870 Express Tactical Magpul or 870 Express Tactical?

[spielma]

I'm considering buying the 870 Express Tactical Magpul shotgun (872.00) , but wouldn't it be more cost effective to purchase the 870 Express Tactical (572.00) and add the Magpul components later. What features would I be missing if I went this route and are they worth the difference in price?

Any help would be appriciated!

Thanks

Osprey

[Synchronizor]

870 Express Tactical (crappy picture, I know):

870 Express Tactical Magpul:


By going with the Magpul model, you get:
>Magpul furniture with a SuperCell pad (I love those pads) and I think some other stock accessories
>Barrel threaded for chokes
>Breacher choke (looks cool, but likely not real practical for you; you can always put in a hunting choke to tune your pattern)
>Tapped receiver & top rail
>Ghost-ring sights
>Upgraded Cerakote finish

Considering all the extras I'd estimate you get what you pay for with the added price. The bigger question would be if they're all things you personally would use and be willing to pay for.

I'm assuming you're talking about the Express Tactical built on the same 6+1 receiver as the Magpul 870. There are other, higher-end Express Tactical models that have more of the bells and whistles seen on the 870 Magpul, but are built on the traditional 4+1 receivers with a +2 extension.

You could also put the Magpul furniture on one of these and have pretty much the same thing (except for the Cerakote finish, I think), but unlike the 870 Magpul, you'll also be able to swap on any other standard 12ga 870 barrels and magazine extensions.

[spielma]

Considering all the extras I'd estimate you get what you pay for with the added price. The bigger question would be if they're all things you personally would use and be willing to pay for.

You could also put the Magpul furniture on one of these and have pretty much the same thing (except for the Cerakote finish, I think), but unlike the 870 Magpul, you'll also be able to swap on any other standard 12ga 870 barrels and magazine extensions.

Thank you for your insight, So from your comments I assuem you would buy the 870 Magpul model over building one from the base model, as you say "You get what you pay for"

I didn't think about swaping barrels which is a plus, do you think Remington will eventualy make different barrels for the 870 Magpul models.

Thanks

Osprey

[Synchronizor]

Thank you for your insight, So from your comments I assuem you would buy the 870 Magpul model over building one from the base model, as you say "You get what you pay for"

I would say the 870 Magpul is a better buy than upgrading an Express Tactical to the same level, yes. Personally, that furniture doesn't fit me right, and I don't like ghost-ring sights.

I didn't think about swaping barrels which is a plus, do you think Remington will eventualy make different barrels for the 870 Magpul models.

I don't know, to be honest. Back when the first 6+1 870s were introduced, there were rumors that more models would use those receivers, but so far it's only been 18.5" tactical models. Some of Remington's LE/military 870s use 3+1 receivers, but all other 870s have been built on the standard 4+1 receivers since they were introduced in the 1950s. Traditional receivers can accept any barrel length above 11.75", and can be built to any capacity you'd ever want to carry around, so there's no real reason to have two different standards.

[rythomas0704]

I recently purchased the Magpul furniture for my Express and I am more than pleased with the result. I was unsure due to the photos, didnt think it would be a good fit and thought it looked rather strange. However after installing the set it looks amazing and fits me perfectly. I have big hands but I wouldn't say large and the grip feels perfect. The drop on the grip is a tad bit more than the synthetic furniture but not quite pistol grip, which I rather like. The stock is solid as hell and the recoil pad is very thick and soft. I haven't had a chance to shoot yet. The set feels way more solid than the factory synthetic and even made the sound of the 870 being racked sound way better. ( I believe that is because the stock is solid instead of hollow). The fore end is a tad bit slick but not too bad. I have no problem keeping a good grip. I especially love that you can easily adjust your LOP using the included spacers (4 of them), I only needed to add one. I am waiting for the last of my order and then I will post pics.

Oops, sorry. I meant to tell you to get the Magpul 870 LOL

[mxm190]

I purchased the express tactical because I wanted to add my own stock and foregrip,
I added an ATI adjustable stock a magpul foregrip and angled grip to the fore end, sweet set up customized just how I like it, if you wanted to add different things to it, I would say go stock and add what you want later.

[rythomas0704]

I agree. I was at my local Gander Mountain the other day getting some new arrows cut and set for me and of course I was browsing the firearms. Ran across the Magpul Tactical or whatever they call it... they wanted $800!!!!! That's insane. Not to mention the one peice mag tube limits barrel choices.

[spielma]

I think I made my decision to go with the 870 Express Tactical and then mod as I wish. This will give me a solid base, allow for mods, allow additional barel choices, and save a few dollars.

Thanks for all your help

[Deerhunter 28]

I bought the Mag-Pul model.
I am happy but this thing kicks bad.
I will need to get some reduced recoil slugs and buckshot for it.

[rythomas0704]

What are you shooting through it right now? 3" or 2.75" Also... is this your first 870 or do you think it is the Magpul stock?