i bought a new 870 yesterday. The barrel says 2 3/4 3 and 3 1/2 inch shells. But the reciever does not say magnum, just says express. Does this mean i can or can not shoot 3 1/2 out of it?

should be fine to shoot 3.5s if the bbl says you can.

The "Express" is a model variation. As 13point... said, the barrel is marked with the chamber sizes it's designed for. You can shoot up to 3.5 in. shells in it.

ok, thank you both.

A 3 1/2" bbl will fit on a 3" receiver. You need to check your receiver SN or ejection port length.

I would check with remington. I was always told that only recievers marked magnum will shoot magnums, and like was already stated you can put any barrel (2 3/4 or 3 or 3 1/2) on any reciever.

It does not matter what your barrel says. In order for you to safely fire 3" shotshells, the serial number on the receiver (not the barrel) must end with the letter "M". This letter indicates a "Magnum" receiver.

Otherwise, you are limited to 2-3/4" standard and 2-3/4" magnum shotshells.

If your receiver isn't built to handle 3-1/2" shells, the bolt and ejection port will be too short to properly cycle or eject empty hulls.

The reciever will be marked with an M ont he serial number if it is capable of shooting 3 inch. Their will be a similar marking for Super Magnums as well.

DO NOT shoot anything bigger then 2 3/4 shells out of that gun.