870 police question

[TheGrouch]

Have an 870 w/ 18in barrel and walnut furniture that I bought used (99.9%condition) for $250. Looks very similar to this shotgun on a Gunbroker auction.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=72695471

The only difference is that the receiver is clearly marked as an 870 Express.


Just have to ask if the police models use an Express receiver or if they have "police" markings.

[Dfariswheel]

The newer Police models are clearly stamped "POLICE MAGNUM" on the receiver.

Express guns are NOT police models, even though they are often advertised as such, and they do offer short barreled "home defense" versions of the Express.
If it's stamped "EXPRESS" it's NOT a Police gun, no matter what police parts or accessories may be on the gun.

Older police guns, made prior to the Express models introduction were not marked with police stamps, and were often marked with "Wingmaster" stamps, since in those days, the police guns were just the Wingmaster with a duller finish and police length forearms.

The Police models are higher grade, better finished and more inspected guns than the "budget" Express guns.
The Police model is definitely worth the extra money, since you really do get much more for the extra bucks.

[TheGrouch]

It looks good and shoots great. Previous owner set it up to look like the police models, I guess. For $250 it works for me.

[KALIFORNIST]

if it is clearly marked express then you cleary have a express.not a big deal though they are just fine.