870 express vs. Marine Magnum

happydude

happydude

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I know this comparison has been covered time and again but my question pertains not to build quality but to something weather specific. I plan on taking a short barreled shotgun on my walks in the back 40 to protect against skunks and bears. I will continue to take a shotgun with me in the middle of winter just for the hell of it and for those 'just in case moments'. Going from -40 outside to +20 inside makes any gun frost up pretty good and get rather wet.

I know the Marine Magnum has a better finish on the outside but what about the internals. Is it going to resist rust internally? I know the MM has that extra cool factor but i could buy two express guns for the same price.
 
I've had one since 1999 or so, in -45C weather, had it wet, covered with snow... it looks as good as the day I bought it. The internals are rust free.

I'd recommend you handle one before you buy, their quality has gone for a #### on some 870s. I'll come shotgun shopping with you if you want, I'll be a big ####### and make them take them from the back for me to inspect. :D
 
happydude said:
I know this comparison has been covered time and again but my question pertains not to build quality but to something weather specific. I plan on taking a short barreled shotgun on my walks in the back 40 to protect against skunks and bears. I will continue to take a shotgun with me in the middle of winter just for the hell of it and for those 'just in case moments'. Going from -40 outside to +20 inside makes any gun frost up pretty good and get rather wet.

I know the Marine Magnum has a better finish on the outside but what about the internals. Is it going to resist rust internally? I know the MM has that extra cool factor but i could buy two express guns for the same price.
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It's shiny inside and out. I have both an MM and an Express, and frankly, while the Express is a decent gun, the difference in quality is clearly apparent. My MM was an impulse purchase but I have absolutely zero regrets.
 
Here's a spin on the problem: what about an express with Armacoated external and internal parts? Applying it would cost less than making the jump to a marine magnum (by a lot). What do you guys think?
 
Hankus said:
"...Here's a spin on the problem: what about an express with Armacoated external and internal parts? Applying it would cost less than making the jump to a marine magnum (by a lot). What do you guys think?..."
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Under a baked-on black Teflon finish...

tcs_870_18Mar07.jpg


...is my 870 Express.

It works for me!

:cool:
 
B said:
It'll still be an express. If you want a smooth beautiful shotgun go for the MM. Express odels are cheap for a reason.
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I don't know what the big put down of today's Express is all about. But I own the Express Super Magnum, and it is a damn fine shotgun and has a smooth action, like any shotgun, it gets better the more it is cycled. Just like a fine acoustic guitar ;)

I dunno. I guess it all comes down to what you plan on using either 870 for. If hunting, skeet,trap etc. Go for an Express. Get the Synthetic version, they are damn ###y, and you can't hurt em!
own one myself.

What ever your decision, they are both great shotguns!
Just one is more ###y then the other, and I think you know what my vote is ;)
Enjoy your purchase!
 
I do like the express, just comparing one to a MM even with a home paintjob doesn't sit well with me. Don't mean to offend but very often you have to pay for quality. IMO that applies to Remington. BTW that is a slick looking rig.
 
Your not offending me.

But keep in mind that the 870 action is probably THE most popular, and most well known action in any shotgun.

As I said, they are both good shotguns.

The MM IMO is more of a home defense/camp gun in my eye's.

Good luck
 
The 870 express is a great gun. I own the super mag combo and love it. The action is super smooth. A pure joy to shoot. Plus you got interchangeable chokes unlike the MM. However, one day shooting clays with a bud in light rain, I noticed that by the time I brought it home (4 hour drive) it had already developed rust spots. Pissed me off to hell and made me vow that from that day forward I would only buy water resistan anything.

This afternoon I went out and bough the 870 MM. In my oppinion, based on initial cursory inspection, it is a far superior gun. But no chokes. Reason is is because the MM is a utility shotgun. Meant for boat owners to launch two ropes and home defense etc... The MM is not a sporting or hunting rifle. It however the coolest #### around! :D
 
northwoodslivin said:
I don't know what the big put down of today's Express is all about. But I own the Express Super Magnum, and it is a damn fine shotgun and has a smooth action, like any shotgun, it gets better the more it is cycled. Just like a fine acoustic guitar ;)

I dunno. I guess it all comes down to what you plan on using either 870 for. If hunting, skeet,trap etc. Go for an Express. Get the Synthetic version, they are damn ###y, and you can't hurt em!
own one myself.

What ever your decision, they are both great shotguns!
Just one is more ###y then the other, and I think you know what my vote is ;)
Enjoy your purchase!
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I agree with north....it totally depends on your use. I own a 870 Express SuperMag as well and it is an awesome gun. I have a rifled slug barrel and have taken it deer hunting in all different types of weather. Rust all depends on how you take care of your guns. Each time I am done with mine it gets a cleaning and put back in the cabinet. If you are going to get it moist or whatever and put it in a case and leave it, then I would say go with the MM.
 
drvrage said:
The 870 express is a great gun. I own the super mag combo and love it. The action is super smooth. A pure joy to shoot. Plus you got interchangeable chokes unlike the MM. However, one day shooting clays with a bud in light rain, I noticed that by the time I brought it home (4 hour drive) it had already developed rust spots. Pissed me off to hell and made me vow that from that day forward I would only buy water resistan anything.

This afternoon I went out and bough the 870 MM. In my oppinion, based on initial cursory inspection, it is a far superior gun. But no chokes. Reason is is because the MM is a utility shotgun. Meant for boat owners to launch two ropes and home defense etc... The MM is not a sporting or hunting rifle. It however the coolest s**t around! :D
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Have a gunsmith thread the barrel for a a screw in choke and that "utility" gun is now good for many things. Not to mention I have taken 3 coyotes and hundreds of gophers with plain open cylinder. One yote was taken at 35-40 yards and was very dead very quickly. I gave him the full tube but from the looks of it the last 4-5 rounds were just for good measure.
 
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the MM is nickle plated inside out, if you don't like the nickle shine the new XCS MM looks pretty good too. I own 2 older wingmaster (Tacord park & teflon finish), there is nothing wrong with them but i'd still trade them for one of those.
 
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