Wingmaster V. Express

[Lawyerman]

I have made my last few tactical shotguns using Express models as bases.

Why? I can buy the Express models out of pawn shops for between $100-125 versus nearly double that for Wingmasters. The vast majority of Wingmasters I see are 2 3/4 only guns with the chromed, non flex tab followers. Changing them over to magnums and the flex tab is expensive.

I have found that the Express guns are rougher to cycle initially, no problem, shoot it! They wear in about as smooth as a Wingmaster eventually. I replace the stocks with synthetic Speed Feed or Choate short units (reduced pull and "police" style foreend) so why pay more for pretty wood? The bluing is no advantage over parkerizing in a rough duty gun.

The Expresses use sintered metal parts. Now we're getting somewhere. Except for the fact that the best selling 1911's made in America use the exact same materials- Kimber and Springfield both use MIM parts in their hammers, sears etc.... and everybody and their brother wants one.

I'll take the Express.

 

[Preacherman]

The Expresses are good guns, and I own two of them - but I must admit, I prefer to buy used Wingmasters whenever I can find a good one. Reasons are many:

1. I like the smoother operation "out-of-the-box", so to speak. I know the Expresses will smooth up over time, but I can get it from the beginning with a Wingmaster.

2. I'm a sucker for nice wood. Even though I know it's going to get beat up over time, I prefer the wood finish on the Wingmaster. In fact, I'm slowly replacing my synthetic stocks with wood whenever I can - just personal preference. Call me a wood snob if you like...

3. I have a serious problem with the finish on the Express models. Here in Louisiana, I've found that my Expresses rust up very, very easily. One day in a damp, humid environment and I'm seeing surface rust start to form. I've never had this problem with the Wingmasters. I'm trying to figure out a finish to put on my Expresses to overcome this problem.

4. The quality control on some Expresses is not what it should be (for that matter, on recent-production Wingmasters, too!). I know others on this board have found the same problem. If you're a good enough 'smith to deal with any QC problems, rectifying them during the modification process, that's fine, of course.

 

[Lawyerman]

Rust

They do rust rather easily, not too big a problem here in West Texas but I have taken to using a little paste wax on mine. Haven't had a problem since.

 

[MbuckH]

I also have 2 expresses. I have never had any problems out of them. I bought mine used, so I never experienced a "rough" slide. I never notice the part about them rusting easily because I clean mine and spray it with Rem-oil every time I'm done useing it.

 

[Zip06]

No doubt about it the Wingmaster is finished much nicer. Wish I had one but I don't. I have shot plenty of them and I bought an 870 HD Express. I have taken it to several police training courses and some private ones. I did make some mods however, put in a stronger spring to feed shells, have a speed feed stock and fore grip. This weapon has never failed me and believe me its had plenty of abuse. I'd buy another without question but if I had a pile of money, I would get a Wingmaster.

 

[Denny Hansen]

In 1954 my grandad gave himself a present in the form of a new Wingmaster to celebrate the birth of his latest grandson--me. The action on that shotgun is smoother than melted butter, and the action and wood is still 90%.

My other three 870's are all Express models. Are they as nice? No way, but like all 870's they go boom every time I press the trigger. When all is said and done, isn't that what it's all about?

Denny

 

[Dave McCracken]

Ladies and Gennelmun, my $.02....

Actually, I'll start with someone's else $.02. Bill Gillette, the kindly old traveling gunsmith DBA Big Ridge Gunsmithing, says that there's no mechanical difference between the WM and it's ugly sibling. No difference in reliability or performance.

Frankenstein's shortened Express barrel is bored off center. It shoots straight though I had to swap one tube to make it so.

The 20 gauge here is an Express. After some minor use and tweaks, it pumps as smooth as most of my WMs (Frankenstein is the champ of smooth) and is an effective, reliable tool and weapon.

I still prefer the older WMs, they were made to a higher standard.

As for rusting, that rough surface is perfect for holding oil. Some Eastern Shore guides I know melt candle wax into their Expresses' exteriors with blow dryers for extra protection.

Much as I like WMs, if the right deal on an Express came along, I'd snap it up in a heartbeat.

 

[sm]

Given a choice, I'll pick the WM everytime. Give me an Express I'll take it and use it. My main beef with the new Express is that stupid locking dealie on the safety. I just happen to know where a regular one is when a new style has one--"dunno what happened darn thing just fell out".

If it shoots- it shoots ,that's my deal.