If it *is* the 3-1/2" chamber, leave it for the duck and goose hunters. For general-purpose shotgunning, the more common 870 Express is a fine choice. With easily interchangeable barrels, it can go from skeet gun to home defense gun in a minute or less. I think a Remington 870 - especially one with the matte finish metal and either dull oil-finished wood or black plastic stock (your choice), is a fine second long gun. There... the thread lives!