I plan on buying a beginners shotgun and have been looking at the 12g 870 express. I've heard mixed reviews. What are your opi

[coffeecupmike]

Thanks everybody, I found a 1992 Wingmaster 12 ga that looks to have hardly been used for $400 at my local shop. It comes with a full choke and 28" barrel. The only curious thing is there is etchiong on the side of the receiver. Does anybody have any ideas of the model.
I dated it my self using the serial number and post from the gun buyer's guide

[miller73]

i have an 870 express and there really good guns. they can stand up to years of abuse. overall a good gun

[thehunter98.6]

Dcast I see what you mean but I've put thousands of rounds through my 870 express(which I recently got) and I haven't had any problems.

[Dcast]

thehunter 98.6, do a internet search for reviews on the 870 like I said check this website. The new ones quality is subpar at best. I didn't do my research when I bought mine in 2009 and have regretted buying ever since until two weeks ago when I traded it. The two major complaints are as I stated and they are extremely common complaints. I realize there are some good ones out there but it seems there are far more bad than good. As I mentioned countless times on this site, if Remington spent more money on quality control and less on celebrity promoters (Bret Farve) they could possibly make a quality entry level shotgun. I don't see it happening, they will use their reputation for as long as they can.

Coffeecupmike, You don't have to believe me but before you jump into it read more reviews. I have nothing against Remington other than their junk status on the 870 express new models only. I would recommend the BPS I have a Winchester SXP I love, a mossburg over 870. Look around for deals on older models that can be had for cheaper and far superior quality.

[Treestand]

JMO~ The New 870 are almost all plastic innerds? Buy Old Used Rem/870 or Win/12 any thing made before 1990.

[thehunter98.6]

The 870 express is very good. It never ever fails.It stands up extremely well to mud water and dirt and looks very well.The complaints about it failing are few and far between, if this happens return it and get a new one. It'll last lifetimes.

[Amflyer]

This is a picture from the photos section of my BPS. Not the best of the shotgun, but a nice picture anyway.

www.fieldandstream.com/photos/trophyroom/recent/single?pnid=1001383514#1001383514

[Amflyer]

I try not to sway off topic in any of my replies (ha) but have you considered the Browning BPS? Blued steel and walnut, solid, ambidextrous. These are bottom eject, and are a bit more tricky to "check empty" but they are very nice. Real world price in my parts is 400-450 new.

I have a appropriately scaled 16 gauge that was theoretically purchased for my oldest son (left-hander) when he is old enough to use it, but until then I get to hunt with it. Sweet little gun.

[Grassroots89]

[Blank]

[PigHunter]

If limited to only one firearm, I would choose my 870 Express. I've killed both small and large game with mine, including feral pigs. In the off season it serves as my first choice in home defense.

[upland4]

I have an 870 super mag and love it almost no problems with it

[nchunt101]

If you want an 870 find a used Wingmaster. They are worlds away better than new express models and mossturds.

[allegnmtn]

I've had an 870 Wingmaster since the late 80's as my go to 12 gague. It's been 100% reliable and shoots great patterns with all 3 chokes with everything from turkey to dove loads. I've shot hundreds and hundreds of rounds out of it and carried it in the field at least a couple hundred days. The stock is a little beat up and the bluing is wearing away in a few spots but mechanically it's as tight and smooth as the day it came out of the box.

I also have an 870 Express Tactical. Again, a 100% reliable gun for the last 5 years. (Not shot much though).

To compare the two, the Wingmaster has a smoother action and a more solid feel overall. I'd say that if you can find a well maintained Wingmaster used, you can't go wrong.

[Steve in Virginia]

The 870 is a good gun. You also can't go wrong with a Mossberg pump -- I have the 835 which can handle 3 1/2 shells if you need it.

[buckbuster91]

Between my dad and I we have 4 870 express' and they have all been great. One is a magnum that i use for deer in wisconsin and I love it. It is a tack driver and it works great for ducks and turkeys as well. Great gun for a great price, especially when you pick them up from people badly in need of money. Dont worry about them used either. They are solid and IF you do need parts they are pretty easily available.