[BobKat]

I'm in the market for a new shotgun and was wondering what you folks thought about purchasing from a store such as Sportsman's Warehouse or Walmart or.... Pros and cons, if any. Specifically, I'm looking at an 870 for home defense and didn't know if the best place to purchase would be from a dedicated firearms store/dealer, or a big box store. Of course I want the best price but I also don't want to get a lesser quality item. I know everyone has their own opinion so I'm looking for input from others to better educate myself. Thanks in advanced guys.

BK

 

[Stryker6]

I mainly purchase firearms online the prices are cheaper than at most gun shops.

 

[captain-03]

I have bought 4 870s over the years -- 3 were purchased at Walmart - the 4th was on sale at Bass Pro. Just could not beat the price at Walmart - even on-line by the time I paid shipping and FFL transfer fee.

However, look around and you may be able to find a good used one ... they are built really well and it would not be very expensive to recondition it.

Put a Want To Buy ad on here -- may get lucky

 

[BearsBoy]

Sometimes only new will do. In that case, find the best price wherever it is.
But for me, I like something that has been used a bit. AND at a great price. Seems like there is an 870 in the classifieds now...
Good luck whatever you do!

 

[msredneck]

Depends on it you snazzy you want it.

For Plain Jane 870's wally world is still pretty hard to beat..

Of course if you want a nicer gun like the wingmaster or something special, you'll probably have to go to a gun shop...and even then they have to special order it

It all depends :idk:

U don't have to tell anyone you bought a gun at china-mart :evilgun:

 

[jbpmidas]

PM BeauBeaux. I believe he has some HD shotguns in stock. He lives near Corinth.

 

[BobKat]

Thanks for the replies.

So basically shop for price since an 870 is an 870 no matter where it's purchased. Just the basic stock 870 Express 12ga. for HD is what I'm looking for.

When purchasing online it seems that shipping and transfer fees drives up the cost more so than sales tax.

I've got my eye on a new one this weekend but if I don't pick it up I'll most likely go the classified route since I don't have anything against going with one that's "broken in".

Thanks for lead, jbpmidas, I may do that.

 

[Scharfschütze]

I recommend trolling the pawn shops for a good used 870; should be able to find one for $200-$250. Our local shop in McComb had 8-10 870s last week. The end of hunting season is a good time to look, also find them in the classified. Remember what you want it for, it doesn't have to be "purty". Then you spend about $100 (new - used I've found as low as $40) on an 18" IC barrel - rifle sights or bead your personal preference. Then another $20 - $50 for an extended mag(plastic or aluminum, again your preference). You now have a great HD shotgun, for much less than buying a factory made HD shotgun.

 

[sidroski]

However, look around and you may be able to find a good used one ... they are built really well and it would not be very expensive to recondition it.

I got 4 (none for sale) and got them all FTF for a fair prices. All plane jane and pretty fair shape. Got one from this forum.

 

[BeauBeaux]

Thanks for the replies.

So basically shop for price since an 870 is an 870 no matter where it's purchased. Just the basic stock 870 Express 12ga. for HD is what I'm looking for.

The Remington Express has the magazine tube that won't let you load the extra rounds with an extension without gunsmithing work. Remington put a couple dimples about an inch down in the tube.

Be glad to help if I can.

Thanks JBPMidas.

 

[BobKat]

Thanks for the replies.

So basically shop for price since an 870 is an 870 no matter where it's purchased. Just the basic stock 870 Express 12ga. for HD is what I'm looking for.

The Remington Express has the magazine tube that won't let you load the extra rounds with an extension without gunsmithing work. Remington put a couple dimples about an inch down in the tube.

Be glad to help if I can.

Thanks JBPMidas.

Thanks BeauBeaux,

How much gunsmithing? What would you estimate for cost? The 870 I'm looking at doesn't have the extended tube and I will likely want to add it at some point. $250 for the 5 round as opposed to $330 for the 7 round.

 

[BeauBeaux]

Not a big job to do. Should be able in your area for $40 I'm guessing.

I have Weatherby, Winchester and Mossberg HD shotguns in stock at present. Problem is I'm an hour and a half away from you down 72 hwy. Your savings would be eat up with gas prices. Not trying to discourage you just being honest.

If you can't find what you really want or they won't get it for you PM me and we'll work it out.

 

[Scharfschütze]

The Remington Express has the magazine tube that won't let you load the extra rounds with an extension without gunsmithing work. Remington put a couple dimples about an inch down in the tube.

You are right, I forgot about this! All of my 870s are Remington Express 870s. About 5 minutes of work with a file easily removes those dimples so that you can use the extended magazine /spring/follower. Very easy to do. Just be patient and be sure to use compressed air and then oiled rags to thoroughly clean the metal filings out of the mag tube before you reassemble and use the 870.

 

[BobKat]

Thanks for the replies, you guys helped a lot. I think I will stick with purchasing the 7 shot. By the time I file down the dimples and buy the extended magazine /spring/follower, I could just buy the 7 shot.

 

[BeauBeaux]

From your post and PM I think this is what you are looking for.

 

[BobKat]

From your post and PM I think this is what you are looking for.

Yes, that's the one.

 

[BeauBeaux]

PM sent.

 

[jbpmidas]

If you sell one, I better get a comission! :lol3:

 

[BeauBeaux]

Sometime wanting and what one can affford is two different things.

So if the sale is $000.00 let me see comission on that is. Crap, the battery in my calculator just died. Must have been to much on it.

Do appreciate your giving me the recomendation.

 

[jbpmidas]

I do what I can! I'll bring batteries when we meet up for the drums. Maybe we'll get the commission figured out then.