Thinking about a Remington 870 for my first shotgun - advice?

[paaiyan]

This is the one I'm thinking about getting:

Pump Action Shotgun - Model 870 Express Synthetic 7 Round - Remington Shotguns

I still live with the parents and the only firearm in the house right now is my M&P .40c which is my carry piece. My parents have nothing against guns and have agreed that it'd be good to get a shotgun to keep in the house, especially for when I'm not around.

This will be strictly for home defense and a little range time. The gun store I usually patronize says they can give me one for $350. How do you all feel about this particular model?

EDIT: Also, unless anyone tells me otherwise it'll be loaded with #00 buck.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[varob]

Its a great HD choice. I bought that same gun. And then came the aftermarket stuff.

[1911PKR]

Perfect... now go get some of this nasty stuff.

[scgunlover1]

I have a 20 gauge Remington 870 around our home. It doesn't have any extra stuff on it yet. I'm not exactly sure if I want a 12 ga or just stick with the 20. I believe this is a great choice for you. Enjoy!

[paaiyan]

I'm not sure if I'll be doing much modification to it really. I'm just wanting a basic, reliable alternative to my .40.

[MinistrMalic]

I have that model, with no mods to it whatsoever. It's a great HD shotgun without doing anything to it, which is part of the beauty!

[OldVet]

While not the least expensive, the 870 gets my vote for the sweetest pump shotgun ever made. Remington got it right the first time and stuck with it!

[Beretta]

Hard to go wrong with an 870. Have the same 870 you want, only without the extended tube. It was the first firearm I ever purchased. Still looks like it did the day I bought it.

[9mmPro]

I have the 870 Express and I love it! i had a Mossberg Maverick it was a total POS so i sold it and got the 870 with laminated stockand 28 inch barrel with Rem-choke for 329.00 NIB. Hard to go wrong with the 870 - buy it and modify it the way you want .

[GunnyBunny]

I've still got the shorty 870 I bought when I was 18. That was about 400 years ago and it's still going strong.

[Snowman23]

That was my first shotgun as well. I love it ....love it. I've got a shorter barrel (18.5") and a Spec Ops stock. Not everyone likes the pistol grip stocks...so maybe go handle a few at a store and see what you prefer. Great shotgun that will last for years.

[Ice Man]

IMHO the 870 Express Magnum is one of the best value priced firearms on the market. You will need to spend a bunch more money to get anything better. The problem with the 870 is that you may like it so much you will never trade up! I know a couple guys who hunt with an 870 and leave a much more expensive gun home.

[C hawk Glock]

870 or mossy 500 series are fantastic. Do yourself a favor and don't use buckshot for HD. Way way way way too much penetration.

[Shotgun Willie]

Its got my vote. Mine is locked on the wall next to my bed. Flawless for $300! Never had a problem. Walmart usually has the best price, at least that I have been able to find.

However, do your research on birdshot. It doesn't have enough penetration. Average of three to four inches. I can get you reliable info if you are interested. #00 buckshot gets my vote. I used to load birdshot till I did extensive studying on the topic. My studies changed my mind. Talk on forums is not enough to make an educated decision IMO. Don't take my word for it. Empirical data exists on this subject.

[Ice Man]

Buckshot + BG = Dead as a stump

Over or under, Buck will get it done!