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Icopy1 · November 19, 2008, 07:46 AM

I was in the same situation you were a five years ago. So, I bought both. Now I have an 870 Police Magnum with bead sight and an Ithaca DS Police Special with rifle sight. Both are great guns, and I would trust my life as well as my family's on either if needed. Pricewise, they are about the same on the used market. If buying new, the Ithaca will cost way more than the 870 of similar grade.

A few points of difference: The pre-'87 Ithaca's cannot chamber 3" rounds. The Ithaca has a steel receiver and the 870 has an aluminum but the Ithaca is lighter. The Ithaca does not have a disconnector. You can hold the trigger down and keep pumping until you are out of ammo. Very fun.

November 19, 2008, 07:46 AM	#6
Icopy1 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 415	I was in the same situation you were a five years ago. So, I bought both. Now I have an 870 Police Magnum with bead sight and an Ithaca DS Police Special with rifle sight. Both are great guns, and I would trust my life as well as my family's on either if needed. Pricewise, they are about the same on the used market. If buying new, the Ithaca will cost way more than the 870 of similar grade. A few points of difference: The pre-'87 Ithaca's cannot chamber 3" rounds. The Ithaca has a steel receiver and the 870 has an aluminum but the Ithaca is lighter. The Ithaca does not have a disconnector. You can hold the trigger down and keep pumping until you are out of ammo. Very fun.