870 questions? clarity required
- Thread starter slipper
- Start date
blasted_saber
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A blue part of Ontario
Fit and finish are superior on the Wingmaster. It has a walnut stock with a deep blued receiver. The Express is half-assed parkerized with either a cheap laminate or synthetic stock.
I have 25 y/o Wingmaster which is easily the slickest pump Ive ever handled. It cycles flawlessly any shell suitable for its chamber length. I handled a new Express over weekend and was disgusted by how it felt. It was rough and cheap compared to the Wingmaster.
Remington has had a lot of problem the past few years. I dont think I'd buy an 870 under 10 years old. Which isnt a problem as their lots of used ones out their.
Express barrels will fit Wingmasters (as most used ones come with a fixed full choke), you just have to replace the mag cap as well.
I have 25 y/o Wingmaster which is easily the slickest pump Ive ever handled. It cycles flawlessly any shell suitable for its chamber length. I handled a new Express over weekend and was disgusted by how it felt. It was rough and cheap compared to the Wingmaster.
Remington has had a lot of problem the past few years. I dont think I'd buy an 870 under 10 years old. Which isnt a problem as their lots of used ones out their.
Express barrels will fit Wingmasters (as most used ones come with a fixed full choke), you just have to replace the mag cap as well.
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blasted_saber
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A blue part of Ontario
I can agree with that. My wife has an Express about 10 years old; its stock is actually wood (birch maybe?), not laminate, and it actually feels somewhat OK.
The brand new one I handled was just disappointing in every way. The laminate is ugly, I felt that if I ran my hand down the rib it would rub the flesh right off my fingers it was so rough, the pump release was thin and jagged, almost sharp. I was with a friend looking for a shotgun for him, and he ended picking up a nice used 3" Win 1200 with 3 chokes and a wrench for $100 less then a new 870 Express. Even though im a staunch 870 Wingmaster guy, I gave the approval of the Winchester.
I have had several express guns. The first express was one I bought used in the early 90s. I think the stock was beachood and the gun looked like a rough finished wingmaster. That was the only good express I ever had. If the only thing I could have was what they sell today, the one with a file for a rib, I would quit shooting and take up archery.
If one has a little patients there are lots of older wingmasters that can be had for a steel. Cut down they make a good utility or camp gun. Cheap enough so that with a new barrel the price is reasonable. The 2 3/4 inch can be converted to 3 inch by changing the ejector. The latter probably should be done by a smith, but in the meantime there is a lot of 2 3/4 inch steel that will handle decoyed geese.
If one has a little patients there are lots of older wingmasters that can be had for a steel. Cut down they make a good utility or camp gun. Cheap enough so that with a new barrel the price is reasonable. The 2 3/4 inch can be converted to 3 inch by changing the ejector. The latter probably should be done by a smith, but in the meantime there is a lot of 2 3/4 inch steel that will handle decoyed geese.
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- Location
- Saskatchewan
Chamber length is a matter of personal preference. I shoot almost all of my geese with 2-3/4" shells, and I shoot a lot of geese every year. But others will tell you 3" or 3-1/2" shells are far superior. I think the older 2-3/4" chambered guns are a very good value on the used gun market because of the perceived "superiority" of longer chambers.
But then, I also don't mind fixed modified choke for most waterfowl hunting. Any old full choke 870 can be reamed out to modified for $50-$80.
But then, I also don't mind fixed modified choke for most waterfowl hunting. Any old full choke 870 can be reamed out to modified for $50-$80.
blasted_saber
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A blue part of Ontario
Is their any outward appearance change to the conversion?
Yep. The rivets on the side of the receiver that holds the ejector in place will not match the color of the receiver unless the whole thing is re finished.
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Seems like the good old days were always better. I think the quality of the wingmaster before the steel was required was slightly better. I also think that the quality of the express gun when first introduced was far superior to the express today
Without a dout I have a 1988 built express( bought it new in 89 )its built like a tank compared to what is on the market today. the stock is walnut stained birch and has the parkerized finish I have used it for sal####er waterfowling and it show not one bit of rust where as the new one seem to rust in high humidity.the trigger group is metal as well not the space age polymer like the ones today.if I recall I paid right around $ 300.00 including taxes at that time.
Without a dout I have a 1988 built express( bought it new in 89 )its built like a tank compared to what is on the market today. the stock is walnut stained birch and has the parkerized finish I have used it for sal####er waterfowling and it show not one bit of rust where as the new one seem to rust in high humidity.the trigger group is metal as well not the space age polymer like the ones today.if I recall I paid right around $ 300.00 including taxes at that time.
I have an 870 Express super magnum synthetic stock if you want a show piece buy something else these are not that
If you want a servicable gun it is for you never had a Jam or missfire.
Fit and finish is reflected by the price I paid $340 new for mine and prefer the matt finish but it does require a good cleaning if out in the rain
If you want a servicable gun it is for you never had a Jam or missfire.
Fit and finish is reflected by the price I paid $340 new for mine and prefer the matt finish but it does require a good cleaning if out in the rain
I am glad that you have a good one
Many who have an express, especially the super-mag do not have such a glowing report
The popularity of the 870 was earned mostly on older wingmasters and the early express and sportsman models. No matter how little one pays for an express, the consumer deserves better than present day Remington quality in all of their shot guns.
