New from the Lone Star State

[DeBrew]

Howdy all,

I own a Rem 870 Express Synthetic 18" (225549) that my wife bought me a few years ago for Christmas. I wanted an 870 for our home defense shotgun, but this is not the model I would have chosen had I bought it myself. I would have gone for the tactical model with the higher capacity magazine. My little 870 Express is the first and only shotgun I have owned, though I have shot a few others over the years. I have thought about doing some mods to it, such as getting a second barrel in 20-24", changing the stock and adding a magazine extension, but I am not sure how much I can customize this model of 870. I am here looking for answers.

Lately, I have been thinking about moving beyond paper and metal targets and trying my hand at skeet. Of course, I know my short barreled 870 will not suffice. Therefore, I will probably be in the market for a second shotgun in the next six months or so. I have started looking at the Model 870 Express Super Magnum Waterfowl Camo, the Model 870 Express Super Magnum Turkey/Waterfowl Camo, and the Model 870 Express Super Magnum. I am trying to figure out the differences beyond the chokes and finishes. I also have an invitation to go duck hunting in January, and I think any of these would work. If the bug bites, I may venture into deer or boar hunting. I know that 28" is long for a deer gun, so I would want to have the option of changing to a shorter barrel with a scope if I were venturing into the woods.

While I am pretty much a noob when it comes to shotguns, I am not a noob when it comes to other firearms, and I really enjoy shooting. I am a former Marine and worked my way through university as an LEO for 3 years, but that was 20 years ago. In addition to the 870, I have a couple of .22LR rifles (Ruger and Winchester), a Troy Defense 5.56mm MSR, a DPMS 7.62 MSR, a Glock 19 and Sprinfield-Armory XDS 9mm. I am definitely looking at adding to this list. I will be getting a second 5.56 MSR, contemplating a MVP Predator 7.62 vs a second 7.62 MSR, and will be adding a variety of pistols in 9mm, .22LR and maybe .45 cal. But this forum is about the Rem 870, so no need to discuss my other weapons.

[Synchronizor]

If you meant the #25549 Express Synthetic Tactical, it'll take the same upgrades and accessories as any other 12ga 870. Stocks, fore-ends, barrels, trigger parts, you name it. Magazine extensions too, though if your magazine tube is the newer-style with two dimples in the end and a plastic spring retainer, you'll need to drill those dimples out first.

If you want to start hunting, I'd say skip getting a second SuperMag 870 and just get an appropriate hunting barrel for your gun. It'll be a lot less expensive, and 870 barrels are really easy to switch. Your receiver will only cycle up to 3" shells, but that's enough to handle pretty much anything if you do your part. 3.5" shells are unnecessary for most hunting situations, especially now that we have better nontoxic shot materials than steel.

[DeBrew]

Thank you, Sync.