870 Police

[Plisk]

True, but a parkerized finish will rust if not kept oiled (think of it as an "oil sponge"), which is true of any finish (except professionally applied Armor-Tuff, NP3, Ceracoat, etc.)

The parkerizing is a more durable finish then the standard finish on the Express series, especially that cruddy paint on a lot of the Tactical Express series.

Any finish will rust with the proper amount of abuse/neglect. This is why I maintain all my weapons.

[NYCShooter]

The parkerizing is a more durable finish then the standard finish on the Express series, especially that cruddy paint on a lot of the Tactical Express series.

Any finish will rust with the proper amount of abuse/neglect. This is why I maintain all my weapons.

I never said that parkerizing is not a better finish than the Express finish. I did say that it will definitely rust if not kept well-oiled. This is not the case with the other, far more durable finishes that I mentioned (and there are others).

[NewbieDave]

I personally don't care which model... I'm in it for cheap 870. Got my grim my hand on a beat up Express with a 27" barrel for $170. A nice afternoon of cleaning and sanding... and knowing friends that can refinish... I have a clean functioning HD.

Several years back... picked up a CDC surplus Police for $275 with extension and side saddle from JK Supply in the commercial section. Look like it just sat on the racks for years... as you can see the rack rub on the barrel. Was super clean inside.

There's deals to be had for 870... just got to put the work in at looking.

[marcusrn]

Sage advice NewbieDave!

I have owned 4-5 used 870 guns and the older ones seem bullet proof. Why not let someone else break them in for you.

[marcusrn]

Sage advice NewbieDave!

I have owned 4-5 used 870 guns and the older ones seem bullet proof. Why not let someone else break them in for you.

[CharlesV]

Thanks for the inputs, this thread is going well, picking up bits and pieces of good knowledge, especially for improving my older 870 WM. I bought it secondhand, id like to know the year of manufacture so i can know exactly what i have inside there.

[tbhracing]

Tagged, some great information here as I am a 870 Express owner.

[Plisk]

I never said that parkerizing is not a better finish than the Express finish. I did say that it will definitely rust if not kept well-oiled. This is not the case with the other, far more durable finishes that I mentioned (and there are others).

My 870 was left under my matress for approx. 7 months while I was traveling. I came back and pulled it out, bone dry for a very long time. Not a spec of rust.

Rust is a matter of environment as much as it is lack of maintenance. I've also kept various weapon parts that were media-blasted corrosion free for many months while we waited for the next go-around with the blueing or parkerizing tank. All they did was sit in a box wrapped in a clean rag on a shelf in my bench. No issues.

[NYCShooter]

My 870 was left under my matress for approx. 7 months while I was traveling. I came back and pulled it out, bone dry for a very long time. Not a spec of rust.

Rust is a matter of environment as much as it is lack of maintenance. I've also kept various weapon parts that were media-blasted corrosion free for many months while we waited for the next go-around with the blueing or parkerizing tank. All they did was sit in a box wrapped in a clean rag on a shelf in my bench. No issues.

I never said it would rust in the absence of water, as that is a pretty obvious given and is true for even bare, untreated metal. Not to belabor the point, but I will rephrase: It will definitely rust, in a moist environment, if not kept well-oiled. This is not the case with the other, far more durable finishes that I mentioned (and there are others).

[CharlesV]

It will definitely rust even in a dry environment given enough time. I pack guns with a very small amount of oil in poly VCI bags and no issues so far.

[waho]

What exactly are the differences between the various 870 models, such as the standard 870, Express, Special Purpose, Wingmaster? Will the barrels exchange? Other parts?

[Plisk]

I never said it would rust in the absence of water, as that is a pretty obvious given and is true for even bare, untreated metal. Not to belabor the point, but I will rephrase: It will definitely rust, in a moist environment, if not kept well-oiled. This is not the case with the other, far more durable finishes that I mentioned (and there are others).

You had said it would rust with a lack of oil, and I explained that's not the entire story.

[Plisk]

OP, if you have the cash go for the Police model if you like either brand new or keeping a look out for the next Department that is clearing out inventory. One more thing that wasn't mentioned about the Police vs. Express, is that every single Police model weapon through Remington is test fired (700Ps are test fired for accuracy) with the Express/Commercial line, only 1 in 10 weapons are actually test fired. It's that added level of quality control that contributes to their higher cost.

In the end, yes an Express can and will work the same and be just as reliable, but if you just want to get something a little nicer for yourself and it's not going to break the bank go for it. You'll just enjoy it that much more.

[tomhenry]

Tagged cause I might wanna be upgrading my express.

[Ron-Solo]

The 870 is an excellent choice, regardless of "Police" or "Express" models. There are some different barrel configurations for the police models concerning sights and such. Those barrels can be ordered for the Express, but you generally won't find them in retail stores.

For Southern California, All State Police Equipment in Pomona has a variety of police models. They are currently doing the LASD conversion from Ithaca 37 pumps to the 870 with the collapsing recoil absorbing stock and Surefire front end.