870 Differences?

[WildSpur]

Hey all!

I have been checking out the Remington 870 recently (looking at the Shur Shot models) .  I see there is a Super Mag version and an Express version.  I know the main difference is a 3.5" chamber vs. a 3" chamber and barrel lengths.  Otherwise are there any other differences between the two?  Namely--craftsmanship--better steel, ect?  I would more than likely stick with 3" shells but would want the best gun for the job.  If anyone has experience with both please chime in.  Thanks!

[wisconsinteacher]

I have an 870 express mag and super mag.  The biggest difference other than the chamber is the bolt.  You can not swap them between the two.  Other than that, they are very close.  Get the 3.5 if you can someday you may want to try a heavier load.  I love my two 870s.  One is turkey only (Super Mag), the other is for turkey, home defence, slug barrel for deer hunting, yote hunting and tracking bear.

[Fox Fire]

A few years ago I spoke with a Rem sales rep who was over the shotguns, I asked if ther was a difference between ( I was wonder'n if ther mite be a difference in the inside contour or forcing cone length) the barrles of a Remington express & ther 870s that were designated turkey guns (870 SPS, SM...).

He told me "the barrels were all manufactured on the same machines, ther was'nt any difference between them".

(Me), So other than a camo finish & the Designation(SPS,express, SM) its the same gun ?

(him) "yep."

[fallsflight]

The newer express models are all about the same..... if you look around and find a good used 870 SPS, then you would have an older, better made 870..... they were the models before the cheaper express.

The express lines of 870s hit the market before any of their SPS versions.  After the express, they started making different versions of the 870 for different types of hunting/consumers such as, deer, turkey, tactical, etc.  known as the 870 SPS models.  All great guns made in the same deptartment, that are work horses.  So WildSpur, which ever you choose will not make a difference, but as wisconsinteacher mentioned, if you ever decide to try 3.5" rounds, you can.  Other than that, either one you will be very happy with, especially with the Shur Shot stock.  They are great for turkeys and deer.

[R AJ]

To each his own but if I could buy an older model 870 express or 11-87 made at least three years ago I would get it over the " new owners" models. Remington is in name only now and I proudly own several different shotguns and a 22 once made by a previously great company.
After a recent reply to my son-in-law about a potentially serious crack in the receiver of a 11-87 that they said was worn out-that's right-worn out and since it was built in 1986 they could only replace the receiver at his cost, charge for repair estimate and shipping back to him, I will not be buying any Remington gun period.

[tyelper]

if and body needs a special purpose i have one i dont use

[Trevor2]

if and body needs a special purpose i have one i dont use

shoot me a pm. I have one in woodland camo, could always use another lol

[fallsflight]

Unfortunately, when DuPont sold Remington to CD&R, the new owners were not re-investing money back into the company.  Machines, tools, etc. that were in need of much needed repair, replacement, and updating was not being done.  This is the time frame where much of the negativity arose.  In 2007 they were sold again to CCM and Remington is being run much differently.  Since that time Remington acquired several other companies such as, Marlin, H&R, Dakota, Barnes Ammunition, and others.  Quality is back on the rise and one example is with their newest shotgun the Versa Max.  Remington is still an American company with American employees. They were almost ran into the gutter, but thankfully things are turning around and Big Green is becoming as strong as it once was in my opinion. 

[ncturkey]

I have a 870 SPS 3" I bought new in 1993, I have 11-87 SPS-T I bought in 1998, I have Remington 870 Super Mag Express I bought a couple years ago. I love them all. The are great guns. I also have Remington 300 Ideal over and under too. I love Remington guns.