20ga. 870 Express "youth"~talk me out of this gun!

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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Hey guys~I'd like to add a 20ga. to the collection, and have a WTB add in the EE for a Wingmaster. Still think I'll go that route, but I was poking around online last night and spotted the 870 Express 20ga. "youth" shotgun. Comes threaded for Remchoke tubes (comes with modified) has a 21" VR barrel and if memory serves....is usually offered at around $300 at Bass Pro once a year.

I know older Wingmasters command more than that, are better guns, etc. etc....but that seems like it would be a pretty decent grouse gun considering that would be the only time of year I'd use it. The 12" LOP shouldn't be too small for an adult to use...? Value seems to be good, and I haven't heard many horror stories about 20ga. Express models...even though I'm sure they're simply smaller clones of the 12s, and fit/finish will show all the compromises that I've read about them.

So, talk me out of this gun...or make a case for getting one~I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has some trigger time with them.

Thanks!
 
I recently picked up a used express model in 20 guage and love it. It came with a mod and a turkey choke. Tried a round of trap with it and didn't fair too well. Bought some turkey loads and patterned it. Took a 15 lb jake at 20 yards on day 2 of the turkey season so I'm pleased with it. Fit and finish is as good as can be expected on a used 870 express. Functions well with no hiccups. Will probably use it this fall for grouse. Don't know about the 12" lop but if it fits you then buy it and enjoy it. Cheers Bac4
 
That 12" length of pull will be too short, unless you are a small size adult.

Buy the full size gun. The express is a very good shotgun.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated. I probably will get the full-sized one, just liked the idea of the 21" barrel. I'll keep my eye on the EE, but not too many 20ga. 870s seem to pop-up there. New is an option at the price they sell for.
 
Im 5'11 and my wifes 870 youth Express is too short for me. I cant hit a moving target reliably with at all. My 870 Wingmaster fits me like a glove. The extra barrel length is a non-factor IMO.

On a side note, the fit and finish of the Wingmaster over the Express isnt even comparable. They are worlds apart. A new Express barrel will fit an old Wingmaster, you'll just have to replace the mag cap with an Express style mag cap as well.
 
Thanks for the info guys. Sounds as though I should keep-up my search for a Wingmaster. Haven't had any luck finding an affordable-ish one.
 
.22LRGUY said:
Thanks for the info guys. Sounds as though I should keep-up my search for a Wingmaster. Haven't had any luck finding an affordable-ish one.
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Hit up some gun shows.

My wife liked my Wingmaster so much she refused to use her Express and wanted her own. We found a mint condition early 70's model with a 26" fixed skeet choke barrel for $300. I scoured the EE and found a NIB Express barrel (ribbed and remchoked) for $100, then a mag cap for $10.

So for $410 we had a mint condition Wingmaster with 2 barrels. The Wingmaster is a gun which will last you a lifetime and never fail. Its well worth the investment.
 
Only "bite" I've had so far (here on CGN) is a nice...but not mint specimen for $600. It's more than I want to spend, and strikes me as being a little inflated with respect to the gun's value. I could be wrong. I expect to pay more than what a new Express would be, but not double.
 
I have the Junior Express in 20. Nice gun, it's pretty ideal for me when I go grouse hunting in the woods / bush areas around our cabin.
The key is fit - go to a dealer and try one for fit.
I'm @ 5'8" and the wife is a hair under 5' and it works for us.
 
I'm almost 6'2", and no dealers around here seem to stock them. I'm guessing it would be a little short. The search continues!
 
.22LRGUY said:
Hey guys~I'd like to add a 20ga. to the collection, and have a WTB add in the EE for a Wingmaster. Still think I'll go that route, but I was poking around online last night and spotted the 870 Express 20ga. "youth" shotgun. Comes threaded for Remchoke tubes (comes with modified) has a 21" VR barrel and if memory serves....is usually offered at around $300 at Bass Pro once a year.

I know older Wingmasters command more than that, are better guns, etc. etc....but that seems like it would be a pretty decent grouse gun considering that would be the only time of year I'd use it. The 12" LOP shouldn't be too small for an adult to use...? Value seems to be good, and I haven't heard many horror stories about 20ga. Express models...even though I'm sure they're simply smaller clones of the 12s, and fit/finish will show all the compromises that I've read about them.

So, talk me out of this gun...or make a case for getting one~I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has some trigger time with them.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I got one for my 10th birthday and still have it (and will always have it).

12" is too short a LOP for all but the shortest of grown men. The good news is that you can buy a replacement stock to get you to 14" which is average. Then you have a gun that you can teach any kid to shoot on while still being able to use it yourself.

That is Winning!
 
Iron Glove said:
I'm @ 5'8" and the wife is a hair under 5' and it works for us.
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Fit me fine when I was 10 too (I was between your wife and you for height at that point). Thankfully my father saw the writing on the wall and got a full size stock for it. Anyone 6' or taller that is using the short LOP stock has no idea how to shoot a shotgun properly.
 
3macs1 said:
Epps shows one in stock with the regular stock which is what you will need at 6/2

NG50683 REMINGTON 870 SPORTSMAN FIELD SLIDE 20 GA X 3"
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Thanks for the tips guys. I've never seen one of these "Sportsman Field" 870s, looks like the only difference is the walnut with the laser-engraving. Are they any nicer than the regular laminate stock? "Nicer" being a relative term...and I did notice the gold-plated trigger. :)
 
.22LRGUY said:
Thanks for the tips guys. I've never seen one of these "Sportsman Field" 870s, looks like the only difference is the walnut with the laser-engraving. Are they any nicer than the regular laminate stock? "Nicer" being a relative term...and I did notice the gold-plated trigger. :)
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From the few I have seen not a wingmaster but a nicer express for a few more dollars and comes with three choke tubes
From remington:
A special run on one of the most classic shotguns of all-time, the Remington 870 Sportsman Field combines the reliability of the 870 action with graceful fleur-di-lis checkering on the stock and fore-end. The twin bead sights and gold plated trigger offer additional enhancements not found on standard 870 guns.

Available in both 12 Ga. (28" bbl) and 20 Ga. (26" bbl) the Remington 870 Sportsman Field has you covered. Includes 3 choke tubes (IC, Mod, Full).




Features

•Twin Bead Sights
•Gold Plated Trigger
•3 choke tubes
•Solid walnut stock and fore-end with fleur-di-lis checkering
 
I have the wood version of the youth 20 gauge 870. Its seen 500 rounds or so through it.

Its an 870 Express. Rough shotgun. I use it for ruffed grouse hunting when I was up north. Its great walking through dense bush chasing birds. Ive shot trap with it too. Its ok.

I honestly would recommend the Browning BPS over the Remington. No comparison in quality.
 
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