870 Project Gun Question

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rkm456

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Okay folks, I'm thinking about undertaking the wonderful money wasting procedure that is a gun build. I've had a few different shotguns but I've never had an 870. I'm also being seduced by some of you guys with your short 8, 12, and 14 inch barreled guns. So I'm thinking about starting a project. Having said that what I really came here to ask is would those of you who are knowledgeable about such things recommend starting with an Express, or a Norinco?

It's tempting to just buy a $250 12.5 barrel Norinco and then just smooth out the bumps as they appear, but I thought I'd ask here being as you all seem pretty knowledgeable about such things. Thanks in advance and sorry if this has already been covered. I did a search but nothing popped up.
 
12.5 is as short as you can go with regular action bars.

Between an express and a norinco, I dunno. I would always say I'd rather start with an old wingmaster.
 
rommelrommel said:
12.5 is as short as you can go with regular action bars.

Between an express and a norinco, I dunno. I would always say I'd rather start with an old wingmaster.
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The 8 inch guns are fun to look at, but I value my fingers too much to have them that close to the mouth of the beast.

I'll definitely look for one, but they aren't always an option. Hence the question.
 
romurra said:
X2 for the wingmaster. They are pretty common, if there isn't a one now there likely will be in a week or two.
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The only ones I've seen recently have been 2 3/4 guns. No reason that when the time comes I can't wait until a 3 inch gun surfaces though.
 
I started out with a Norinco 870 w/ 12.5" barrel. Then I upgraded to a well used Wingmaster w/ a Norinco 12.5" barrel. Then I upgraded the Wingmaster several times whenever a really good deal came along on the EE (selling the old shotguns and barrels, usually at a small profit each time).
If you want a multi-purpose shotgun I would recommend a WM with several interchangable barrels. (I have a 14", 21" and 28" for mine). If you just want a cool defensive/tactical short barrel shotgun I would also recommend looking at the new Turkish shotguns (ATA, Uzkon, etc) they are as cheap as a used WM and significantly lighter (aluminum receiver).

Wingmaster with interchangable barrels:



ATA Etro 8 14.5", Rem Police 14", Wingmaster 14" & NEF Survivor 18.5":
 
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I have a 12.5 Dominion and an old WM - go with the WM. Barrels shorter than 14 inches require compromises, with the 14 there aren't any. As far as shooting 3 or 3 1/2, why? There is nothing you can do with a 3 1/2 that you can't do with a 2 3/4, especially in a tactical context, unless you have a source for cheap 3-3 1/2 shells of course. If you do have a source for cheap 3 inch shells, you can have an older WM converted very economically to shoot 3 inch shells.
 
enefgee said:
I have a 12.5 Dominion and an old WM - go with the WM. Barrels shorter than 14 inches require compromises, with the 14 there aren't any. As far as shooting 3 or 3 1/2, why? There is nothing you can do with a 3 1/2 that you can't do with a 2 3/4, especially in a tactical context, unless you have a source for cheap 3-3 1/2 shells of course. If you do have a source for cheap 3 inch shells, you can have an older WM converted very economically to shoot 3 inch shells.
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I don't want a 3 1/2 inch gun. I would want 3 inch though; reason being ammo availability.
 
Tom E Gun said:
I started out with a Norinco 870 w/ 12.5" barrel. Then I upgraded to a well used Wingmaster w/ a Norinco 12.5" barrel. Then I upgraded the Wingmaster several times whenever a really good deal came along on the EE (selling the old shotguns and barrels, usually at a small profit each time).
If you want a multi-purpose shotgun I would recommend a WM with several interchangable barrels. (I have a 14", 21" and 28" for mine). If you just want a cool defensive/tactical short barrel shotgun I would also recommend looking at the new Turkish shotguns (ATA, Uzkon, etc) they are as cheap as a used WM and significantly lighter (aluminum receiver).

Wingmaster with interchangable barrels:



ATA Etro 8 14.5", Rem Police 14", Wingmaster 14" & NEF Survivor 18.5":
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I'm really digging that 14 inch WM. Nice wood.
 
rkm456 said:
I don't want a 3 1/2 inch gun. I would want 3 inch though; reason being ammo availability.
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2 3/4 to 3 inch conversion is fairly straightforward and can be done quite cheaply, the money you'd save on trying to turn an express into as good a shotgun as an old WM will more than cover the cost. A 14 inch WM is a functional work of art.
 
enefgee said:
2 3/4 to 3 inch conversion is fairly straightforward and can be done quite cheaply, the money you'd save on trying to turn an express into as good a shotgun as an old WM will more than cover the cost. A 14 inch WM is a functional work of art.
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Yeah, there's something about the wood stocked short barrels that I'm really digging. As much as I like the Magpul, etc. furniture, I've already got a couple Benellis so I'm kind of good for the literal black shotguns. This is also exactly the kind of info I'm looking for.
 
What exactly is so much better about a Wingmaster receiver?

Aren't they made with the exact same blueprints as an Express model?
(I know they have a nicer finish)
 
Someone posted a video on CGN a year or so ago showing an old black & white movie of the Remington WM production line including the vibra-hone process that makes the WM and Police models so smooth.
 
Dexter Morgan said:
What exactly is so much better about a Wingmaster receiver?

Aren't they made with the exact same blueprints as an Express model?
(I know they have a nicer finish)
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From what I understand some of the internal parts are made from better materials in addition to a better job being done in the finishing process. I believe the same applies to the Police models. Admittedly I'm far from knowledgeable about 870's. Hence my OP.
 
- Wingmaster receiver will need tapping if you want a rear sight to match a 12.5" DA blade sight.

- DA barrel finish won't match a Wingmaster finish. If that matters. DA barrel closely matches Express receiver.

- Remington 14" barrel has raised pedestal sight, instead of bead found on many DA barrels which negatively affect POA/POI.

- Might want to add a +1 extension with a 14" barrel to keep a flush look.
 
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