Which Remington Express to get?

84wh1

84wh1

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
219   0   0
Location
somewhere in between Saskatchewan and Ontario
Good evening. I'm just around the corner from getting myself a new shotgun. I'm planning to get a an 870 Express that im throwing magpul stock/ forend on it. My question to you guys is which shotgun to get? Im going with either the 870 Express tactical (495$ @ Wolverine) or the basic 870 Express 18" (379$ @ Wholesale sports). The tactical is a little bit more but comes with more goodies, but the cheaper one allows for more customization (aftermarket rails, red dot, true glow "bead" sight etc....). Im thinking that in the end the cheaper gun would cost me more money but then its maybe a little more "personal". Im also concerned that the "add ons" would not be as good as installed from the factory. Whats your opinions?
 
If you're thinking of doing up a custom build, then the cheaper one is my suggestion. Ether way you are probably doing a full customization, and no sense in paying for cheap factory parts that you'll end up replacing anyway. Happy shopping either way :)
 
Personally I wouldn't get either.
Find an old wingmaster, and use that as your foundation. Much better quality.

Just my opinion.
 
25077 is the model number you want. It comes with an untapped reciver, but you mentioned truglow bead so that shouldn't concern you. The 25077 is the full length 7 rnd tube with an 18" barrel. Since your throwing magpul furniture on it, doesn't matter how cheap the stock plastic is. Also, not all that much different than a wingmaster, and a simple judicious use of a stone and file will smooth out the action out of the box.

I'd say look for that model.
 
Thanks for the tips guys. As for the factory tactical version, what parts are "cheap factory parts"? As for wing master, I would prefer to get my hands on one, but I don't wanna spend wingmaster money.

As for the build itself, I'm looking to keep it fairly simple. Magpul stock, maybe the "stumpy" angled post, top pic rail (benefits of the tactical version is that it already come with one drilled and tapped!), and a better optic. I like red dots (my other 2 guns have them) but I also like the ghost rings on the tactical version. I'm still a little unsure of which one to get.
 
Funny thing is, I think I recall seeing a used Wingmaster a few years ago for something like $250 at my local shop... I would've gladly picked it up at the time, had I known what it was.

But, I would consider the costs of what you want to do with the what's included... $380 to $500 is a big jump if you think about it as a 30% increase, but it seems like much less when you think that it's only $120 difference ($130, if you include taxes). You mentioned you want a top rail... At the very least, that'll involve buying a rail and drilling/tapping the receiver. If you're comfortable modifying the receiver yourself, you can certainly save money by getting the cheaper version. If you're planning on taking it to a gunsmith to do the work, I suggest you find out how much it'll cost you... IIRC, drilling and tapping my Ithaca for a top rail was going to run me about $100, give or take. Assuming your quotes are similar, and assuming you find a rail for $30, you've already put your "savings" towards performing one modification available on the tactical version.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for modifying everything... I think it gives a much more "personal" result, as you mentioned above. But, if your goal is to save money, then I would price out what modifications you would have to do to a basic vs tactical version and figure it out from there. On the one hand, you're going to replace the stock regardless of which one you go with. On the other hand, if you don't want to drill and tap the receiver yourself, you'll need to get it done by a professional. Depending on the cost, you might end up spending the same amount (or more) regardless of which one you buy, without all the extra goodies (which can always be sold to recoup some losses).
 
Sounds like you have your mind made up. Spend the extra and get the one with rail already mounted. You cn turn it into a wingmaster quality gun later, by buying a few parts and cleaning up the arms and reciver. Super simple, and my new express went from a gritty feel to a 2 finger racking in one hour. In fact, the only part I want from a wing/police is the metal trigger guard. The rest is fine by me, and even the metal guard is splitting hairs for a gun that isn't in combat.

I went the full s&j route so tapped reciver made no diff. I will keep this as my slug and buck gun, so red dot with mbus is my ticket. Everyone is different.
 
Last edited:
I just picked up a Wingmaster 2 weeks ago for $279. They are still available, just not on the EE (they want double). Epp's has them in quite often for under $300
 
Build it from a basic model, it's way more fun. :)

Older wingmasters are great to work on, and can be found at a great price pretty regularly. The one significant downside, in my opinion, is that they won't handle 3" shells without a new barrel and a bit of work on the receiver. I don't actually use 3" shells for anything, but it's nice to never have to worry about ammo getting mixed up somehow.
 
