[Ricky B]

What are the different models of Rem 870 that are commonly available, and what are the differences between them?

By model, I am referring to Wingmaster, Express, etc., and not to gauge, barrel length, shotshell size, wood vs. synthetic stock, blue vs. stainless, or the like.

I would be interested in hearing about models that are currently being offered by Remington and discontinued models likely to be found on the used gun market.

--Rick

[ChristopherG]

The basic distinctions are laid out at www.remington.com. Also, you can buy the Police versions described at www.remingtonle.com.

[Dave McCracken]

The Wingmaster models are highly polished before bluing, the Expresses are not.

Before the Express, a polished Economy model called the Sportsman was offered for a few years. This is not to be confused with the Model 58 Sportsman auto they offered made with many 870 parts.

Specialty Trap and Skeet 870s were also made, these feature high polish finish and pretty wood.

A Competition Trap Model was a single shot pump- gun with a recoil reducer in the mag tube.

A Brushmaster with a short IC choked smoothbore barrel and rifle sights was the first slug gun made in Ilion.

Various LE models were made in years past, most were WMs with short barrels up to about 1990.

All of the above work well. There's scant difference between the WM and Express models besides cosmetics up to the introduction of the PC mag dimples and locking safety.

HTH....

[Ricky B]

"introduction of the PC mag dimples and locking safety"

I assume that PC is "politically correct" but I am unclear about mag dimples, which I am guessing are dimples put into the magazine tube by Remington. To keep users from adding magazine tube extensions?

And the locking safety? Is that a safety that requires a key?

--Rick

[Dave McCracken]

Remington claims that the two "dimples" in the newer mag tubes is for securing the plastic dohickey that keeps the mag spring in. Hooey....

If they wanted to save money they could have just skipped the dimples AND the keeper, the 870 works just as well without one.

The dimples are easily removed,further supporting the idea that Big Green is "Signifying".

The new safety locks with a key. Not a bad idea for some situations, but no choice is offered. And, some of us have manipulated the safeties to the lock mode sans keys, not a good idea on a crisis management tool.

Again an easy fix, but we shouldn't have to!

An easier fix, find a used 870 out there that's pre"Improvement". Then, write Remington and let them know why you didn't get a new one...

[Red Label]

There was also another model made for awhile called a Special Field that had a straight english stock and 21 inch barrel. Also offered as an 1100. A friend of mine has been searching the gun shows for a 20 ga. version. Did find one but felt the price was too high at $450. However we haven't seen another one.:(

Steve