Remington Wingmaster or express for first shotgun?

[mgkdrgn]

You could get yourself a =very= nice used Wingmaster for 1/4 to 1/2 of your budget, and then have $ left over to get the extra barrels and what not to make it =really= versatile. That's the way I would go.

 

[MyGreenGuns]

870 Express was my 1st gun. Never had a problem with it. Its my "Go to" gun for HD. It goes with me camping. Its my 2nd most shot firearm. I've heard nasty comments about the blued ones though.

 

[Dentite]

I'd go for a used Wingmaster preferably with screw-in chokes. My first shotgun was just what I described and I got a mint one for $400 but you may find one for $350ish in nice condition. I have no regrets and have enjoyed mine. I added a 20ga Wingmaster (used with Rem-chokes for $350ish...mint condition and a great buy). No regrets...I've carried the 20ga for miles and miles of chasing quail the past two years.

 

[dak0ta]

What is the going price for a used WM these days? Let's say 28'' barrel with screw in chokes? How much would a fixed choke be? And 18.5'' barrel be?

 

[Sav .250]

If you want to buy cheap...do so. If not, buy the 870. Enjoy.

 

[butwhat]

I'll disagree with the Expresses being the same as a Wingmaster. The Expresses I've used always felt like somebody dumped a teaspoon of sand in the action. The Wingmaster are extra smooth.
I never noticed the feel of the Express's actions ever affecting their work ethic though.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Butwhat, when an Express has about 1K rounds through it, it shucks like a Wingmaster.

 

[butwhat]

OK then. You learn something new every day. And I just did. makes sense You do the deburring and polishing while shooting instead of paying somebody to do it ahead of time. LOL

 

[jaysouth]

An express is the only gun that I take to the field these days. I went through passionate ownership of M-12 Wins, Browning O/Us, Ithaca featherweights, Browning A-5s etc. But the only gun I get muddy or wet is an Express with 28" Remchokes with 3" chamber.

Buy a used express and put some dings in it afield climbing over fences and jumping steams. Character marks they call them.

 

[Dentite]

There is a difference in the way the Wingmaster swings vs the Express IMO. My WM has the light contour barrel and the Expresses I've handled all have the thicker heavier barrel. People who know more/shoot better than I have said the same thing.

That's not to say that Expresses are bad or not worth buying.

 

[Rshooter]

Another vote for a used WingMaster. I have several that were police shotguns and are excellent guns. The looks might not be all that much on some of them but they function better than they look.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=248036837

 

[Dr.Rob]

I'd ask yourself what your primary use for it is.

Why pay extra for fancy wood if you're going to throw it in the bottom of a john boat? (Not that most people do this intentionally.)

I'm a fan of both 'utility' guns and fancy ones. The Express models are fully capable shotguns for just about any task at hand, if it's not going near the water and you really LIKE the look of fancy wood, by all means get the Wingmaster.

But if it's going to get muddy and wet, buy the express.

 

[rule303]

If you have decided on an 870, get the Wingmaster. I myself find the controls on the 870 to be in the wrong place for me.

 

[Jeff F]

Depends on what your going to do with it. If its going to be a tossed around truck gun, get an express. Wingmasters are sweet, to sweet to abuse.