870 TAC-3 or Express 7-shot?

[jlrjhr]

I am interested in getting an 870 set up for defense with either an 18" or 20" barrel. I currently have a 20 ga. 870 and want the same shotgun but in 12 guage to keep it simple.

What is the difference internally and/or finish wise between the 870 Express Synthetic 7-shot (#25007), and the 870 TAC-3 (#81401)? Other than the stocks and 2" in barrel length why the price difference? The MSRP is substantially cheaper on the 870 Express 7-shot, $200 cheaper.

870 Express 7-shot, #25007 is $388.
870 TAC-3, #81401 is $587.

On either one I will be changing the stock for a shorter LOP and adding sights. If their is no difference in the base gun (finish, internals, etc.) then I would prefer the cheaper one obviously. Using the extra $200 for Ghost Ring sights and a 13" LOP Speedfeed IV-S Stock.

Another question. Both of these barrels are fixed cylinder. Would looking for a barrel accepting of the REM Chokes make a difference with Slugs and Buckshot in their ability to pattern well?

[MrMurphy]

Honestly if you're looking at the Tac-3 you might as well go with a 870 Police Magnum. Much better finish, fit, and overall sturdiness. I believe the Tac is built on an Express reciever.

The various chokes aren't going to affect buck and slugs much in my opinion, if you want a really tight pattern, it's either an ammo issue (good stuff like Hornady TAP or Federal, etc) or a Pattern Master choke or Vang Comp type barrel.

The 870P can come set up already with the ghostring sights, short stock and all the other fun stuff from the factory if I remember right.

Personally, I would go with the shorter barrel for maneuverability. Having maneuvered a 20" barreled M16A2 and a 14.5" collapsed-stock M4 through many a building....shorter is better.

[jlrjhr]

Thanks for the reply. Doing more research I found Remingtons Law Enforcement offerings are different than what is shown in the standard catalogue.

I see that the TAC-3 / Express 7-shot have the oxide finish and the 870 Police models are parkerized. Also the Police models have fixed Imp. Cyl. barrels as opposed to Cylinder.

[MrMurphy]

Having shot both, the Imp Cyl/Cyl doesn't make a major difference, using good ammo does. Standard buck (generic buckshot, any major maker) will do fairly well from either, but the good stuff (Tac-8, TAP, Federal Tactical) dramatically tightens groups from many shotguns regardless which of the two you're using barrel-wise. I'm not really a shotgunner though, I'm a rifleman, but I've had 4 shotguns (2 870s, 1 500, 1 Nova SP).

[Arbee]

I agree with Murphy. Check out the 870P before spending money on anything built on the 870 Express. One of your local FFLs should be able to order it for you in whatever configuration you want, though the big box stores may not. 18 inch barrel.

[snuffy33]

At those prices I'd look around a little.
I paid $479 a couple of months ago for a new 870P.

[jlrjhr]

At those prices I'd look around a little.
I paid $479 a couple of months ago for a new 870P.

Those prices above were the MSRP, I am finding prices at Bud's (just down the road) to be about $100 cheaper.