Remington 870 EXPRESS 12/18.5/3" HDWD

I wanted another 870 as a sort of knock about shotgun, so got this Express model. I'm a sucker for wood stocks. Mine is one of the "newer" 870s, newer RemArms production, although the instruction manual that was included was older. The receiver is unmarked, except for "Model 870" and the serial number along with a small QC code on the left side. The barrel says 12 GAUGE 2-3/4" or 3" on the left side, and Remington Illion, NY on the right side. The shoulder stock is marked with a laser cut R on butt of the grip section, and Remington on the shoulder pad. The finish on the "hardwood" is smooth, evenly applied and fairly dark. Checkering is pressed (ironed) into the wood. I was sort of dubious about a new 870 but I wanted one still made in (or marked as being made in) Illion, NY. Very very happy with the action. Out of the box, as slick as, or slicker than any of my other three 870 shotguns. That was a total surprise. The inside of the receiver is not tool mark free, but very smooth overall. Nothing rough. The chamber is shiny smooth. The bore is shiny smooth. I was first concerned with what I thought was a "ring" inside the barrel ahead of the chamber, but image of a "ring" was caused by the way the barrel was back bored. I didn't expect that either. Wood to metal fit is almost faultless, with the wood standing proud of the receiver by about 1/32 inch or so, along its entire seam line. The front sight mini-ramp is straight, and the bead is square with the action and shoulder stock. The choke is fixed, cylinder bore (not improved cylinder). The trigger is also glass smooth, with the normal bit of creep that 870's are known to have. That doesn't bother me, its a shotgun, not a bullseye pistol. I did have one issue when taking down the action (removing the barrel, slide, and bolt). On reassembly there was a little "catch" with the left side shell stop that needs to be depressed after the right side one. It required more finagling than my other 870's. It took a few tries, but it goes together ok once you learn the right little jiggle to give the action. That's why I'm giving 4 stars not 5. That catch may work in after a bit of firing, and if it doesn't I suppose I'll have to smooth it out. I don't take the bolt out that frequently, so smoothing is something that may wait quite a while for me to be annoyed enough to actually do. All in all, I'm very impressed. As usual, Bud's darn near got the gun to my FFL fast and worry free. Ordered on Sunday night, ready for pickup Tuesday afternoon.

Why a Remington 870 Express Hardwood Home Defense? It's made in America...welcome back Remington. For those that have been exposed to trench/riot guns or have seen them being carried in a squad car there is a bit of nostalgia associated with this shotgun. It is steel and wood. Although I prefer the brightly finished steel and highly finished furniture of a Remington 700 BDL, this shotgun is understated attractive with good fit and finish. It is easy to field strip and clean. The shotgun is solid with a smooth action. Controls are right where I remember them to be. This is my fourth purchase through Bud's. The FFL dealer, The Firing Pin, made the transfer painless.

Received my Remington 870 within a week from my purchase date. Shotgun arrived in perfect condition. Fired twenty rounds through it (00 buck and slugs) the day I got it with no problems. This is my second gun purchase from Buds and could not be more pleased with their service.

Beautiful Shotgun!! The wood furniture on the 870 is gorgeous, and the action on this one is smooth as butter. Looks like Remington is back, big time.