an 870 that was sent to WMD for a full Nickel Boron coating. Looked cool.

Either would be cheaper than a new gun. And frankly I'm running out of room and don't really need 2 18" pump shotguns.

Thoughts?

[olhunter]

Your old 870 will be fine. Clean it and give a light oiling and wipe before you go. Clean it again when you get home.

Bring a small, lightly oiled rag in a ziplock and wipe it down at night if you're really worried about it.

[JagerDog]

Benelli has their H2O.

That said, I've never had freshwater take a significant toll on shotguns so long as they were dried well and not put away wet.

[AreWeFree]

Cerakote your 870.

[wweigle]

My synthetic stocked Savage rifle, a Walmart special that is a sub inch gun with an upgraded trigger had a very poor finish on it as far as weather resistance. Any moisture and it showed rust. Nothing a can of Rustoleum could not fix. A little respray every year or two problem solved, and no more reflections of any kind. Obviously, I am not worried about the finish on this gun, in fact the battle scares on the gun remind me of where we have been together, and remind me of some hair raising situations dragging it across rocks while my knees were shaking and I thought I was going die. I suspect any gun you are taking backpacking you are expecting to get some dents and dings. A gun with some character from use is a thing of beauty. Use it, don't abuse it! Their still making them. You can't take it with you.

[Sheepdog1968]

A gun with some character from use is a thing of beauty. Use it, don't abuse it! Their still making them. You can't take it with you.

I'm sure someone in your family would be happy to put it in the coffin before they close the lid.

[sgtgadget]

I bought an 870 with a poor finish with the sole intent of Cerekote. I think it turned out fine!

[BigFatGuy]

The nova is such a sweet shotgun... if you're truly "ready" to buy one, I'd buy one. :-)

[calif 15-22]

I'm on the hunt for a Remington 870 "Marine". Salt Water protection.

http://www.basspro.com/Remington-870-Marine-Magnum-12-Gauge-w/18-Barrel-Shotgun/product/10217919/

[The Tiger]

I was just quoted $225 for a complete nickel boron coating of the gun and internals, including disassembly and assembly.

Seems better than ceracoat because they will coat all the internals, bolt etc.

[jdigi101]

+1 one on the keeping the old 870 oiled. Chances of rusting through an 870 on any given one trip are nil.

BTW "It's a good reliable gun but it's seen some hard use over 20 years" sounds like something I would not get rid of.

[Tere_Hanges]

Generally, Im not worried about a pump shotgun getting wet. Just oil it real good and dry it and oil again when you can.

You can try some kind of coating, but your still going to have to oil it to protect it.

I have an 870 and i run it hard. I think I field strip cleaned it once in the last 5 years. It just doesnt foul the action like a AR. Ill run a patch through it every once in a while and wipe it down.

I wouldnt worry about getting rust at all. Its just a basic pump shotgun. They dont rust like a rifle with corrosive ammo will. Its not like it will ever be worth more than what you paid for it.

[WartHog]

I've been using Standard Formula Corrosion-X in a aerosol spray can on my Saltwater fishing reels and gear and was amazed at how it has ended problems with corrosion. I figured if it protects my fishing gear so well from nasty saltwater, why not try it on my firearms?

Been using it on my Mossberg JM Pro with Matte finish and my other blued guns and am seeing the same results. The company markets a Corrosion-X for Guns but I've just been using their standard product FWIW.

The nice thing is it doesn't stink and doesn't leave a oily mess on your hands when handling treated items. The stuff isn't cheap but WGAF if it prevents rust/corrosion from starting on your weapons? IMO, I don't think there's a better product out there for stopping corrosion before it starts!

http://www.corrosionx.com/corrosionx.html

http://www.corrosionx.com/corrosionx-for-guns.html

[calif 15-22]

I've been using Standard Formula Corrosion-X in a aerosol spray can on my Saltwater fishing reels and gear and was amazed at how it has ended problems with corrosion. I figured if it protects my fishing gear so well from nasty saltwater, why not try it on my firearms?

Been using it on my Mossberg JM Pro with Matte finish and my other blued guns and am seeing the same results. The company markets a Corrosion-X for Guns but I've just been using their standard product FWIW.

The nice thing is it doesn't stink and doesn't leave a oily mess on your hands when handling treated items. The stuff isn't cheap but WGAF if it prevents rust/corrosion from starting on your weapons? IMO, I don't think there's a better product out there for stopping corrosion before it starts!

http://www.corrosionx.com/corrosionx.html

http://www.corrosionx.com/corrosionx-for-guns.html

I'm going to have to look into Corrosionx . . .thanks for the link!

[aippi]

Coating internals on an 870 is not a good idea. It adds thickness in the wrong places and can even be a safety issue with lock up of the sear and hammer. I would make sure this company has been doing this for awhile and has very positive feedback. If they have then that proves they know what they are doing and even if they cost more it is worth it over the risk of some fly by night outfit FUBAR'ng you gun.