Which 3.5 pump old style Remington 870 or new Winchester SXP

[byd]

I need a 3.5 pump for hunting in salt water and have a choice between an old style 870 super mag matt finish or a new Winchester SXP in Waterfowl Max 5 both have 28 inch barrels. The finish is a non issue in this case.

[Baymen Moe]

First of all, nobody needs a 3.5 for saltwater hunting. I will not be the only one to say so. That being said, I have an 870 express super magnum. It got a lot of use in the salt for sea ducks. It took more than a few baths in salt and still works flawlessly. It never fit me well with the bird barrel so it was relegated to my slug gun as it came with a rifled barrel. I can’t speak for the Winchester. After a few rounds of 3.5 inch in a pump you may change your mind.

[byd]

Well if Biden becomes president I or we will have to shoot whatever we can get, so having a gun that will shoot all lengths of shells will be a need.

[California Sprig]

I agree with Baymen, nobody needs a 3.5 for saltwater, freshwater or anything else. I’ve been hunting both waterfowl and upland for over 50 years, never needed 3.5. I used 3.5 one time, that was the last time. I’ve shot everything imaginable with 2 3/4 . If I’m hunting big honkers I may use 3”. Rather than looking for a gun that shoots 3.5” shells, concentrate on a gun that “fits” and feels good and right .

[CountryboyNC]

I have an SXP with 28 inch barrel and really enjoy it. It’s been flawless for me. I’ve shot open water divers and beaver swamp woodies with it. I haven’t had any issues. I got the bottomlands with cerekote receiver. I shoot 3 inch shells with it, don’t really have a need for 3.5. I have since changed to a Stoeger m3500 and the sxp is my backup.

[mudpack]

nobody needs a 3.5 for saltwater, freshwater or anything else. I’ve been hunting both waterfowl and upland for over 50 years, never needed 3.5. I used 3.5 one time, that was the last time. I’ve shot everything imaginable with 2 3/4 . If I’m hunting big honkers I may use 3”. Rather than looking for a gun that shoots 3.5” shells, concentrate on a gun that “fits” and feels good and right .

I remember when much the same thing was being said about 3" 12 gage shotshells and the guns chambered for them. Now, 3" ammo is standard fare for waterfowlers.

To the OP, I'd go with the SXP of those two guns. Just realize that recoil is going to be.....well, noticeable with 3.5" ammo in a pump-gun.

[Hunterhewi]

I would throw one other die hard pump gun into that mix. The browning BPS

[mudpack]

I would throw one other die hard pump gun into that mix. The browning BPS

The BPS is always a good choice, but from the two guns the OP is looking at, I'd say it's not in the budget.

[NW Birdhunter]

The so called "new SXP" isn't really so new. Almost identical to the Winchester 1200. I would take the SXP over an Remington Express.

[lil dinamo]

Between the two you listed the 870 all the way. The BPS is also a good choice too. I say 870 because it would probably have better aftermarket support and parts are probably more readily avialable should something break (Not likely) or need a replacement part.

ETA: It's true you don't need 3.5 for waterfowl, but some people prefer the 3.5 heavy loads and the option is there. Plus resale is generally better for a 3.5 gun should you decided to sell at a later time.

[Hunterhewi]

I would throw one other die hard pump gun into that mix. The browning BPS

The BPS is always a good choice, but from the two guns the OP is looking at, I'd say it's not in the budget.

That may be so, the 870 express are bringing twice the money they are worth right now, i didnt think the SXP i had was built all that well. No where close to the quality of my BPS. You can find dang nice used BPS for $450-$500

[dogyak]

I would say , a 3.5 is really over kill . 3 inch will do it all IMO . If you want a 3.5 inch , a Super Nova is a good choice . It's really priced right , and can handle all lengths .