Rem 870 Express ?

[tpf68]

OK, I have an older 870 Express. I have been under the assumption that it was a standard receiver and only 2-3/4" shells should be used in it. I have it listed for sale in the market place and it was questioned if it were a magnum receiver that is ok to use 3" shells with. There is an "M" at the end of the serial number, but I don't know if that is what was used to designate it as a magnum or not. I was under the impression the magnum receivers had the entire word "Magnum" stamped into it. Here's a couple of pics, what do you think?

[iBlake]

That's weird, I'm sure someone will chime in about the nature of it being an older model, but to confirm your earlier thought, my express magnum in fact says, "Remington 870 EXPRESS MAGNUM" on the receiver. Also, my barrel says exactly what yours does.

[Thefeeder]

..

"M" suffix stands for "magnum"

[aippi]

All 870 Express models are magunm receivers and yes all 870's that have a serial number ending in the letter "M", which all Express Models do, are magnum receivers. Remington did not use the word "Magnum" on the early Express models as they were using the words "Remington 870 Magnum" on their Police models and did not want them confused. They started using the Word "Police" and this freed up the word Magnum and they begain using it on the Express models to increase sales . However, there is only one 870 reciever and they only differ by finish. This is why the 870 Express receiver cost $237.05 on the Remington retail parts list, the 870 Police receiver cost $237.05 and the Wingmaster receiver cost $237.05. They are all the same price because they are the same except for finish.

[tpf68]

Guys, thanks for the info, especially JD's in depth explanation. Your insight is greatly appreciated!

Tim