The no 3" shells was a no go for me. Once you add the cost of barrel, youre on the losing end. Add to that the need for a tube extension and the fact that you're shelling for a nicer stock thats gonna be replaced and it becomes clear you're paying for a name more than anything. Again, a few peices and an action cleanup and you've got a 'wingmaster' that holds 3" shells no prob and is modified to how you want it.

the fact that he wants a 'tactical' shottie should negate that gun unless he's prepared to replace most everything but the reciver. A tactical shotgun is cyl bore, high capacity, short, runs 3" shells, and isn't priced a lot more as new because of 3 parts and a 'polished' action.

They make awesome do all guns though.
 
Just for my curiosity, why is no 3" a deal breaker for you?

I have never found myself wanting for more from any 2 3/4 shell.
Your gun can hold more 2 3/4 vs 3", and there are shells out there for every situation.

Just my opinion but I find 3' a waste.
 
3" is ok for hunting, especially when using steel shot. At the range most people use 2 3/4 or even 2 3/4 managed recoil when you can get them. 100 or so 3" magnums in a tee shirt on a summers day isn't a lot of fun, both on the shoulder and the pocket book
 
"...the cheaper one allows for..." So does the other one. They're the same thing. The term 'tactical' is a marketing term only that just adds $116 to the price.
 
sunray said:
"...the cheaper one allows for..." So does the other one. They're the same thing. The term 'tactical' is a marketing term only that just adds $116 to the price.
Click to expand...

I noticed yesterday that someone pointed out that your specialty is misinformation...

My turn:
The express tactical isn't a huge improvement over the standard express, but as the OP already mentioned, it comes with ghost ring sights, a rail mounted on the receiver, and a breacher choke as well.

It would cost more than $116 to purchase those items, so if he wants them, it isn't just a marketing term at all... but a bit of a deal.
 
buy the base model and build from there, just make sure it has the standard mag not the stupid fixed 7 rd mag tube, that was you can build it how you like.
 
84wh1 said:
Thanks for the tips guys. As for the factory tactical version, what parts are "cheap factory parts"? As for wing master, I would prefer to get my hands on one, but I don't wanna spend wingmaster money.

As for the build itself, I'm looking to keep it fairly simple. Magpul stock, maybe the "stumpy" angled post, top pic rail (benefits of the tactical version is that it already come with one drilled and tapped!), and a better optic. I like red dots (my other 2 guns have them) but I also like the ghost rings on the tactical version. I'm still a little unsure of which one to get.
Click to expand...

Look for a wingmaster receiver $200-250

I built a kick ass 870 14" barrel +1 extention , with urbino stock, 6 round side saddle over sized safety no jam follower for about $550 all in.
 
pauls said:
Just for my curiosity, why is no 3" a deal breaker for you?

I have never found myself wanting for more from any 2 3/4 shell.
Your gun can hold more 2 3/4 vs 3", and there are shells out there for every situation.

Just my opinion but I find 3' a waste.
Click to expand...

One of the pluses of a pump shotgun to me is it's not finicky on ammo, and being able to run 2 popular sizes means I have the ability to run most ammo sold and that I may come across. Limiting a gun to 2.75 is simply limiting the adaptability of a platform that's supposed to be flexible.
 
I think that You already received the best advice two posts above.
Go as base and standard as You can.
If You'll ever decide to change anything on your shotgun it's going to be much more easy to find the right parts.
Things are changing over the years and even if today You feel like You won't replace anything it may not be true in the future.
This is a base, standard Police model that I bought a while back and was perfectly happy with it. Wood stock, 18" barrel with bead sight up front.



Well, after a period of time I decided to buy two more barrels, changed the stock for the more ergonomic one.
Now I'm saving money for Vang modification (with no porting on a short barrel), plus one Vang extension, Mesa shell holder, new finish and Big Dot XS Sight up front.
I simply decided that I want more versatile shotgun (two barrels - short bead and 18 rifle sights - are giving me much, more flexibility) with better handling characteristics overall.
Standard 18" barrel and wood stock made this shotgun too big for my needs, however by simply replacing the wood with Magpul and shorter, 14" barrel I have much more handy package now.


By going with less, popular model You'll make any future modification far more difficult.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:
badboybeeson said:
buy the base model and build from there, just make sure it has the standard mag not the stupid fixed 7 rd mag tube, that was you can build it how you like.
Click to expand...

Just courious why you don't like the one piece tube? Aside from limited barrel options it is the right barrel(IMO) for a tacical shotgun and the one piece tube won't jam up when firing at high speed.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom