Help! Which 870 to get?

[Borden811]

I've been looking for a short barreled 870 to customize for a dedicated turkey gun. I'll probably cerakote the metal, and it will definitely end up with a pistol grip stock. I've found the following 2 guns, but can't decide which one to get. I need your opinions on which is the better deal.

Gun 1 is an 870 special purpose, 21" barrel, matte black metal, synthetic black stocks, a white bead, and a Remington xx full turkey choke for $299.

Gun 2 is an 870 express turkey, 21" barrel, matte black metal, sure shot camo stock and forearm, fiber optic sights(front and rear both have broken fibers), a b-square mount, bushnell 1.75-4 power scope, and a comp n choke 0.655 choke for $450.

Gun 1 I would add a pistol grip, and an aftermarket choke, and a fast fire.

Gun 2 I would scrap the b-square, scope, and I'm not a big fan of the shut shot. I'd probably give the comp n choke a try with some longbeards, and hevi 13 shells. I might try and modify the sure shot by cutting out the piece that connects the bottom of the pistol grip. Or keep it, and sell the b square and the scope to decrease the cost. The sights would need replaced, or just add the fast fire.

What's the difference between the express and special purpose?

What's the better deal, what would you guys do?

[K9Doc]

Get the cheaper if it's in great shape. Special purpose
Typically more expensive because of the name

[Longshanks]

Good option is go to Dicks sporting goods. You can get a 870sm turkey special, tapped, sights, Camo dipped gun for around 400.00. You will be ready to hunt after some time at the patterning board.

[owlhoot]

You might check the barrels with a good bore light.  Some of the remington barrels have a rougher bore than others with tooling marks, my early 90's 21" barrel really shines ,but a 2012 model i polished a lot , and never did get them out. A smooth bore might pattern better.

[jepcho]

Based off what you are wanting to do, and out of those two choices I'd go with the first choice. Special purpose is generally a more expensive gun and sounds like you would scrap most of what is making gun 2 more money.

[longislandloco]

JMHO, go with gun #1, should be easier to get to your happy place.

[captpete]

I would go with gun 1 if it's in good condition.  Like said before, it's a better gun from the start. My understanding is the main difference between a SP & an express is the SP has machined parts verses stamped parts for the express. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

[Roost 1]

#1 special purpose is a much better gun. It is prolly already drilled and tapped.
You can find s great choke in the classifieds here. Put an ATI stock on it and a DIY camo job
and go you will be set.. You will be much better off with that old special purpose than any new Remington gun.. IMO
Good luck

[Borden811]

Looks like number 1 for the win! I'll report back when I get her home

[surehuntsalot]

I would certainly get the older special purpose and stay away any kind of "new" remington

[Gooserbat]

A special purpose will have the final finish work that an express won't.  I personally would get the special purpose as it sounds like an older gun from the good old days.