870 Special Purpose

[hlq]

While checking out some gun shops today I came across an 870 "Special Purpose". I'm wondering what the difference is between it and the Express Model?

It looked to have a 28" mod cyl barrel. The stock was a little beat up and though well used seemed to be in good mechanical shape. I was thinking of getting an 18.5" barrel and make a HD gun project out of it.

He was asking $175, does that seem like a decent price?

thanks,
hlq

 

[amkus]

"Special-purpose" is synonymous with "riot shotgun". These generally refer to short barreled shotguns with tacticool gadgets on them. It's pretty much just a marketing term.

I don't recall seeing 870's being sold as "special purpose", so it might just be something the dealer made up to get people to buy it.

It should say on the reciever what type of 870 it is, such as "Wingmaster" or "Express".

$175 sounds pretty good, depending on if it's components are all working good.

Edit- using "the google", I've found that Remington has made several shotguns it's labled under "special purpose". However, it didn't really give any descriptions of each.

870 SP Special Purpose Magnum (1985)
870 SP Special Purpose Deer Gun (1986)
870 SPS Special Purpose Synthetic (1991)
870 SPS-T Special Purpose Synthetic Turkey (1991)
870 Special Purpose Thumbhole Stock (2006)

It sounds like they're hunting shotguns.

 

[hlq]

This one does say "Special Purpose" on the receiver. Based on what you found in may be the 1985 model.

 

[ilmonster]

I have seen 870's labeled on the left side of the receiver where it usually says "Remington 870 Express Magnum" labeled "Special Purpose". They ususally have a 870P or Express type finish (parkerized or rough blued, not sure) with non-chromed bolts. Don't know much else, but they do exist.
p.s. $175 is a great price for a functioning 870!

 

[Virginian]

The SPs started out in the 1980s as primarily serious hunter's guns - waterfowlers and/or deer hunters more interested in function than form.

 

[CZguy]

I have seen 870's labeled on the left side of the receiver where it usually says "Remington 870 Express Magnum" labeled "Special Purpose". They ususally have a 870P or Express type finish (parkerized or rough blued, not sure) with non-chromed bolts. Don't know much else, but they do exist.

This is accurate info. I own one.

It's basically a 870 Express, that is labeled "Special Purpose", with a Turkey barrel, and a bead blasted blue/black finish.

Remington also makes a 870 Wingmaster "Special Purpose". That is much more expensive.

$175.00 is a very good price. (depending on condition)

 

[CoRoMo]

I agree with amkus.

Not the first part where he was wrong, but the later part where he realized he was wrong.

 

[mgkdrgn]

He was asking $175, does that seem like a decent price?

If it's in good working order, yes it is.

 

[Fred Fuller]

All the 870 SPs I have seen were parkerized with dull-finish walnut furniture. Other than that- they were your basic magnum receiver 870s with 3" chambered barrels. I can't say whuch line they came from- Wingmaster or Express, all I have ever seen for sale (in used condition) were priced more like Wingmasters though.

$175 is IMHO a very good price.

lpl

 

[hlq]

Thanks for the replies, if it's still there Monday I think I'll pick it up.

Time to start looking for a shorter barrel. I will be using this primarily as a HD gun but would like to be able to take it in the field also. I'd like the option of shooting shoot and slugs and maybe rifle sights. I thinking a smoothbore 18.5' to 21'' barrel with sights.

Opinions.. Options.. ?

thanks,
hlq

 

[CZguy]

Opinions.. Options.. ?

Sights can be useful in the field, for slugs.

An 18 1/2 barrel with bead sights is ideal for home defense in my view.

 

[Dominus]

A good deal is a good deal....
I got this one and am happy with it, 7 shot and 18" barrel:
http://www.remington.com/products/f.../model_870_folding_stock_7-shot_Extension.asp

 

[hlq]

Picked in up this afternoon

Picked it up this afternoon. I'm looking forward to refinishing it and getting it ready for this summer! It looks a little rough but the action seems tight.

 

[Virginian]

You did good. I bet you are going to be real happy with that gun.

 

[jmr40]

Over the years Remington has had several "Special Purpose" shotguns. The originals had real parkerizing, not matte blueing. They came with walnut stocks and cut checkering. They were basically a Wingmaster with a low gloss finish. They had seperate special purpose versions set up for hunting either ducks, turkey or deer. Some of the later versions are in reality no different from the Express models.

At any rate $175 seems a great price and judging from the pictures the metal looks good on yours. I could be wrong, but yours looks like the parkerized finish instead of matte blueing. If it were mine I would replace the stock and forend with a factory synthetic and call it good.

 

[ilmonster]

Wow, that looks great! Aside from field stripping it and giving it a good cleaning, I would add a Rem. R3, Supercell, or Limbsaver recoil pad and start putting some rounds through it. Nice SG!

 

[adobewalls]

Great shotguns, especially the older ones. Built to use, not show off.

They make great foundations for projects.