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I own an 870P tactical straight from Remington with the surefire fore end,synthetic stock,etc. I also own several 870's that I've customized myself. The 870 is a very easy gun to work on IMO.
First off, the difference between the 870P and any 870 mechanically speaking is very slight. The 870P is assembled on a different line as they pay more attention to the chamber and carrier group and polish them up for a smoother action, something that you can do yourself or what happens over time using the gun. The biggest difference is the heavier sear spring and the heavier dog carrier spring. Also, if I remember correctly, you also won't get the funky plastic "J" lock safety button. Sights are dependent on how the gun was ordered (rifle vs Bead); the 870P has an 18" barrel. The heavier springs are used due to the heavier use they would see in a police department vs an average shotgun shooter. You also have an extended magazine on the P models if it's a Tactical model.
Cosmetically, the 870P typically comes with the parkerized finish. Some of the older ones came with a blued finish, these are usually the ones with the walnut stock and fore end. You won't see these much unless it's an old one or a department special ordered them. Most of the newer ones come with synthetic stock and fore ends.
Unless you plan on putting a lot of rounds through your gun, the P might be over kill. If you want your 870 to look like an 870P tactical, you can do most of it yourself for a lot cheaper, to include buying the heavier springs and building it yourself. One thing I will caution against is if this is what you want to do, the Express model requires you do some filing down of a small "tit" in the magazine tube if you plan on putting a magazine extension on. The Express fore grip is also shaped slightly different and this can interfere with your ability to add a side saddle shell holder. The Express fore grip when cycled back, will hit a side saddle shell holder as it is longer so it would have to be changed out.
What I would suggest is that you get a regular 870 ( magnum or even a 870 tactical) , make what ever modifications you want and then invest in different barrel lengths for your intended use. You can get different barrels for fairly cheap and switch them out as needed, such as an 18" for HD or walking in the bush, and anything longer for skeet/Ducks/turkey or a rifled one for deer. In the end you'll probably spend less than the 870P and have a more versatile gun for less money.
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