870 HD barrel?

[Rigma]

Been looking for a used/cheap 18'" HD barrel to for my 870 Express. Has the standard 26" Vent Rib Barrel now. After looking a while in the area have come up dry. Problem is, an online purchase gives me a choice...

a.) 18" Bead Site HD Matte Barrel
or
b.) 18.5" Parkerized Barrel-Fixed Improved Cylinder (w/rifle sights)

I know, I know...it doesn't matter up close. But maybe the more knowledgeable can give me an opinion on aesthetic and technical aspects.

a.) Slightly shorter, fixed cylinder bore, no rear sight, slightly more "shiney?"
b.) rifle sights (+ or -), tighter groups?, less reflective?

Basically want a barrel that it will be stored with at home and to rotate stock on some 00 low recoil shells that are beginning to collect dust.

Links

http://www.remingtoncountrystore.com/PartsProductCompact.aspx?catalogid=1&categoryid=3566&productid=2813&topcat=1038

http://www.remingtoncountrystore.com/PartsProductCompact.aspx?catalogid=1&categoryid=3566&productid=2807&topcat=1038

Thanks in advance!

[aippi]

Well, there is no 18" barrel as they only make an 18.5" these days. And, your not looking in the right places.

There are 18.5 Matte finish bead sitght barrels that sell for $120 on line or the 18.5" parkerized police bead sight fixed I/C choke for $98. 18.5" with Tritium beads. 18.5 with rifle sight in Cyl Bore, I/C or Modified. 18.5 with XS RS sigths and even 20 bead sight or even 20" with rifle sights.

Keep looking. And heres a hint. Check the accessories page on the web site in my signature line

[NorcalGSG]

You could just have the stock barrel cut down. Then you'd have the matching finish still, vent rib and even have the remchoke put back in if you want. Just option #3.

[Citadelonline]

Plenty here.

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0005760212137a.shtml#customer-product-reviews

[Dirtbiker]

http://www.aiptactical.com/Accessory_Sales.html

JD's prices are really good. $98 for a parked police barrel is as about as good as you're going to get.

[Z ME FLY]

For $200 you can get another shotgun

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=277433

[Bug Splat]

I picked up a Mossberg 870 barrel for cheap (think around $90) a few years ago. Yes, its a Mossberg barrel made for the 870. I scratched my head too but it has worked great.

[Argonaut]

I have one that I might trade......

[BigDogatPlay]

Mossberg does indeed make replacement barrels for 870's. Most often I see a breacher type with a good sized comp on the end.

As above, there are tons of barrels, new and used out there for 870s. JD's page linked above has about the best prices I see anyplace.

[RAMCHARGER]

I found a 18.5 plain riot barrel with the bead front sight for my 870 Express on ebay a few years ago. It's blue but looks ok. Dang thing shoot to exact point of aim with the bead centered at pistol ranges.
I have yet to put the long stock barrel back on since I got the shorty barrel. Too much fun with it as is.

[NorcalGSG]

I'm with you Ramcharger, the shortys are fun. That's why I say just cut down the stocker for cheap and never look back! 18.5" and you're gtg! YMMV

[Rigma]

Thanks for the replys. I really appreciate all that I have learned from Calguns since it was recommended a year ago.

The only thing I have not gotten is an educated opinion on weather to go with a simple bead sight or the "police" rifle sight.

Cutting down my barrel is simply not an option. I know I will get dragged out into the fields again, and the gun was handed down to me. I will one day do the same (only with more options)...I don't care if it's cheezy, but I know it will make grandpa happy to at least once take his grand child hunting with the same gun.

Cabella's seems a bit pricey compared to direct from Remington, but JD's takes the cake on options and price. Thank you JD for making me tired at work from staying up to read all the good "tidbits" of info scattered around your webpage. I recommend you put your quote on customer service on all your gunbroker adds, its refreshing and lacking in today's "ecommerce" world. The mere mention of it is a +.

I have looked at just buying a complete package, but have held back due to a current AR build I am trying to not take funds away from.

Thanks again.

[Foriegn power]

Check out the 870 express 20" barrel with rifle sights $116, on remington's country store $127 shipped. I was in the same boat with you, i had enough searching so just bought direct from Remington.

[LB21]

If its for home defense, a plain bead sight works. If you feel the need later, you can spring for tritium ghost ring sights.

My 870 just has a plain bead and since I rarely shoot slugs or for distance, thats all I need.

[cleanguy46]

I'm shopping for a similar barrel for my 870 express and found this site. Maybe you can find it useful. Good luck in your search.

http://www.tjgeneralstore.com/rem-bbl.htm