an 870 is built like a brick sh*thouse, you can't wear them out if you tried, there is a reason they are the best selling shotgun of all time. As for whether they are a beginners shotgun or not the answer is yes and no. My first gun was an 870 youth 20 gauge so it is a beginner's gun. But you can also get it in 12 gauge 3.5" magnum which is far from being a beginner's gun haha.