RE: buying a shotgun
 

Fit and finish. There may also be some barrel length differences, but any good length from 26 to 30 inches will do just fine. I like the 28 inch barrel. I have not bought one for a while, but that price sounds high on the Express. I would shop around a bit. I also think a camo finish is a waste of good money, but that is just my opinion. Tom.

RE: buying a shotgun
 

are they magnums???

RE: buying a shotgun
 

My grandfather had an 870 Express Magnum, and my dad had an 870 Wingmaster, and both are older than I am and still functioning. My grandfather's was the only gun he ever carried in the woods, and the only time my dad didn't have his was when he carried his 20gauge Wingmaster rabbit hunting. All 3 are nearly as old as me or older, and are used every year deer, turkey, andsquirrel hunting. My cousin has started using my grandfather's since he passed away a few years ago and has had 0 problems with it as well. I have 3 870's-1 20gauge Express Magnum, 1 12gauge Express Magnum, and 1 12 gauge Express Slug gun. The newest is 9 years old. All work flawlessly, and for the money they're probably the best you can get unless you wanna pay twice as much and get a BenelliNova.

In summary an 870 is far from a starter gun you use for a couple years then replace. As long as you don't abuse it it'll still be going long after you can't carry it in the woods anymore.

RE: buying a shotgun
 

The two you listed are both Super Magnums. The 3.5 at the end denotes 3 1/2 inch shells.