[JL]

I have a friend who has an early Wingmaster (1951 or 1952), blued (thinning), walnut, ringed fore-end, no recoil pad (nothing to compress or deteriorate with age). This WM is minus the bbl (I have an extra bbl which I could use). He has been trying to sell it to me for $110.00. It is functionally perfect. It is limited to 2 3/4" shells, of course. OTOH I, several weeks ago, located an 870 Express at a pawn shop for $130.00 + tax. This gun is complete & is 90-95%. It also has the plastic, internal bbl lock, but has the non-locking safety. It is, of course, in 3" chambering. I would like to acquire one, or the other, of these. I'm kind-of partial to the WM, as I have the extra bbl I'm not using, plus buying the WM would save me $20.00 + tax. BTW the WM comes with an extra ringed fore-end. Which would you purchase & why? Thank you.

[riverdog]

Wingmaster without a doubt. I'm not fond of the shortcuts used in the express and I've never used the 3" chambers I have. 2 3/4" is all that's necessary for me.

[firestar]

As much as I love the Wingmaster, the condition leads me to believe that it is in pretty bad shape. A beat up old WM is not worth much B/C there are plenty of them around and with out a bbl it is no contest. Get the 870 Express, it is probably in much better condition and the 3" chambers are great if you are going to use it for Turkey or Goose hunting.

I think the WM is a MUCH MUCH better gun and if they were in similar condition, I would take the WM in a second. I have seen well used WM in working cond. sell for anywhere between $100-250 so his price sound kind of high considering it has no bbl. I would say $75-$100 as long as it can still be used.

[Dave McCracken]

It depends on condition. Functionally perfect could mean it's beat to heck but works. Tough as the 870 is, a half century of neglect and abuse is a lot.

If it's cosmetically OK and no rust inside, go for it. But that's a big IF.

And, what's a "Plastic, internal barrel lock"?

[HSMITH]

I would buy the express, Complete and choke tubed barrel. I painted my express anyway so finish is not a problem, 130 for an express is a "gotta buy it" price to me. Heck buy 'em both and be done with it.

[9mmMike]

I am weak. :) I would buy almost any 870 for less that 150.00!
I'm with HSMITH on this. Offer 100.00 for the WM (no barrel) and then buy both.
The 3" receiver is a non-issue for me. although all my 870's have 'em, I've never fired a 3" shell.

Dave,
The plastic thingy is more than likely the mag spring retainer for the PC-dimpled tubes. My guess.

Mike

[hutch24]

I agree with the last couple posters, I'd go ahead and buy them both at that price. :cool: