Remington 870P Barrels.

[USMC_2651_E5]

Anyone here have any experience with the 14" Remington 870P barrels? I know that SBS are Class 3, I'm asking for my department that is planning to replace it's patrol shotguns...not for me. What I have been told is that Remington uses a modified choke that allows the barrel to perform similarly to the 18" barrel in terms of spread pattern. Is this true? If so, why shouldn't we consider the 14" barrel? Thanks.

[BigDogatPlay]

I've handled some short barrelled 870s while I was still an active LEO. You give up the option of an extended magazine tube, and the blast with three inch shells is pretty awesome. But they handle like a dream. Getting in and out of the car with them is remarkably easy and in building search they are very handy.

Modern shotgun shells burn out in 12 to 14 inches, generally, so you really won't lose much in performance.

[L-2]

...What I have been told is that Remington uses a modified choke that allows the barrel to perform similarly to the 18" barrel in terms of spread pattern. Is this true?...

http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/870tactical.htm

I just checked the referenced website and the 14" barrels' specifications do indicate "modified" vs. "improved cylinder" for the 18" barrels in the "synthetic" category/product line.

I like the shorter barrel idea, too. My department went the other direction and we use 20" Mossberg 590A1s, which are harder to remove from the car.

With the 14" guns:
Is there an additional cost or are police agencies exempt for any added fees or taxes?
Is there any additional inventory audit or tracking needed vs. what's already in place?
Is there any perceived political or public correctness views?
A smaller looking gun may appear less threatening to some, not that "less threatening" should be a concern when it comes to lethal force weapons.
I'm just brainstorming and don't know the answers to these questions, either.

[xLusi0n]

I use the 14" for work. Love it. I wish my personal 18" could be 14"

[Mr. Joshua]

14" shotguns are the heat! The Benelli M1 Entry Model is major fun.

[randy]

I got to test some 14" 870's they were coming back from Vang Comp. They worked great, tight pattern, smooth action. The bulbs in the SureFires blew out in 3 or 5 of them I don't remember.