Opinions on first 12Ga Purchase - Wingmaster (Where to Buy?)

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BunnyPower

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Hi Everyone,

I recently joined the CGN community. I completed my Firearms safety course and hunting course earlier this summer and have now had my PAL for several weeks. While I was waiting for my application to be fulfilled, I browsed many stores to check out what might be my first firearm. Not surprisingly the top two recommendations that I received were the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. Between the two, I definitely was more impressed, and felt more comfortable with the 870 option. I am not a fan of was the synthetic and laminate stock options that come with the express and sportsman series. While these shotguns appear to offer great value, I am fussy on the fit and finish details. I felt that these entry level options left something to be desired.
I came upon a sale at a local retailer (pre-PAL) and stopped in again to check out the selection. They had, in stock, the Remington 870 Wingmaster. I could immediately see/feel the difference between this model in comparison with the Express. (whether or not the 2x price tag was seen is another question). However, I have it in my mind that I want my first firearm purchase to be one that is quality/reliable, and I can pass down when the time comes. I did not have my PAL at this time, and wanted to make this purchase the right way, as opposed to having a friend with a PAL purchase and hold for me.
I am very meticulous with my possessions, and this purchase would be no exception. Having missed the first sale on the Wingmaster, I have already established a price in mind to what I now hope to be able to pay for this firearm. However, returning at a later date I found that there were no Wingmasters available. The Sales associated said these are hot sellers, and they have no indicators of when they may receive more inventory. I see that there are other stores carrying them in the GTA, but at a higher price.

To through an option into the mix, I am now considering the Browning BPS. I am afraid that this might be a compromise. Both are nice shotguns, but I have only used 870's in the past.

The salesman also put a Remington 1100 sporting in my hands. While also a very nice option, much more money. I am thinking of sticking with a pump action for my first purchase.

Used is also an option. Aside from the selection at my local stores, I am not finding a lot of outlets for used firearms.

Are there any other options that I'm missing that are on the same playing field as the Wingmaster or the BPS? Are there any other places I can go for reliable used firearms? Thanks!
 
Wingmasters are great i love my 870 like butter compaired to shotguns ive used or owned before lots of people when i was new to firearms and this forum suggested the Wingmaster. It all comes down to what feels good to you purpose and price is a 4000 dollar gun gonna be better than a 200 probably will both work for the task more or less.
 
If you do check out that site make sure you only go with a local deal and face to face transaction only . I'm sure you don't need to be told this
 
If you have pretty much decided on the model(s) - an 870 Wingmaster (which IS twice the gun the 870 Express is, and worth the added cost) or a Browning BPS - and that would be a tough call for me - both excellent shotguns - the Browning is however, a bottom eject, so if some day you plan on selling it or passing it along, the Browning can be used equally by lefties or righties,

and are now only "price shopping" for a brand new model - since you are in Ontario you should check out Le Baron's. They have a store in Ottawa and two in the Toronto area (Markham and Mississauga).

When I'm trying to figure the pricetag for firearms at work I always look up what LeBaron's and Cabela's is selling them for compared to the smaller on-line dealers.

In many cases I can't even match LeBaron's prices with them often coming in at or only a few bucks over the wholesale price for the firearm - not in every case, but enough that if I was the "average consumer", they would be the first "price check" that I do.

If you are not near Toronto or Ottawa you can check their online catalog at LeBaron dot ca to get the price for what you are after - then start your "haggling" with the local shop.

Do keep in mind if you ordered a rifle/shotgun and had it shipped to your door from one of the big retailers you would be looking at 25-35 bucks to get it to you (or the cost of gas to drive there and back) - so be fair and factor that in when dealing with your local gun dealer - see if they can match the "to your door" costs.
 
Not interested on the Mossy ?

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1286326-20-off-Mossberg-Shotguns-W-S-S

:)

BunnyPower said:
Hi Everyone,

I recently joined the CGN community. I completed my Firearms safety course and hunting course earlier this summer and have now had my PAL for several weeks. While I was waiting for my application to be fulfilled, I browsed many stores to check out what might be my first firearm. Not surprisingly the top two recommendations that I received were the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500. Between the two, I definitely was more impressed, and felt more comfortable with the 870 option. I am not a fan of was the synthetic and laminate stock options that come with the express and sportsman series. While these shotguns appear to offer great value, I am fussy on the fit and finish details. I felt that these entry level options left something to be desired.
I came upon a sale at a local retailer (pre-PAL) and stopped in again to check out the selection. They had, in stock, the Remington 870 Wingmaster. I could immediately see/feel the difference between this model in comparison with the Express. (whether or not the 2x price tag was seen is another question). However, I have it in my mind that I want my first firearm purchase to be one that is quality/reliable, and I can pass down when the time comes. I did not have my PAL at this time, and wanted to make this purchase the right way, as opposed to having a friend with a PAL purchase and hold for me.
I am very meticulous with my possessions, and this purchase would be no exception. Having missed the first sale on the Wingmaster, I have already established a price in mind to what I now hope to be able to pay for this firearm. However, returning at a later date I found that there were no Wingmasters available. The Sales associated said these are hot sellers, and they have no indicators of when they may receive more inventory. I see that there are other stores carrying them in the GTA, but at a higher price.

