Pleasant suprise with my 870 Express

[bosshoff]

I took my 870 Express apart the other day for the first time, and guess what. I have an aluminum triggerguard! Is has a textured black powder coated like finish, and I always thought it was a polymer plastic. My Express is probably from around 1993, came with the birch stocks, 28" Rem-chke barrel, and loves killing ducks and geese.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

My first shotgun was an 870 Express (20 gauge), about that vintage. To be honest, I've never checked the triggerguard...but I don't think it's plastic.

Great dove gun...and the only duck I ever shot was with the 870 Express.

 

[115grfmj]

yup......

the older express'es (spelling) do have the aluminum trigger groups like the
wingmasters, just....umm....textured to match the matte finish. Only the
newer Expresses have plastic. Mines a 1992 and also has the metal trigger
group. BTW if you ever do sell it buy the cheap plastic one, and keep the
metal one for your next 870.

 

[Nnobby45]

Trigger guard

What's wrong with the plastic trigger guard? Jeez, they make guns that are mostly plastic--they aren't exactly fragile.

I do admitt to not caring a whole lot for the integrated safety system with key lock on my Wilson Express--that's why I changed to a jumbo safety. But as far as durability is concerned, what's the problem? I'm not trying to be adversarial, I'd really like to know why some feel the way they do and do back flips when they discover their trigger guard is made of ALUMINUM.

 

[Dave McCracken]

In all this time, I've not seen any reports of problems with the plastic TG. Anyone else?

Of course, for a mere $200 or so, one can get a STEEL TG setup from Timney....

 

[JNewell]

I like metal...but there's a good argument that polym <cough> plastic is better. I've never heard of a plastic TG deforming, but you could envision one of the aluminum ones being bent badly enough to affect function. Having said that, I've never heard of that happening, either...which means we should be happy, shoot more, and gab less?

 

[addecus]

not doing backflips but i'm happier with aluminum

 

[115grfmj]

nothing wrong with the plastic.....

its probably at least as good ( maybe better ) It's just a matter
of personal taste. I would save it because they don't mak'em anymore
for the express.

 

[bosshoff]

In my gun cabinet I have a few shotguns from my grandfather. My 1897 is 90 years old I think (if I remember correctly.) The only plastic or bakelite parts on these guns was maybe used on the butstocks. I just wonder how plastic parts on modern guns will hold up to years of solvents / cleaners / UV rays / brake cleaner, etc. I like metal guns, there you have it.

 

[Bill B.]

I checked both of mine and had one of each. Even though both have been trouble free I have to agree the metal appeals to me more than plastic. It just feels more sturdy ...........whether it is or not may be de a different story!