870 tactical express/ im a newb to shotguns

[cellmass]

ok i have a few questions, first off thank you guys for your time in advance.

however this is my first shotgun but not my first firearm. i have no idea about shotguns and dont want my first shotgun to be my first KB.

i have a 870 express tactical synthetic( i opted for this because i love XS peep sights ). the barrel is stamped with 2 3/4 - 3" shells with a star symbol. whats the star all about?

and me being a dummy i bought some express MAGNUM buckshot 00 with a length of 3" and 15 pellets. the box says "YOU NEED A 3" MAGNUM SHOTGUN TO SHOOT THEM!" that statement has me worried to use them. can i safely use this ammo in my shotgun? the serial number on the reciever is RS59-- B. what does the serial # ending in B mean?

and also would like to know if my reciever is milled or stamped? i literally have no clue with a shotgun, i just know how to use it. thanks again.

[cellmass]

im mean...... it looks like my shottie has balls. guess i'll just call remington. thanks anyways.

[tudurgs]

????

[Virginian]

Your shotgun can shoot all 2-3/4" or 3" loads. The star is so someone else can't easily alter the markings without you being able to spot it. The Express came out after Remington quit making 2-3/4" 870s.
The receiver is milled solid forged steel.
Can't help you with that serial number. It would appear Remington has changed something and those prefixes and suffixes are not in any of my data. I must assume it's new. The prefix used to tell me when it was made, roughly, like 'S' started in 1968, and 'W' started in 1984. The 'V' suffix used to mean 12 gauge 2-3/4", and 'M' used to mean Magnum, and 'A' meant Super Magnum (3-1/2").

[cellmass]

thanks virginian. after some research i figured any 3" load was safe out of a 3" chamber. i thought the star was because i was special (damn ). but thanks for your time. ya i purchased the shotgun new but cant find anything about remington date codes on their website. HK has the date codes on there website so i figured remington would. didnt find anything with a B involved.

[cellmass]

i was going to buy a mossberg, but heard the 870 was the most accomplished, and when i heard remington bought marlin firearms, i got the 870.