Older WM's are smoother as a result of the finish - parts such as the action bars were polished before blueing. Older WM's also have a polished blued steel mag follower and the trigger mating surfaces were polished. So, while the parts may be the same, they aren't - as a direct result of the level of finish applied. Out of the box, new WM's and Police 870's are slightly more refined than the Express.
870 Project Gun Question
- Thread starter rkm456
- Start date
True, but if you'll be able to put your hands on 29 years old Express (that's when they started making them I believe), take a close look at the quality and cycle the action. I can tell you though...it was much nicer than now. QC is partially the reason why I no longer own any 870, but of course that's just me. It's actually cheaper to buy a high quality shotgun right away, instead of spending time and money to make 870 work as it suppose to (and as I found out there is no 100% guarantee that it actually will work even with all the money invested). Regards.
Shooter_01
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Durham Region, Ontario
Agreed.
In addition, my recently purchased 870 Police Magnum is every bit as refined as any other Wingmaster I've owned - new or vintage. I'm VERY impressed!
Sorry everybody for the off topic, but I'll keep it short.
I like the Benelli Nova/Supernova line of shotguns. One of the sponsors here has a Nova Tactical for sale at $550. If you are eligible for the military discount, that price goes down to $495. Sweet deal if you ask me. Receiver protected from the elements, chrome lined chamber (probably nicest machining available on the market), bolt and barrel also chromed, high quality ghost ring sights. Twin action bars, very good placement of the controls. Not so great trigger, but otherwise a very good platform. Comparing to Remington, one gets a great quality shotgun with no need for any upgrades at lower price that the "tactical" line of Remington Express. Parts are available even via Brownells. Mossberg also offers some decent choices those days too. I would go out and give different shotguns a try before committing to one brand. Good luck!
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Sounds like you are set up just fine than. Benelli used to be very difficult to accessorize. Not any more. Mag extensions, light clamps, recoil reducing system, recoil pads...one can make them even better easily.
870 is a step back (while still functional) from Benelli line of shotguns in terms of quality and function in my opinion, but there is nothing wrong with owning one. Just like 1911. There are better handguns out there, but Browning's creation is still running strong.
Those are actually the parts I'm waiting on. Both of them are getting Nordic followers and mag extensions. and the SBE II is getting an bigger bolt handle and button. I'm very happy with the SBE II as is, but would like the larger controls for hunting where I've got gloves one. If the parts are here today or tomorrow, I intend to have them both out at the range this weekend. I'll post up some pictures here when I'm done with both of them for those who might be interested.
