870 Synthetic vs Police model: How much should I care?

[Doc. Caliban]

Years ago I sold a blued 870P to a friend who has never fired it, but loves it because of the surefire fore-end, pistol grip full stock, etc. She once told me I could buy it back if I wanted to, but I know she was just being nice as she really wants to keep it. However, the fact that it's the Police model probably doesn't mean much to her other than the cool factor of it saying "Police Magnum" on the receiver.

I just picked up a like-new 870 Synthetic that I've put the heavier lifter spring and milled extractor into. It's generally considered that the synthetic trigger group is more durable than the metal one in the 870P, and the sear spring is the same. So other than that, the only real difference is lack of rifle sights, and it's got the newer (not saying better) flat black finish.

So my question is: should I ask her if she'd be interested in trading if I swap out the furniture? I'm also thinking of offering to replace her surefire with a Magpul fore-end and Streamlight TLR-1 light as she wants one with a strobe. That would cost me about $200 and would certainly sweeten the deal.

So, is it worth it, or should I just keep what I have and figure "good enough"?

-Doc

[Synchronizor]

As I think you understand, an 870 is an 870. Take any 870, add the furniture and accessories you want, maybe change a spring here or there to tweak the controls the way you like, and you've got a perfectly serviceable gun. Beyond that, it's all emotional - go with whatever floats your boat and/or lets you sleep at night. If getting your old blued 870 is worth your time and money (though you would be getting a Surefire back in return for the Magpul & TLR-1, right?), go for it. If not, it sounds like your Express will meet your needs just fine. Mine's never let me down.

I will say that if you end up trading with your friend, and she rarely (or never) shoots, you might do her the courtesy of running a hundred or so shells through the new gun to make sure it's broken in and reliable for her.

[Doc. Caliban]

As I think you understand, an 870 is an 870. Take any 870, add the furniture and accessories you want, maybe change a spring here or there to tweak the controls the way you like, and you've got a perfectly serviceable gun. Beyond that, it's all emotional - go with whatever floats your boat and/or lets you sleep at night. If getting your old blued 870 is worth your time and money (though you would be getting a Surefire back in return for the Magpul & TLR-1, right?), go for it. If not, it sounds like your Express will meet your needs just fine. Mine's never let me down.

I will say that if you end up trading with your friend, and she rarely (or never) shoots, you might do her the courtesy of running a hundred or so shells through the new gun to make sure it's broken in and reliable for her.

Yeah, a lot of it is just nostalgia for a previously owned gun, and a general like of older vs newer. I miss blued guns, to be honest. I would not be keeping the surefire fore-end as I don't particularly care for the bulk and design of them. (personal preference)

Very good point about breaking in the new one. Good call.

I'll just ask her and see what she says, but I'll be upfront ab out not having any major emotional investment in the deal. If she really doesn't care and is willing to, cool. If not, no biggie either.

- Doc

[Doc. Caliban]

So I had a nice, long look at my old 870P yesterday, and I do have to say that it's pretty nice feeling. It was made in 85, so it's not way back when the quality was generally thought to be of a higher level, but the fit and finish seem very good. The Express probably just seems rougher because of the different finish, but I still like the idea of an older vs newer 870. She's willing to do the trade. We would both be keeping our own furniture and accessories ... just swapping the base chunk of steel.

What I'd lose that I like is the composite trigger group, but that's not that big of a deal to me; and while I like the flat finish of the newer models, I do not care for the quality of it. I'd rather have the old blued gun and splurge for a fancy coating someday if I feel the need.

I think I'll do it. If I regret it down the line, another Express is easy to find whereas a 30 year old 870P in good condition might not be.

-Doc

[Synchronizor]

The trigger plate assemblies should be interchangeable between these two guns if you really like the polymer part better, unless the new Express is a Super Magnum model. If the 870P is a 1985 model, it should even have the new-style shell carrier like the Express (and if it doesn't, it's an easy $20 upgrade).