Know there's already been a thread on this but I couldn't find my answer in them. A couple months ago I picked up an 870 express from Lebaron. Does anyone know if these are chambered for 3 inch shells? On the barrel it says it's rated for both 2 3/4 and 3" I just wanted to confirm before blowing myself up. Note I don't see any magnum markings on the reciever.
Thanks.
If LeBaron is selling them, all present day Remington barrels are made to handle 2-3/4" and 3" fodder. They don't make 2-3/4" ONLY barrels in 12 gauge any more.
The express model will also have an" M " at the end of the serial number denoting a magnum receiver.I have an express that was made in 1988 if I recall.the receiver is only stamped express with a serial number that ends with a "M" for magnum receiver.
Actually the "M" determines ejection size.
The barrel and receiver design combination determines what can be shot from your 870.
All barrels are clearly marked with the chamber information.
Receivers are marked with letters at the end of the serial number denoting ejection size.
Here's the list:
V -- 12 -- 2 3/4" Only
M -- 12 -- 2 3/4" or 3" Only
A -- 12 -- 2 3/4", 3" or 3 1/2"
W -- 16 -- 2 3/4" Only
K, X -- 20 -- 2 3/4" Only
U, N -- 20 -- 2 3/4" or 3" Only
J -- 28 -- 2 3/4" Only
H -- .410 -- 2 1/2" or 3"
Suffix letters in serial numbers represent REM manufacturing date codes.