To through an option into the mix, I am now considering the Browning BPS. I am afraid that this might be a compromise. Both are nice shotguns, but I have only used 870's in the past.

The salesman also put a Remington 1100 sporting in my hands. While also a very nice option, much more money. I am thinking of sticking with a pump action for my first purchase.

Used is also an option. Aside from the selection at my local stores, I am not finding a lot of outlets for used firearms.

Are there any other options that I'm missing that are on the same playing field as the Wingmaster or the BPS? Are there any other places I can go for reliable used firearms? Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
Get the Wingmaster. You wont regret it. My Wingmaster was my first gun, and is one of my few "never sell" guns.

Beautiful wood. High gloss finish. ALWAYS. GOES. BANG.

It kills deer, birds, and bunnies. I'd shoot a bear without a second thought and trust my life in a hairy situation with it.
 
I would also highly recommend the Wingmaster. It is the kind of quality firearm that can be used for years and then can be passed down to future generations. If you keep an eye on the EE there are always used Wingmasters being listed.

This one was bought, lightly used, by my father nearly 40 years ago, was passed on to me about 10 years ago and will be passed on to another generation eventually (top):
IMG_6740_zpseotyovbe.jpg
 
I compared the wingmaster to the express and the only thing the express had over it was a left hand option.

so it's now my mission to search for a minty 28-30" lefty wingmaster.

I tried the browning bps but the fit wasn't quite there for me

WSS has the Remington for $820 right now, I believe it was. If it was LH I would have bought it on the spot.

I ended up finding a nice used 11-87 instead, which has the same fit (same dimensions?)
 
Remington stopped making a left handed Wingmaster a good few years back. They did start producing L/H models in the early 70's and end of the 80's kinda comes to mind as possibly the last of the run, at least in anything besides the Express line.

In the late 90's they did make a left 870 Wingmaster Turkey gun as an anniversary model for one of the Turkey organizations, but there just a little over a thousand or so made and they were uber-fancy with a shorter "turkey barrel".

They did also make a lefty in their 870 Wingmaster Trap models but they may have canned that before the regular L/H Wingmaster.

So if you are set on the Wingmaster, and it must be a lefty, you are relegated to a used gun that is (probably) 30 years old, or older. And given that they don't come up for sale often by the look of it, you are going to have to jump on quick if you do run across one.
 
Why would you look anywhere else? The EE on this sight is THE best place to buy guns. Lots of very nice Wingmasters sold on here, all the time . I've bought 2 in the last month. Good luck in your quest.
 
Thanks for the great feedback!

jTin said:
I think you covered all the options , have you tried used firearms.ca?
Click to expand...
I did browse this website recently, though I did not see what I was looking for. There were 2-3 Wingmasters. Nothing local. Thanks for the recommendation!

galamb said:
If you have pretty much decided on the model(s) - an 870 Wingmaster (which IS twice the gun the 870 Express is, and worth the added cost) or a Browning BPS - and that would be a tough call for me - both excellent shotguns - the Browning is however, a bottom eject, so if some day you plan on selling it or passing it along, the Browning can be used equally by lefties or righties,

and are now only "price shopping" for a brand new model - since you are in Ontario you should check out Le Baron's. They have a store in Ottawa and two in the Toronto area (Markham and Mississauga).

When I'm trying to figure the pricetag for firearms at work I always look up what LeBaron's and Cabela's is selling them for compared to the smaller on-line dealers.

In many cases I can't even match LeBaron's prices with them often coming in at or only a few bucks over the wholesale price for the firearm - not in every case, but enough that if I was the "average consumer", they would be the first "price check" that I do.

If you are not near Toronto or Ottawa you can check their online catalog at LeBaron dot ca to get the price for what you are after - then start your "haggling" with the local shop.

Do keep in mind if you ordered a rifle/shotgun and had it shipped to your door from one of the big retailers you would be looking at 25-35 bucks to get it to you (or the cost of gas to drive there and back) - so be fair and factor that in when dealing with your local gun dealer - see if they can match the "to your door" costs.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback. I am somewhat partial to the idea of the side eject. I have never fired a shotgun with bottom eject, though I cannot see that I would necessarily be bothered by this configuration. I am using pretty good with haggling. Good to know that I may have some play with the advertised prices of local shops. One of the local (private) shops mentioned that the cost of firearms are rising due to the falling dollar. Though this does not seem to be the case for all shops, it is an incentive to purchase early.
I do need to take a drive down to LeBaron’s. It’s not exactly down the street from me, but I have heard good things. My instructor from my Firearms Safety Course recommended this store as well.

