RE: need help w/ my rem.
 

Wait a second. All Expresses to my knowledge are chambered for 3 inch. 3 inch chambers became standard on 870's in 1985. The barrel warning is for what Whiskeysnoot mentioned, don't put the barrel off your express on an older Wingmaster that isn't marked 'magnum' and shoot 3 inch shells.

Blast away with those 3 inchers, buddy! Oh, and edit out your message with some bleeps. ;)

RE: need help w/ my rem.
 

You can ONLY shoot 3" shells if their is a "M" at the end of the serial number. If their is not an "M", you can ONLY shoot 2 3/4" shells. The "M" designates magnum receiver. Their is a reason that designation is on their. It's NOT safe.

RE: need help w/ my rem.
 

Longrifle is right. But I still think all Expresses have a 3 inch chamber.

RE: need help w/ my rem.
 

You stated in your post in the waterfowl board that you got it in the used section at Gander Mnt. If you got it at a Gander Mnt why not just bring it back there and let their gunsmith take a look at it and give you a definate answer. I don't think anyone on here would be too comfortable giving you an answer without seeing the gun themselves.

Don't go buying a new gun. There seems to be nothing wrong with the one you've got , you just need to know what you can shoot out of it. If you find it only shoots 2 3/4 , so what. You are a new hunter, it may acctualy help you. Having the lighter load will force you to wait a little longer for a good shot and not push bad shots relying on the extra power of the larger shells.