Express vs Wingmaster
- Thread starter rjk2475
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Internally they are identical. The only difference is the wood and the exterior finish. They are equally smooth/rough nowadays. The Wingmaster of years past is drastically smoother than anything made today, and that carryover opinion is likely why you have heard what you did about them. Put 5000 rounds through a new express or WM and it will be just as smooth as the older guns.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Contrary to gun shop gossip,the big reason the new stuff isn't as smooth as the old stuff is lack of work polishing, not lack of standards in Ilion.
I've Rupe's Express downstairs, as a thank you for the goose hunt I deep cleaned the thing. It has less than 500 rounds through it.
My Number 6 870 was made in 1955. It's a Wingmaster of course. And, since it arrived here in such pristine condition that the action bars had hardly any wear marks on them, it probably has less than 500 rounds through it.
Neither is as smooth as the higher mileage 870s. The TB, my oldest "Serious" 870s, and Frankenstein are like glass. My "Deer" 870 is getting there.
In fact, in a blindfold test I might have trouble telling whether I was shucking #6 or my friend's economy grade 870.
I did the things mentioned in the Breaking In New Pumpguns thread with both,so the playing field's level.
The big factors in smoothness are use and lubing correctly.
I've Rupe's Express downstairs, as a thank you for the goose hunt I deep cleaned the thing. It has less than 500 rounds through it.
My Number 6 870 was made in 1955. It's a Wingmaster of course. And, since it arrived here in such pristine condition that the action bars had hardly any wear marks on them, it probably has less than 500 rounds through it.
Neither is as smooth as the higher mileage 870s. The TB, my oldest "Serious" 870s, and Frankenstein are like glass. My "Deer" 870 is getting there.
In fact, in a blindfold test I might have trouble telling whether I was shucking #6 or my friend's economy grade 870.
I did the things mentioned in the Breaking In New Pumpguns thread with both,so the playing field's level.
The big factors in smoothness are use and lubing correctly.
Not to possibly hi-jack the thread but what is the story on plastic parts ? I asked someone yesterday what the difference was between the 870 Express and the "Police" whatever they call it. He said something about plastic parts; I think the trigger guard.
What is he talking about ?
What is he talking about ?
I can't differ with Dave. He is indeed Mr. 870 and has worked on and shot many a more shot gun than I. But in my experience, My 1976 Wingmaster was much smoooooooother than my 1999 Express and the Express probably has twice as many rounds through it than my old Wingmaster ever did.
romulus
Member
The difference goes beyond plastic parts. It's true that the Police model has an old-style alum trigger guard while the newer Express models have plastic TGs, but also the Police model has a polished receiver with those squiggly lines milled on top of the receiver
while the Express is practically the raw forging with all the hammer marks still visible on the outside. The Express model is then boulder blasted and blued to a matte finish, while the Police model is either manganese parked or satin polished and blued (like mine). I have both models...Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
444, IMO plastic parts are a non issue. No reports of breakage with either.
Red Label, differing's OK. Check your Express's action bars with a straightedge. If they're not straight and parallel, the shuck feels rougher and sometimes even gritty.
Also, all 870s benefit from a drop of lube placed on each action bar right at the receiver and shucked a few times before use. Try these fixes and see.
Red Label, differing's OK. Check your Express's action bars with a straightedge. If they're not straight and parallel, the shuck feels rougher and sometimes even gritty.
Also, all 870s benefit from a drop of lube placed on each action bar right at the receiver and shucked a few times before use. Try these fixes and see.
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