WOW, haha this thread was from when I was looking around for my first 870

In other words "many shells ago"
::Why not an update::
I went with the express from Walmart, I had to pound out the "dimples" in the mag tube to fit a mag extension on it.. Long story short, I parted out my Walmart 870 on ebay and sold the receiver on a forum (this decision was influenced by 870Pilot

) anyway's I actually made more money parting it out then I paid for the shotgun. Next I bought a used HD express 870 (BiG 5 type) with no dimples in the mag tube for $180, I then parted and sold everything off except for the receiver/trigger/bolt/carrier/forend rail/nut. I took that money and bought parts I personally prefer, now I have a shotgun I absolutely adore that has never given me a problem to this day. Durable/reliable/ = Priceless
Personally, I don't mind the express finish, if I get a knick on it I wont kick my self in rear for it.. But now that my express has proven itself to me, I have no problem dropping money down on a nice durable refinish.