870 Wingmaster for all around use???

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I am looking at getting an 870 Wingmaster in 12 guage with a 28" barrel for an all around shotgun. It will be used for hunting and clays and it will be my only shotgun I own. I am lucky if I get out twice a year for turkeys and 4-6 times for ducks and geese, maybe once a year for upland birds.

I really detest the new all plastic overmolted with rubber make me wanna vomit shotguns we are seeing lately. Allthough I am sure they do serve a purpose and hold up a bit better in a hostile enviroment. I am only hunting in freshwater areas and beleive if you take care of your gun it will look great for years to come.

What are your thoughts on the new 870 Wingmasters, how is their fit/finish and quality? I would like to hear stories or see pics of people who still hunt with the Wingmaster and enjoy doing so. Thanks
 
You get what you pay for with the new ones but for the use you described, I can't see why it wouldn't serve you very well. They are good value for the dollar.....
 
They are nice guns but I recently sold mine, 2006 model. I think if I did it over again and had to do it with just one gun, I would consider a nice gas operated semi like a Beretta 391 field gun over a pump.

The 870 will hammer the bejesus out of you with 3" turkey loads. The 391 shoots so soft you wouldn't believe the difference.
 
the 870 Wingmaster is "THE GUN" as far as one gun for all purposes. Doesn't matter what anyone on this site or any other has to say about it. That's just a fact of life.
 
Look at a BPS as well. There are also lots of used pumps around, M37s, older 870s, you may be able to pick up a M12 with 3" chamber for under 700.
 
Beretta 391: $1650
Remington 870: $700

Sorry I forgot to mention I have a budget of $700 Max.

Over and under inflated. A Wingmaster costs over $800 plus tax new. If you look around, you can find a 2nd hand 391 field gun for around $1000. New, the prices have almost crept up to that level but for my 2 cents, its worth paying extra if you're only ever going to have one gun vs. selling a Wingmaster which you will take a hit on at that new selling price.
 
the 870 Wingmaster is "THE GUN" as far as one gun for all purposes. Doesn't matter what anyone on this site or any other has to say about it. That's just a fact of life.

Well it may be your one gun for all purposes but it sure isn't mine. I have had 2 of them and wouldn't buy another. But for a new shooter they would be fine.
 
the 870 Wingmaster is "THE GUN" as far as one gun for all purposes. Doesn't matter what anyone on this site or any other has to say about it. That's just a fact of life.
It is "a gun" for all purposes, and a very good one, but not necessarily "THE gun."

I like the 870 and have owned several. An 870 was my first shotgun, I've always had at least one and as of this morning I have another one on the way. :cool:

I wouldn't feel hard done by if all I had was an 870 but were I to have only one gun for all purposes it would be a Beretta 391 or perhaps a Benelli M2 if I did more hunting than target shooting.
 
All depends on the shooter. I shoot a 30" for ducks, my one buddy shoots a 28, my other buddy shoots a 26.

I would choose a shorter barrerl if I only have one.
 
the 870 will make you a very happy shoter i will devower any shells you feed it with out jamming and it will not let you dowm if you forget to clean it once and you can get all knids of add ons should you choice in the future i would go with a 26 inch barrel with screw in chokes this will work for all game mayby a longer barrel is better for swinnging on water fouwl but a 26 with chokes will get it done DUTCH
 
My wife and I each have a Wingmaster, and love them. Their "fit and finish" is excellant, and is much better then an 870 Express. The 28 inch rem choke capable barrel is a good place to start.

Used Wingmaster in excellant condition can be found for $300 or so.
 
Are there different applications for the 26", 28" and 30" barrels? Or is there an optimal choice in barrel length for a do-it-all shotgun?

The applications are which one you swing and shoot better although you typically find a slightly longer barrel on a waterfowl gun and slightly shorter on an upland gun. For me personally, a 28" barrel makes a good all-round length but your mileage may vary.
 
It is hard to knock one of the most popular pump shotguns ever made. Good multi purpose choice. I always have at least one around.
 
I have approx $700 to spend on a gun, all the Beretta 391's I see are either $1400-$1700 same with the Benelli M2's. I have not seen either used on EE in a long time, and the are still upwards of $1200-$1400 used.

The store by me quoted me $699.95 for a brand new Wingmaster, in this price range I can either choose:

Wingmaster
Supernova
Mossberg 930
Stoeger 2000

I have held both the Mossberg 930 and Stoeger 2000, I cant stand the fit/finish on these cheaper synthetic guns. Benelli and Beretta are way nicer fit/finish wise. I feel my money would go a longer way if I buy the best pump gun out there. I had a Browning BPS but it didnt fit me at all, I need more drop at comb and heel like these 4 have.
 
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