Ithaca M-37 for me! I love the slam-fire capability!

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"Long live the S&W 3rd. Gen.!"

Ithaca M-37 for me also.

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Cheers!

Sorry, I didn't see this earlier. The PD I worked for had two Express models that were bought years apart, and they both have their sights mounted about 45 degrees off center top. They also just seem to be a lower overall guality than the original 870s, which is typical in the gun industry today I guess. Plus that finish is a real pain maintanance wise.

Also, I should have worded my statement differently too. It should read: I prefer the original 870s for a defensive/offensive pump action shotgun, but I'd still take an 870 express over any other brand.

I had several 870's but switched to the Mossberg 500 series for the following reasons.

I like to tang safety. I never have to wonder which way to push it. I can also place my thumb on it to hold it in the safe position easier.

The follower/lifter (whatever it is called) is in the up position when the action is closed. You only have to be careless once and get your thumb caught once while topping of the magazine to realize you don't want to do that again.

I now have several 'extra' 870's that I need to find a new home for. Since I asked my stock broker what to buy and he replied "canned goods and ammo ", I have not been in too big a hurry to get rid of the 'extras' but I do have 6 Mossbergs so I may be covered.

Be safe and prepared!

All you need in a fast light pump, nothing you don't.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I grew up with the 870 as well, it just fits me.

Check out Weatherby's new "Threat Response" 12-gauge pump for HD.

Item #PA-459.

I purchased the black version and added the SureFire X300 light.

Shotgun was $389 & SureFire X300 light was $240.

This is my "go to" tool for night time critters with bad intentions...2-legged or 4-legged.

870 for me.

I keep reading about the superiority of the 870 to the Mossy 500. I owned a Rem. 870 and experienced problems with it. The slide. The elevator. Cartridge interruptor and stop, etc. The Mossy on the other hand - Not one single problem. That is just my experience.

The 870 was Navy issue for trouble below deck. I still have a soft spot for it.

I use to use 870 for skeet, and hunting with slug barrel, excellent choice of weapon.

870 though I've a fondness for the old Hi-Standard Flite King in it's J C Higgins Model 20 guise. They can usually be picked up dirt cheap and are smooth and reliable.

You can put me in for the Remington 870. I used my personal one for LE work for 32 years and it never had a glitch.
It also doubled for occasional skeet and deer hunting with a barrel switch.

1897.......thats all you need.......

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millbilly

I have two 870's.No problems with either.

I have a Remington 870 Marine magnum, had an 870 Wingmaster, a Mossberg 835, Ithica M-37 riot gun and 10 ga Browning BPS.
I like them all but rate the BPS highest as the action is smoothest, the bottom ejection keeps empty hulls in a duck boat and the forearm doesn't rattle and spook deer like some other pumps.
That said I've gone over to the dark side now with Browning Gold semi-auto guns. I own four of them now.

I was a Gunner's Mate in the USN, and on my ship the landing force locker was filled with 870's. Years later, I drove armored car for Brinks. Again, the 870 was their shotgun of choice. I've owned a couple Mossberg 500's, and I have nothing against them, except their rather plain finish. I never once had any type of problem, though. But my current HD shotgun (I'm not a bird hunter) is an 870 Wingmaster, 20" barrel, mag extention, fiber optic bead. It combines function with form, and just does it for me.