Well, I got the 870TB

[Kestrel]

Picked it up today. The shop wanted $375, which surprised me. If something is worth $200, they are going to ask $400...

Anyway, the thing looks great. The wood is beautiful. It has a 30" full choke barrel, with vent rib and has a mid-bead. Does not have the flex-tab. Very smooth, good trigger, very good condition. (Actually, great condition.) Blueing is great. The wood is press-checkered, though, just like Dave McC said. The barrel has a "60" stamped on it, near the receiver. Is this a date stamp? Also, on the side of the barrel, where "REP" is stamped, there is a stamp next to it that looks kind of like a Nazi Iron Cross. Not exactly, but similar. Anyone know what this means?

The front bead has a white bead, facing rearward. Would this be original on an older gun? Also, the gun has a Remingon red recoil pad, but also has a couple of thin spacers (plastic or fiberglass or nylon or something) between the recoil pad and stock. It looks factory or professionally done. Is this original/factory?

Thanks for any help!

Don't know why I'm so infected by 870s... I always find myself picking up older 870s at shops to look over...

Steve

 

[riverdog]

Congratulations. Mine cost $350 and I've since changed the stock to a high comb model more suitable for Trap. Very smooth action, great investment.

 

[kudu]

I just saw an 870 TC on the bullitin board at my gun club for $475. It had the Monte Carlo stock on it.

 

[Dave McCracken]

A TB with great wood(and they all seem to have great wood) in good shape is well worth what you paid.

REP is a proof mark, the cross is an inspector's mark.

Spacers are often seen on trap guns. Not factory.

Those Bradley sights are factory installed. I prefer smaller ones, but have become accustomed to these.

Now grab some ammo, hie thyself to a trap range and find out what the words "Claycrunching Death Ray" really mean.

And remember to pattern.

As for 870s, they do not breed and reproduce, but they do multiply.