What finish is on the 870 Tactical? Parkerized?

[RyeDaddy]

Hey all. Thinking about trading my Mossberg 590A1 for an 870 Express Tactical, just for something different. I've got three different versions of the Mossberg 500/590's, so I could use some variety.

Having carried both weapons for extended amounts of time I'm very familiar with them and the merits of their designs, just haven't seen the newer 870 Tactical in person and I'm trying to figure out what kind of finish it has. Remington hasn't emailed me back, maybe they won't. I'm hoping it's a parkerized finish as opposed to some kind of black Duracoat type spray on. (No disrespect to Duracoat).

Anyone have one that can chime in?

 

[AcceptableUserName]

Please just don't do that. I can't answer your question but I've owned both and I would not make that trade. Seriously.

 

[Pony Express]

My 870 express is parkerized...I wish it were duracoat.

 

[roo_ster]

My Rem 870 is a kluge:
Receiver high polished Wingmaster blue
18" BBl matte Express blue
Mag Extention parkerized

But, it runs slicker 'n owl scat.

 

[JNewell]

I don't think the trade would be an error from a hardware point of view - I have owned both and own only 870s now, but I think it's pretty much six of one and half a dozen of another, so if there'a any cash involved on your part it is probably a financial "mistake." I put that in quotes because bigger mistakes are made every day for even less compelling reasons...anyway...to your question...

Among my 870s is a "Tactical" model. The finish on the Express 870s is a caustic bluing on a bead blast surface, and the new Tactical model is no exception - the finish is neither a Parkerized (or other phosphate) finish nor a spray & bake coating (unless you get one of the gray ones, which I think ? have a powder coat finish). Frankly, it is not one of the world's more durable metal finishes, if that matters.

Edit to add: based on the example I've got, I think Remington has addressed the issues with the Express line. This one is pretty well finished, considering the price point, and cycles smoothly and reliably. I very much like the threaded muzzle, though I tossed the goofy standoff choke tube into the box and put a regular tube in the barrel. I'm giving this gun good marks for function and value.

 

[AcceptableUserName]

No offense, JNewell, but how does the hardware even compare? The 590a1 is a tank. Match up the barrels and trigger assemblies. The 590a1 is the real deal and in my opinion the finest defensive pump available, all things considered. The 870p equals it but for about twice the price. The Express can't compare to either, just like a Maverick can't. Good guns, yes? Equal trade? Not in my opinion.

 

[JNewell]

Start with the trigger assembly - the only advantage of the 590A1 would be the metal trigger plate, no? I dislike plastic but let's face it, plastics may actually be superior to metal in some applications. Drop a shotgun on the rocks and a metal triggerguard may deform enough to obstruct function. Plastic probably just scratches. Are there other design or materials advantages to the trigger assemblies? I am discussing, not arguing.

 

[AcceptableUserName]

You're right...in some ways the polymer may be stronger. It sure is lighter. But I think added weight on a shotgun for an able bodied individual is a positive because it does help soak up recoil. The metal safety is very much less prone to breaking than the polymer ones though, and the heavier barrel could theoretically make a difference if the shotgun was ever put through extreme stress, such as firing with water in the barrel or something thast would increase tolerances. Probably wouldn't happen and isn't recommended in any event, but still. It's there. It's also heavier which is a positive like I stated above.

I've owned 4 expresses and 3 590a1's and the 590a1's have destroyed it in fit and finish to be honest. I've had not a single real issue with a 590a1.

Not tyring to attack the 870, I like them, merely discussing the guns in question. The 18.5" standard Express is still the heaviest recoiling pump I've ever owned. It doesn't bother me, but I might as well note that.

 

[JNewell]

In my limited experience, having only dropped a couple of shotguns on the rocks at the shore metal is not a good choice. At least, the 870 metal triggerplates can be badly damaged. Have not had that happen with the plastic but haven't tried an A/B test.

What's the deal with the heavier barrels on the A1? Just trying to be Marine-proof? Stronger with a bayonet (which is not a consideration for any HD situation I can imagine, at least not on a shotgun)?

 

[WutUpGeez]

Don't do it...the 870 tactical models are exactly like the express models...crap.

 

[WutUpGeez]

The 870p equals it but for about twice the price.

Where are you buying your shotguns, man??

You can get an 870p for $480-$500...hardly that far removed from the price of a 590A1.

 

[RyeDaddy]

Well, if the general assembly's consensus is that it's not worth doing, I'll stick with the 590. I wouldn't part with the parkerized finish. Other than that it seems I'd be giving up a bayonet lug and an extra shell for the ability to use chokes which is a wash to me. But I've done some reading on the 870 Tactical's finish and found that people were able to remove it with solvents? Not what I'm looking for.

I'm happy with the Mossberg, I was just looking to own something different. It's not worth trading down for though, and that's what I feel like it would come down to.

Thanks for the help, and to all a good night!

 

[FruitCake]

Mossberg versus 870. What does law enforcement use most of should answer the question. Just my observation.

 

[JNewell]

But I've done some reading on the 870 Tactical's finish and found that people were able to remove it with solvents? Not what I'm looking for.

Only on the internet, not in real life, unless you are possibly reading about the gray "powder coat" or similar finish. I can't speak to that one. The regular blue-black finish is not coming off with solvents.

 

[Youngster]

Well, if the general assembly's consensus is that it's not worth doing, I'll stick with the 590. I wouldn't part with the parkerized finish. Other than that it seems I'd be giving up a bayonet lug and an extra shell for the ability to use chokes which is a wash to me. But I've done some reading on the 870 Tactical's finish and found that people were able to remove it with solvents? Not what I'm looking for.

I'm happy with the Mossberg, I was just looking to own something different. It's not worth trading down for though, and that's what I feel like it would come down to.

Thanks for the help, and to all a good night!

I'd get a Wingmaster or a 'P' *any* day over a Tactical, even if I had to go used. The new Ithaca Defence models might be worth looking at, if you don't mind not being able to remove the barrel.