870 Express vs. Police Magnum?

[Vigilant]

Long story made short, to beat the deadline for the usual red tape, I had to upgrade my personal shotgun today. Was looking for an 870 Police Magnum, but the closest I found was a stainless 7-shot 870. I just don't like a bright-colored gun in a fight. Next choice was an 870 Express matte black 7-shot with synthetic stock for $299. That's what I settled on. This gun will spend the vast majority of the time in a case, in the trunk. I doubt seriously that I will ever feel the need to beat on it or abuse it. I hope not anyway. The only real difference I remember hearing about the Express vs. Police Magnum series is the plastic trigger guard. They swore up and down the trigger guard on this gun is made of an alloy. Anyway, to the question: Under the circumstances, does this sound like a good long-term solution for a trunk gun, or should I start looking for a Police Magnum?

Thanks in advance.

Vig

[ghstface38]

I've got the Express Magnum....I thought the only difference was the entire trigger assembly was made of some kind of metal, and the ones on the Express are plastic.

Oh well, I love my Synthetic stocked 7-shot Express.

[Grim Jackal]

There's two differences between the Express model and the Police Model:

1. The Police Model has an all metal trigger housing, the Express Model has the polymere trigger housing.

2. The Police Model comes with a nice parkanized or blue finsh and the Express comes with an effective, although cheap, rough and generally un-flattering flat black finish.

But honestly, the Express will stand up to more abuse than you will probably ever be able to subject it to through the course of ownership unless you start pulling out the blow torch and sledgehammers. Just an all around sturdy long gun.

[Glockster_James]

Originally posted by Grim Jackal
There's two differences between the Express model and the Police Model:

1. The Police Model has an all metal trigger housing, the Express Model has the polymere trigger housing.

2. The Police Model comes with a nice parkanized or blue finsh and the Express comes with an effective, although cheap, rough and generally un-flattering flat black finish.

But honestly, the Express will stand up to more abuse than you will probably ever be able to subject it to through the course of ownership unless you start pulling out the blow torch and sledgehammers. Just an all around sturdy long gun.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I don't use my 870 express too often, but it still gets put through more hell than my Glocks and hasn't started to rust or ever fail either.

[ghstface38]

:)

[noway]

{There's two differences between the Express model and the Police Model:
}

The police magnum also comes at a higher price tag. if you think all of that and the extras is needed & worth it,
then get a police version if not a plain jane express model ( which btw is more than enough for the avg person ) is what you should buy ;)

[UrbanCowboy]

The Express will definately hold up for the need you are describing. I went with the Express over the Police version because I keep it at home for HD only. I decided to buy a Surefire forend with the $200 savings which I believe is money better spent.

[Little Thomas]

I have a 20inch express that I tend to baby. My brother has a 20inch cantilever express that is literally the most abused deer gun I have seen. His functions just as well as mine.

[Vigilant]

Thanks for all the input. I have decided to keep the Express for the house, and wait for a deal on a Police Magnum, hopefully with Ghost Ring Sights, for the trunk, and the woods in case I run into a pissed off bear. I will add a 6-shot Sidesaddle, a 6-shot butt stock sleeve, and a Sure Fire Tac Light to both.

Vig

[Opie 1 Kenopie]

Either will be a better trunk weapon than a tire iron! You're good either way dude.

-Opie

[raptor3]

Unless you're going to take your shotgun to war in Iraq, then the Police model isn't worth the extra $200-250.

The Express will serve you well. I've got one, 5-shot 18 inch barrel home-defense model.