I just bought 3" rem. hi velocity magnums for my rem. 870 express 12 gauge pump. When I looked at the barrel of my gun it read "

[pjsabella]

I just bought 3" rem. hi velocity magnums for my rem. 870 express 12 gauge pump. When I looked at the barrel of my gun it read "use 2 3/4" or 3" shells in magnum receiver, use only 2 3/4" in all others." What does this mean? Can I shoot my 3" magnums in this barrel or should I just shoot 2 3/4"?

[DSMbirddog]

I haven't looked at any new 870's but in the past it said Magnum on the receiver. Your barrel is okay for 3" Magnums.

[Kody]

I have an assortment of Rem 870 barrels in different chokes for guns of my own and those past down to me from different relations. I believe it is possible to install the old Remington 3 inch mag barrel onto the 'receiver' of a 2 3/4 inch 870 Remington shotgun. NOT A GOOD IDEA! Exercise some caution here as you may be messing with real danger. Perhaps I am mistaken in this matter, but the old adage about stupid questions as opposed to stupid mistakes would apply here. If your receiver is open to debate compare it to a 870 clearly labeled on its RECEIVER to be a 3 inch magnum to make sure you are on the same page. Still uncertain check with a gun smith.

[Dcast]

No you should not shoot magnums out of an express that the receiver isn't marked for magnum loads. The barrel can handle magnum loads but the receiver cannot.