Remington 870P MAX Best Tactical/Home Defense Shotgun?

JerryHN

New member
Hello,

I'm thinking about buying the Remington 870 Police Max. It's the police magnum model with the light attachment. I want the best shotgun for home defense, one that will do everything and durable enough to last a lifetime.

What are your opinions about this gun? Is it the BEST tactical shotgun out there?
 
What about comparing the 870P Max to the Benelli M4? I know one is automatic, but if price is no issue, which one would you get and why? My highest priority is durability and reliability in adverse conditions; I'm pretty rough on my guns and I hope this gun will last me forever.
 
You mention reliability... There is nothing offered in auto loader, in my own opinion, that can give me the peace of mind that an American made pump gun will...

I am a mossberg fan for so many reasons but Remington will do. Know the gun you buy better than you know your sister... If the remington ever hangs a spent shell in practice, just a quick polish of the chamber will fix it.

I have only heard of rough chambers on Remington "Express" models...
Brent
 
If you're looking at a Remington Police gun, you're looking at the Cadillac of pump guns.
If you're looking at the Max, you're looking at the top of the Cadillac line, it doesn't get any better.

Some people may fault you for not buying a cheaper Express gun or even one of the very cheap foreign made pump guns, but I've always believed that if you can afford the absolute best, why not have it?
No one was ever disappointed or let down by having the best there is.
 
Thanks for the responses guys. I plan to pick up an 870P MAX before Xmas. I think theyre priced around $900. I know that's a lot of $$$ for a shotgun, but if I am getting the best, it'll be worth every dollar.
 
If you want the best HD shotgun it would be either the Benelli M-4 or the FN SLP. If you are looking for the best 870 and don't want to bend-over for Scattergun Technologies then check this guy out http://aiptactical.com/ I would go with AIP but if I had the $$$ I would get the FN SLP
 
Its nice, but I would buy a NIB 18" Express with the +2 or buy a used 870P/870W.

Then I would decide what whiz-bang accessories I really NEEDED for my use.

Don't buy into the 870 Police marketing either. Internally there are 2 parts it uses differently than the Express which costs $15 & 10 minutes to replace. The old Remington LE differences list is very outdated.

Its your money, but a $200 Pawn Shop Special 870 will run just as good as a $900 870P Max. The money saved is better used on shells, range fees, and professional instruction.
 
556A2: Are you talking about changing the trigger grouping or something?
.

No

The extractor is milled, and the carrier dog return spring is heavier on the 870 Police. These parts the most "vital" of the Police upgrades, and they can be put in a Express for about $15.

The Police also was supposed to have a milled ejector, but apparently Remington is using the same ejector across the board.

The metal trigger guard, fixed I/C choke, and parkerization aren't vital to proper function.

I'm not saying the 870 Police is bad, but it is really not worth the extra cash unless you really just want a high "trim level" like in a car like dfariswheel compares it.

A Express is the base Cadillac
A Police/Wingmaster is the loaded Cadillac
A Police Max is the fully loaded Cadillac

Buying any 870 is buying a Cadillac period. Even the ugliest Express with horrible wooden stocks will outlast you, and its competition.
 
A Express is the base Cadillac
A Police/Wingmaster is the loaded Cadillac
A Police Max is the fully loaded Cadillac
Not so much the way I would do that comparison!

Express= Chevy Caprice
Police=A stout Chevy SUV or Pickup
Police Max= an Avalanche
Wingmaster= CADILLAC

Brent
 
Current prouction 870 Express is a "Cadillac" ? - not even close. While the Cadillac has improved in quality over the past few years the Express has declined. A Benelli M-4 or FN SLP is a "Cadillac" at least as that term is commonly used. The Police model 870s might be better compared to a Toyota or better yet what hogdogs said.
 
I agree the Benelli M4 and FN SLP look really nice (and $$$). But isn't a pump shotgun such as the 870P MAX much more durable and reliable than an semi-automatic?

I want a shotgun that will withstand abuse, dirt, mud, rain, etc. and still function. The reason Im leaning towards the 870P is because of its great track record as a police shotgun.

But I will look more into the Benelli and FN shotguns.
 
Really guys, how bad is the Express?

