11-87 Police or Special Purpose

[Ironballs]

just ordered an FN SLP, but the 11-87 bug is still active... (and have a buddy looking as well)...

i am looking at the current turners special for a 'Sportsman Special Purpose 18" and although its not a smoking deal, it is a great savings over a Police model,... so here is the question... What are the differences between the Police and Special Purpose...

http://www.turners.com/engage/displayad2.php?H=1&m1=February&m2=February&d1=9&d2=15&img=ads/02-09-06/rem11-87.gif

$569, bead sight
-or-

http://www.remingtonle.com/shotguns/1187.htm

$800ish, rifle sight? $850ish ghost ring?


-sights? maybe the special purpose is the plastic trigger guard and police is alum.? Parkerized P versus something else on the SP?

any imput would be appreciated.,, thanks

[Jon]

I really enjoy semi-auto shotties. An 1187 (or Benelli, if I man up the funds) is on my short list.

Beads are fine, but I prefer ghost rings. What you intend to use it for is what may help determine what sights you choose.

[xenophobe]

Police/tactical models have steel receivers, metal trigger guards and heavier barrels.

SP models have aluminum receivers, plastic trigger guards, and lighter barrels.

[Mesa Tactical]

Police/tactical models have steel receivers, metal trigger guards and heavier barrels.

SP models have aluminum receivers, plastic trigger guards, and lighter barrels.

All Remingtons have steel receivers.

[insandiego]

I have the 1187 Police with rifle sights and it is BITCHEN'!!

[ArmedBear]

All Remingtons have steel receivers.

This is true. That's one reason to buy them.

I'm not sure about the trigger guard on the LE vs. the Sportsman; my experiences with the plastic trigger assembly on an 870 have been quite positive, though I probably only have 5,000 rounds through it so far.

HOWEVER... I'd buy the LE for a few reasons.

The plastic trigger guard on my 870 Express is the only thing but the stock that doesn't have to be wiped down with Bullfrog Gun Wipes after I sweat on it or get it wet in the brush. The thing loves to rust. Granted, the Bullfrog wipes the rust right off, but the surface is still rust prone. I might Duracoat the receiver now that it's no longer bird season and I'm getting a real trap gun.

The Sportsman has the same "finish" if you can call it a finish. I'd be wary of leaving it under the bed for a long time without paying attention to it.

The LE version is Parkerized. I only have one phosphate-finished gun, and now I want ALL my working guns to be Parkerized! It's good stuff, and worth the extra money.

The LE version has a brutal Polypropylene stock. I'm not sure what plastic they use for the Sportsman, but I don't think it's as durable.

Finally, the LE version has an extended magazine.

If you look closely, you can see the extra $200. I'd get the LE unless I just wanted a (relatively) cheap hunting gun and just HAVE to have an autoloader for my 3 shots. I'll keep my 870 for that, though.

Frankly, I have looked at the Sportsman and I believe it's not a great deal. For a little more money I can get the 11-87 Premier, with pretty and more rust-resistant polished blue, nice walnut, lighter weight and better balance, or a Law Enforcement version with the advantages above.

[Ironballs]

great, thanks guys, just what i needed to hear

[xenophobe]

All Remingtons have steel receivers.

Got mixed up between 590's and 590A1s. lol

[Ironballs]

just found a 'like new' 11-87 Police, rifle sights for $440, drossed it today

i figure i am set for shotguns,... for ever
11-87 Police
FN SLP
Remmy 870 (spec-ops and vang comp)...

just a few bbl changes and i am superman.... thanks all for the advice... i am sure i will love the 11-87 P

[Ironballs]

[cyamate]

Congrats on the new purchases. I bought an 11-87 Police about two years ago and went through a lot of the same problems. The bolt release situated on the bottom of the shell carrier is not my favorite design point. You can get a tactical release that extends the button a full or half length of the shell carrier. This allows you to load the round into the weapon system exactly as you would with an 870. I believe the part is made by Dave Lahver. Sorry, can't remember the correct spelling and I am away from my files. Fantastic addition. It makes my 1187 the fastest tactical shotgun I have ever used. As for light loads I have found that I can get my weapon to use Walmart federal Fodder. Someone once told me to function the weapon the load needed to have a one dram equivalent but I cannot confirm this. I have polished the chamber, the exterior of the magazine where the gas system rides, and the gas rings with flitz. A light coating of a good oil, not CLP Break Free, and your weapon system should feed whatever light load you come across. Its great because you can barely feel any recoil and I can enjoy my 1187 for a super cheap price. Fore home defense I only use federal OO buck but for cheap practise the 250 round blue boxes at walmart are great. I tried a tactical bolt handle but the extra weight made the bolt too heavy and would not function light loads. Same went for the sidesaddle shot shell holder. For some reason it added added weight which reduced recoil and failed to function the bolt. The sidesaddle also meant it no longer fit in the locking mount underneath the bed so no loss there. If you need more than 7 OO buck you need something more than a shotgun.

[Ironballs]

like driving in a convertable along the coastline,... sweetness-

All things considered, my cheapy 870 express with added Knoxx stock and Vang BBl is my favorite....