870 Express vs. 870 Wingmaster

[sm]

Correia knows his stuff, I agree and respect Corriea's experience.

If one does get a Express and chooses to use where speed is important - "help it along" I say.

I'm sure Correia will agree, break sharp edges, de-horn, and "speed up" the break in process. I have run these dry , racked them dry , used fine emery, used Happich Semichrome in the actions, rails, mixed with / without green rouge or Fabulustre...sand test using butt can sand works... ... and let a group of folks shoot my gun all day long for hundreds of rds. Hey , they got to shoot, and my gun was smoother , win-win situation.

"Clicktey-clack...Clickety-clack ...." Kinda like a oil well or crickets - doesn't really bother folks unless they start listening, then it gets on their nerves. What gets folks is when you stop ( finally) "honey what is that noise" then you reply " sound of silence dear".

Ask Mrs. Correia...I bet she knows.

 

[9mmMike]

My first 870's were all Express models. I have never had a rust problem with the blue over bead-blasted finish. In fact, it "seems" to hold CLP better. I have shot them in the rain. No problem.
I, finally, have my own Wingmaster (a '55) that I am fixing-up. I also have access to Mrs. 9mmMike's 16 Ga. Wingmaster (a '56) and it is very smooth.
However, the smoothest 870 I own is one of the first (if not the first) Express I ever bought. It currently sits in Evil Black Shotgun configuration with a 20" barrel, sidesaddle, factory +3 extension and Hogue over-moulded stocks.
This liberal-frighteing gun will drop open if held muzzle up and the release is pressed. It is a very smooth runner. I did spend a ton of time on this board and TFL prior to get tips on slicking the 870's and put them to good use.
I hope my "new" Wingmaster is as smooth when it is done.
For looks, the WM is way nicer. I especiialy like the extra machining on the receiver but you can make an Express run as smooth though it takes some work.
Mike
Mike

 

[9x19mm]

The forum heavyweights have come to the rescue! Thanks a lot everybody. You cannot beat first hand experience