The tactical is not legal for hunting purposes. It has the extended tube for extra rounds. It also only has an 18" barrel, which is not conducive to a successful hunting shot. Even in the "non tactical" editions, there is a plug in the tube that prevents you from loading more than 3 rounds at a time. That's all you can legally have to hunt with. You can remove the tube for home protection, but I leave it in there. I keep my .40 in the bedside table and my shotgun is usually behind the door. The .40 gets me to the shotgun and, if I need 5 rounds in my shotgun after having gone through .40 rounds, I've got a bigger problem on my hands than not having the extra 2 shells..
I have a youth model 20ga Express Super Magnum that I've had since I was 13, and it's got a 21" barrel on it I think. It's got a wooden stock, but will eventually be changed over to synthetic when I can get around to it.
I also have a full-size 12ga Express Super Magnum that I use for duck hunting. It has a synthetic stock and is in Realtree camo pattern.
The local PD carries Remingtons and ARs. Mossberg used to be a big favorite until the 870 came around.
I would not recommend shooting a turkey with a slug, nor would I recommend a lead shot, since you'll be eating the meat. All the legal "hunting" ammo is steel, anyway. Target/Skeet load is normally lead. There IS a difference.
For waterfowl hunting, I use #2 shot for ducks and then BB or BBB for geese.
You also have your Super Magnum series, which will shoot a shell 3 1/2" in length. Let me tell you, it makes a difference. Not so much in self-defense, but in hunting where you're making 30yd shots.
I would recommend this to you, if you plan on duck hunting with it..
http://www.remington.com/products/f...70/model-870-express-super-mag-synthetic.aspx
Synthetic is the way to go when it comes to stocks. Virtually indestructible and easy to maintain. My 20ga has a wooden stock, and if I don't keep it clean or take care of it, I'll lose the stock. I plan on replacing it anyway, but that's not the point here.