Aprilia Man said:
Not interested on the Mossy ?
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1286326-20-off-Mossberg-Shotguns-W-S-S :)
Click to expand...
Looks like there are some good deals here. I can see purchasing one of these in the future as a utility firearm ie: a synthetic firearm that I will not have to worry about scratching and banging up, if I should be so unfortunate.

blasted_saber said:
Get the Wingmaster. You wont regret it. My Wingmaster was my first gun, and is one of my few "never sell" guns.
Beautiful wood. High gloss finish. ALWAYS. GOES. BANG.
It kills deer, birds, and bunnies. I'd shoot a bear without a second thought and trust my life in a hairy situation with it.
Click to expand...
This is exactly my philosophy going into this purchase.

Tom E Gun said:
I would also highly recommend the Wingmaster. It is the kind of quality firearm that can be used for years and then can be passed down to future generations. If you keep an eye on the EE there are always used Wingmasters being listed.

This one was bought, lightly used, by my father nearly 40 years ago, was passed on to me about 10 years ago and will be passed on to another generation eventually (top):
IMG_6740_zpseotyovbe.jpg
Click to expand...
This is beautiful gun!

Mark-II said:
I compared the wingmaster to the express and the only thing the express had over it was a left hand option.

so it's now my mission to search for a minty 28-30" lefty wingmaster.
I tried the browning bps but the fit wasn't quite there for me
WSS has the Remington for $820 right now, I believe it was. If it was LH I would have bought it on the spot.
I ended up finding a nice used 11-87 instead, which has the same fit (same dimensions?)
Click to expand...
Life is tough for lefties. I recall back to elementary school days; the race for the only left handed pair of scissors. :) Fortunately I am right handed, but I do have sympathy for you guys.

jim1226 said:
Why would you look anywhere else? The EE on this sight is THE best place to buy guns. Lots of very nice Wingmasters sold on here, all the time . I've bought 2 in the last month. Good luck in your quest.
Click to expand...
I’m still trying to gain access. It does not appear to be as easy as the site rules suggest. I think the MOD’s have issues with my ISP? I am not sure. Hopefully, I will have access shortly.
 
jim1226 said:
Why would you look anywhere else? The EE on this sight is THE best place to buy guns. Lots of very nice Wingmasters sold on here, all the time . I've bought 2 in the last month. Good luck in your quest.
Click to expand...

I just noticed your location. You're awfully close to me. I'm assuming that the two guns you purchased were not both Wingmasters? If my assumption is wrong, AND you might want to part with one someday, let me know :p
 
I was given a new Wingmaster when I turned 20. I'm 57 now. Until 10 years ago (when I got into SxS) it was the only gun I used. Beat the crap out of it, rarely cared for it properly. Never, ever had a problem. Gun fit me well (that's a personal thing and important for you to figure out) and if a Wingmaster fits you, I would highly recommend one. There is a reason the 870 is the best selling shotgun in history and the Wingmaster is the class of the bunch.

If money is important to you, your best bet is to watch the EE here and find a good used one. Don't be ina rush....although I know it's hard not to be. As previously reported, the EE is one of the best places to buy and sell. And as a newbie with zero feedbacks, best way to build trust with other members here is to buy things and gain feedback.
 
galamb said:
Remington stopped making a left handed Wingmaster a good few years back. They did start producing L/H models in the early 70's and end of the 80's kinda comes to mind as possibly the last of the run, at least in anything besides the Express line.

In the late 90's they did make a left 870 Wingmaster Turkey gun as an anniversary model for one of the Turkey organizations, but there just a little over a thousand or so made and they were uber-fancy with a shorter "turkey barrel".

They did also make a lefty in their 870 Wingmaster Trap models but they may have canned that before the regular L/H Wingmaster.

So if you are set on the Wingmaster, and it must be a lefty, you are relegated to a used gun that is (probably) 30 years old, or older. And given that they don't come up for sale often by the look of it, you are going to have to jump on quick if you do run across one.
Click to expand...

I can afford to be patient for the right one :)
In the meantime I'm also going to look for a good honest 1897. Common to find, but commonly pretty worn.
 
galamb said:
If you have pretty much decided on the model(s) - an 870 Wingmaster (which IS twice the gun the 870 Express is, and worth the added cost)...

No question that between the two models the Wingmaster has better quality finishes than an Express. I was lead to believe, however, that the mechanicals (trigger action, bolt, extractor, slides etc) are identical. Am I wrong? Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
Thank-you all for the advice. I picked myself up a new Wingmaster earlier this week. I am comfortable that I made the right choice. :d
 
I collect shotguns and among many I own an 870 wingmaster and an 870 express in both 12 and 20 gauge. I have fired both quite a bit. The only difference between the wingmaster and the express is finish. If you are going to just shoot the piss out of it and take it hunting then go with the express. It will cost half. I also own a Browning BPS. I find the BPS has a very slick action compared to the 870. I find myself ramming the action when i am getting excited. Now my suggestion to this mix. I also own a Remington 887 nitromag that i use as my "Beater" I have heard a lot of bad crap about these but mine is bulletproof. It functions flawlessly and you could drag it behind a truck and it would still come out just dandy.


EDIT: Dang i missed the boat. Didn't see the post stating the purchase happened.
 
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