Basically I'm looking for a well built, long lasting, good bang-for-the-buck pump shotgun. As I mentioned I'm currently leading toward an 870. What I don't understand is why I see used 870s going for $7-800 and brand new ones for $350. Does bluing and a wood stock alone make up the difference?
Also, I don't really know what to look for/ask about when handling a shotgun.
As for what I intend to with it, basically just having fun. Skeet, trap, you know.
Thanks.
I expect your 870 cost comparison is between a higher grade Wingmaster and the Express. Although the action is basically the same, the Wingmaster is as you pointed out finely finished compared to the Express. Trivial things like the buttpad is different as well(trivial if you shoot light loads) I cannot state the internal differences, so I expect they are little but I have used both. As to cost: My friend bought a nice 870 Wingmaster last year for his dad for 300. Previous year, he also bought a Wingmaster with a sighted smooth "slug" barrel for near the same. Years ago I bought my Wingmaster for 325. Another, was bought by a relative for 350 and it was an Express. All these shotguns were bought used and are 12 gauge 3" magnum receivers/barrels. The latter Express cost more because it came with the screw in choke tube, where mine was a fixed full choke, and the first two are shorter barreled cylinders. I prefer my own, over the rest because I am traditional, is higher finished grade, and when cycled(maybe due to less use) it feels and sounds tighter.
In terms of what to look for: The 870 is an old design, post WW2, but has few moving parts making it simple and reliable, has stood the test of time with millions of units produced and still gracing duck ponds, and the bush so it is hard to destroy one through reasonable use. Finish wear is not necessarily a sign of abuse or neglect, it is a sign of varying degrees of use. It is probable the thing you would have to think about is the barrel. Older models were made with softer barrels, which pre-hocus pocus science, worked well for lead shot, but were scored terribly by the harder, and faster "non toxic" (usually steel shot) that became mandatory for waterfowl hunting. Rarely you might encounter a barrel bulged from an overloaded reload or because of obstruction, the barrel was damaged during shot.
As already stated: Simple, reliable and rugged design, difficult to destroy when used normally. I've never seen one that didn't work, so unless you buy that .01% of 870s that have been used beyond what comprises the 99.9%normal users, there are very few better "odds." At this rate, my great-great grandchildren won't wear out mine.
Bear in mind, I haven't bought a recent production new one. Aside from making production cheaper with Metal Injection Molding(which I think has been used for years) and plastic I'm not sure what Remington might have changed to debase the venerable 870.