Its 1/2 the price of a New Police/Wingmaster with no internal differences except two $15 parts. The extra $300 are spent on aesthetics plain & simple. Which is perfectly fine, but the 870P/870W is not going to out peform a Express period.

I've owned 2 Police, 3 Wingmasters, and 5 Express models over the years. The Police & Wingmasters did not perform better than my Express models. The only thing "better" in my mind is the ex-PD Wingmaster looked classy with its worn bluing & walnut stocks..... which is purely aesthetics.
 
The Benelli M4 is used by the Marines and had to win its place through testing. It is proven and most consider it to be the ne plus ultra of fighting shotguns. I happen to like the FN SLP better but both are as reliable as any shotgun period. Again, I would recommend the AIP 870s if you go that route. http://aiptactical.com/ If you have the $$$ there is no contest - M4 or SLP. For what it is worth the Mossberg 930 with the GRS is also "bet your life reliable" for about half the $$$. Really, this is like comparing revolvers and semi-auto pistols - the Glocks etc are as reliable as revolvers as a general matter. Any gun can fail.
 
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Its 1/2 the price of a New Police/Wingmaster with no internal differences except two $15 parts.
It don't end there... You have little or no hand finishing of the guts and chamber of the express...

Also, aren't at least one of those 2 items you mention staked in place? If so you have taken one repair cycle out of the life of the receiver. They have a limited amount of repair cycles before it can no longer stake down the part.

Brent
 
I'll second looking at AIT Tactical. I spoke to JD for a half hour or so on selection, and found him very knowledgeable and helpful. For home defense shotguns, he's a believer (rightfully so IMHO) in KISS - put on a good weaponlight, mag extension, perhaps a recoil absorbing stock, replace some of the key Express parts with the Police equivalents, and leave it alone.
 
• 870 Police shotguns go thru a special 23 station check list – ranging from visual inspection, functional testing, test firing, and final inspection.

• All Police shotguns are assembled in a “special build area” at the plant in Ilion, NY. This section is secured and serves only to build LE and Military shotguns, with the same factory personnel working at that assignment each shift.

• All parts that enter the “special build area” are visually inspected by hand to ensure top quality and functionality.

• Due to heavy recoil in buck and slug loads, all 870 Police guns have a longer magazine spring which ensures positive feed and function.

• A heavier sear spring is used to generate a reliable, positive trigger pull between 5 and 8 lbs.

• A heavier carrier dog spring is used to ensure when the carrier elevates the shell, it will be held there until the bolt can push it into the chamber. This ensures positive feeding when using heavier payload rounds.

• Police shotguns do not have an ISS (Integrated Safety System) which is a locking mechanism on the safety of commercial shotguns. This type of locking mechanism can cause delay to an officer who needs the weapon but does not have the appropriate key. LE shotguns have the standard, proven, cross bolt safety.

• The fore-end on the Express model is longer and not compatible with many police shotgun vehicle racks.

• The Police shotguns utilize the heavy duty SPEEDFEED Stocks and Fore-ends.

• The Express model will not allow for the addition of an extension tube without physical modification to the tube and barrel, which can nullify the warranty.

• The Express model has a BEAD BLAST BLUE finish while the Police models utilize either High Luster bluing or Parkerization.

• The Express model utilizes a synthetic trigger housing while the Police models use a compressed metal housing.

• The Police shotgun barrel is locked down with a “ball detent” system in conjunction with the magazine cap vs. a lesser grade “synthetic magazine spring retainer” lock down as used on the Express system.

• The receivers used in Police guns are “vibra honed” to smooth out rough finishes and remove burrs before parkerization or bluing.

• Police shotguns use machined ejectors and extractors, as opposed to powdered metal cast which are utilized on the Express models.



My 870P started life as a Remington 870P. Bought it with the rifle night sites. Put on a Hogue 12" buttstock, Scatter Technologies 6 shell side saddle, Specter Gear CQB sling, GG&G flashlight rail mount, EagleTac T100C2 Mark II flashlight with remote pressure pad tail cap.
Pics were taken before the extension was added.

Using Federal 00 Buck low recoil with Flite-Control wad, it groups a three inch hole at 15 yards.

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