Can't decide: Remington 870 Police Magnum, Wingmaster, or Mossy 590A1

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If you watch closely you'll see the occasional older blued Wingmaster in riot configuration on the market as well. I've noted one or two that were pretty much unused.. Yes, they wanted a premium -but it was still just a bit more than half of that $600 for a new one... Police type shotguns were in the inventory of almost every department a few years back - and many were hardly ever used, issued, or carried. If I'd had a chance to purchase my issued 870 - I'd have jumped at it since it was in perfect condition (particularly compared to the weapons that were issued daily for the street and were all pretty much rack grade poppers -a mix of Mossberg and Remington).

From my point of view the Remington was superior - mainly because of the location of the safety... I had occasion to point a locked and loaded shotgun at many, many live targets on the street, at very close quarters in high stress moments - and I had to be absolutely certain I'd never fire a round accidentally. In every case my trigger finger was on the safety (and I had to clear it before moving to the trigger...). Those that haven't carried a shotgun into hot calls over and over again may not appreciate that - but I did... I was always afraid that with a Mossberg I might inadvertently clear the safety while maneuvering under stress -just the possibility was enough to put me off of them...
 
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I like the 870. There's a blued finished Police 870 at a local pawn shop for right at $300. I would buy it but I already have an 870 Express with walnut stocks and a 20" barrel. and then I also have a like new 870 Police Magnum that is still in the box.
If you like I could get some pics of the 870 at the pawn shop and what he would charge to ship to your FFL.
 
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I’ve settled on the wingmaster. I went to start the protracted California buying process tonight, but I recently moved and my license doesn’t reflect my new address. I brought s gas bill as Any utility bill will work with n Vermont and Maine, but was informed that it has to be a municipal or state bill in California.

I dug up my water/sewer/trash bill from the city. Hopefully that will work tomorrow.

I didn’t notice much in the way of differences between the new Wingmaster and my Dad’s 70s model. The new one has a softer recoil pad and a vent rib, choke tube barrel with dual beads.
 
I’m going to try again today after work. Then, in 10 days, I can take it home and hit the trap stations at a local range.

I should have enough left over after all the punitive taxes and fees for one of these as a shorter utility barrel

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/9...-gauge-3-20-rem-choke-with-rifle-sights-matte

If you cal live without the choke here is a cheaper barrel. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/4...xed-improved-cylinder-rifle-sights-parkerized

You won't need a choke for inside and can use the long barrel for trap and so on.
 
If you cal live without the choke here is a cheaper barrel. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/4...xed-improved-cylinder-rifle-sights-parkerized

You won't need a choke for inside and can use the long barrel for trap and so on.

The desire for the choke tube barrel is for added hunting versatility, which is why I ultimately went with the Wingmaster over the Mossberg. Throw in an extra full tube and I'm ready to go for turkey. Open choke for home defense or close range slug hunting, and whatever choke works best for longer buckshot patterns.
 
The desire for the choke tube barrel is for added hunting versatility, which is why I ultimately went with the Wingmaster over the Mossberg. Throw in an extra full tube and I'm ready to go for turkey. Open choke for home defense or close range slug hunting, and whatever choke works best for longer buckshot patterns.

That's a good idea.
 
I have both and love both. My 1972 Wing Master has beautiful wood and very nice blued finish. If I could only have one, it'd be the Wing master. hdbiker
 
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