Remington 870 vs. Other Pumps

AFWChair said:
New to the game, looking at a 62 wingmaster in pristine shape, chambered in 2 3/4" for $750... thoughts?

Fixed modified choke...
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You are paying for the pristine condition but……that gun will work just fine in just about any hunting condition for any quarry. Adjust your load (shells) for the different game and that’s a one gun does it all.
 
Jahnj0584 said:
I like the 870 because you can just use it and stop thinking about any of the other options. The ithaca is nice but dirt can get in from the open loading gate (my hunting buddy got his for 300).


I got mine in 2023 for $400. Shoot skeet with it, got my first ducks with it, no regrets. Love the thing.
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Beauty!
 
canvasback said:
You are paying for the pristine condition but……that gun will work just fine in just about any hunting condition for any quarry. Adjust your load (shells) for the different game and that’s a one gun does it all.
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I pulled the trigger, figuratively. I'll post pics when it arrives.

Thanks!
 
The thumb safety and ejector change out are two features that Mossberg has over the Wingmaster.
However I am still a steadfast Wingmaster fanyboy when it comes to pumps.
I also own three model 12's but they are a bit more complicated to tear down and heavier than the Wingmaster- which at times is a good thing as far as weight goes.
Cat
 
870s are great shotguns for sure. That being said I prefer the Mossberg 590. I prefer a tang safety and Mossberg are a dream to reload in 3 gun etc.
 
fat tony said:
You can improve the operation of a Remington Express 870 by carefully drawfiling and polishing the top and bottom of the action bars. This does not take much effort or expense.
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5-10 flats of birdshot and oil on the action bar raceway helps also, and gets much needed training in.
 
StefanGreybeard said:
. Beyond the 870 having sold 11M units, what makes it so great?
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When it came out it was in competition to the Model 12 Winchester... The model 12 was a fine old gun but expensive to adjust and repair as replacing one worn part often required working on the adjoining parts... Most parts were not interchangeable and required fitting... screw up one part and it screwed up others.

All parts in an 870 were interchangeable with other 870's with no fitting required... just about any bozo can do it... and the parts were mass produced so the costs were low. It is a great shotgun that has proved very reliable. I know of one fellow (who passed this year at 101) who bought his 870 in 1952 and used it a lot for over 50 years with no problems. I re-blued it once for him...
 
guntech said:
When it came out it was in competition to the Model 12 Winchester... The model 12 was a fine old gun but expensive to adjust and repair as replacing one worn part often required working on the adjoining parts... Most parts were not interchangeable and required fitting... screw up one part and it screwed up others.

All parts in an 870 were interchangeable with other 870's with no fitting required... just about any bozo can do it... and the parts were mass produced so the costs were low. It is a great shotgun that has proved very reliable. I know of one fellow (who passed this year at 101) who bought his 870 in 1952 and used it a lot for over 50 years with no problems. I re-blued it once for him...
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Exactly!!!

The 870s aren't perfect ... but there is a tutorial out there to fix nearly any issue you might encounter! And spare parts are available plentiful ...
And I can fix it myself .... That is what I really like about the 870s!
 
^seen oversize locking bolt lug (needed fitting) for worn barrels when gravel sold parts. No idea how many rounds that would take. Flex tab conversion an older one maybe if using the gun for personal safety/protection
 
As has been mentioned the Wingmaster from 1950's to 1980's is hard to beat. The rusting of Express is due to bead blasted finish(cheaper) makes it easy for rust to get a toe hold. Higher polish resists rust better. I rate the Wingmaster equal to older Ithaca 37 and Winchester model 12. My personal favorite is Remington model 31. The didn't call it the ball bearing action for nothing.
 
fat tony said:
You can improve the operation of a Remington Express 870 by carefully drawfiling and polishing the top and bottom of the action bars. This does not take much effort or expense.
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Agreed, in 20-30 min with some oil and 800/1000 grit wet dry pepper and you’ll have an Express action that’s just as smooth as any Wingmaster.
 
Having been a Remmy fan boy for several decades (and ex military Dirty Patricia) , I’ve had good luck with that simple bead blasted and blued SPS or Express finish. :eek:

I just dig into my shoe polishing kit for the solution…..Neutral coloured paste wax or head to Cambodian Tire and pick up a can of Carnauba Paste wax. Brush it on with an old toothbrush and spread it around liberally! Rusting solution solved! Now if you’ve got one of those vent rib Express barrels, the older toothbrush and paste wax is your friend. :wave:

For my 870 Police Magnum 3” , I happen to like applying TriFlow CLP along with its cancer causing additives. I love that smell of CLP in the morning! :evil:

Enjoy the 12 gauge addiction!

All the Best!! :wave:



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Some 870 ####!
 

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