Another 870 Express Question

[heeler]

First let me say that before I posted this I did an 870 Express search and was literally over whelmed with info so rather than weed through that volumn of threads I just thought I would ask you guys directly these questions.
I am thinking about buying my brother one of these shotguns for his birthday and would much prefer a clean older model.
I know how to date code Remingtons but shotgun barrels do get changed so that info can be a bit misleading.
So...Does anyone know when the receivers went from saying 870 Express to 870 Express Magnum?
What year did they start putting that miserable key locking device on these guns?
I know from experience that the 700 rifles started getting the lawyer lock around 2001.
Has all models of this shotgun had the dimple issue and if not about what year did this get started?
Thanks.

 

[jlv08]

I would suggest that you try to find an older Wingmaster or plain 870 like the Sportsman model.

The quality of Remington Express shotguns is at best, dubious.


I had an early version back aroend 1995 and it was a good gun, but the ones made lately, I would not chance to buy.

Look around and you might get lucky and score a decent Wingmaster for reasonable.

Good luck to you.

 

[Handgunner]

Good advice to heed. ^^^^

 

[Old Shooter]

Around here I have seen nice, used Wingmasters going for $330-$400. Local gun shiop had two last year that looked almost new as far as wood and finish went and he was asking $339 apiece for them.

I lke my Express but is an older one and I might be concerned about the quality of a newer one. I wonder how much of what you hear is a small number of guns with problems being blown up into an end of world situation.

The fellas I talk to at the gunshop who own and use the newer Express model all seem satisfied with them.

If I was in the market for another shotgun I would be looking for a used Wingmaster.

 

[heeler]

Well thanks for the advice guys.
Actually I was not even consideribg a new Express but was wanting to try and find a clean one made in the late 80's or very early 90's.
However since a brand new one goes for around 300.00 here and they fact that I see a lot of 90% plus Wingmaster made in the 70's and 80's on G.B. running under 350.00 this truely is getting to be a no brainer.
All the auctions I see for somewhat older Express's are going for the price of a near new one.
I am just going to have to be patient because I cant stand neglected rusty beat up guns and a lot of used ones easily fall into that category.
Perhaps I will broaden my horizon and look at some of those Winchester 12-1300 series pumps as well.