Model 870 Quality between models

[Odyknuck]

Curious to know what are the quality if any differences between the models.

[Synchronizor]

Unless you have some specific questions, the differences between the various 870 lines has been discussed extensively in a number of other threads. I can post some links if you're having trouble finding them.

[Odyknuck]

Questions:
1) Are the 870s produced today of better or worse quality then lets say the 80s and 90s?
2) Do the tactical 870s use the same action as the standard offering?

[Synchronizor]

1) Are the 870s produced today of better or worse quality then lets say the 80s and 90s?

If you're asking about reliability and functionality, I would say the new guns are better. Modern 870s benefit from a number of minor design improvements, are offered in a very wide range of factory configurations, and the aftermarket & factory support for the platform gives you more options than ever for customization. A lot of people will cite issues that only newer 870s seem to have, but keep in mind that "back in the day", most 870s were priced and dressed like current Wingmasters, normal shotshells were what we'd now consider premium ammo, and self-entitled whining on the internet wasn't an instinctive first step in dealing with a problem.

If you mean materials and workmanship, a lot of folks will again tell you that the older guns were better, but usually they're doing something like comparing a modern Express to an old Wingmaster, or a gun that's seen thousands of rounds to one that's only had its factory test-firing. A modern American Classic or Wingmaster Classic Trap might seem a little plain compared to an All-American Trap Gun from the early 1970s - until you realize that $550 in 1972 had the buying power of nearly $3100 today.

2) Do the tactical 870s use the same action as the standard offering?

The action in an Express Tactical 870 is mechanically identical to that of any other current magnum (3") 12ga 870, and components are 99.9% interchangeable (there are one or two insignificant exceptions relating to things like left-hand parts, certain trigger plates needing a specific washer, etc).

You can find some different versions of the same part in different guns - a Police 870 will come with a heavy sear spring for a firm trigger pull while a competition gun will have a light sear spring for a light trigger pull, for example. Materials and finishes can also vary; most Marine Magnum internals are nickel-plated for added corrosion-resistance, and many 870s now use high-tech molded extractors instead of more expensive and less consistent machined extractors. Those aren't really design changes though, that's just meeting different roles or price points, and there are always trade-offs. The guns still operate the same way from a mechanical standpoint, and you can easily change parts out if desired.

[Kentactic]

If i had a choice, cost aside, to take either a 90's 870 or a brand new one of the same model fresh from the factory, I would take the 90's gun. Assuming its not totally destroyed.

[Odyknuck]

Hers my quandary. I am interested doing a Bullpup 870 conversion with my 20 gauge however it is not a bolt in affair and voids the Warranty if I modify the Bullpup. I really would prefer to use the 20 gauge however am entertaining trading it for a 12 gauge to do the conversion. My 20 gauge is a mint condition 1991 model and not sure about giving it up for a newer 12 gauge.

[Kentactic]

Hers my quandary. I am interested doing a Bullpup 870 conversion with my 20 gauge however it is not a bolt in affair and voids the Warranty if I modify the Bullpup. I really would prefer to use the 20 gauge however am entertaining trading it for a 12 gauge to do the conversion. My 20 gauge is a mint condition 1991 model and not sure about giving it up for a newer 12 gauge.

You might have to take a loss and go that route. Dont get me wrong, the newer 870's can be combat reliable. You just may or may not have to do some tweaking. Worst case being Dremel tool work to the area behind the chamber.

I run an 870 that was made in 2011 or so. It works well now.

[Odyknuck]

My 20 Gauge Express Magnum:

[Synchronizor]

Why do you want a 20ga? If it's just for the shooting comfort, low-recoil 12ga shells are not hard to find or handload.

Old vs. new aside, you may be better off getting a used shotgun simply because it'll get you a functioning action for less money (or trade value) than buying new. 870s are tough, it's not hard to find well-used ones that are still in good mechanical shape, and just need a good scrubbing-out and cosmetic work. If the gun's going in a bullpup chassis, things like a busted stock or scraped-up finish aren't really going to be problems so long as the action itself is in working condition.

Sniff around the pawn shops and gun stores in your area and see what you can find. Online auction sites like Gunbroker might have some good deals as well. I would suggest avoiding older 870s without updated flex-tab actions, since the bullpup kit will make shell-under-slide feed jams much harder to clear.

[Odyknuck]

I know that what I have works well and buying used without being able to actually shoot prior to purchase does not sit to well with me. If I could find someone to trade with then I would consider that.