Wingmasters have an aluminum trigger group, classic style magazine retention system, and chrome-plated bolt. The main difference between the two guns is the quality of their mechanics. Some unpolished metals are better than others. They have a matte finish, which might be smooth or might not be, depending on what month-or even day-the gun came off the assembly line. Wingmaster 870s also have polished receivers Express pumps don’t. The Express is built from laminated wood or has a synthetic stock and fore-end, which is more common to see in duck camps because of its supreme durability. Wingmasters have either walnut or mahogany stocks and fore-ends. The first thing that stands out if you put an Express next to a Wingmaster is the exterior finish of the two guns. Express: Tale of the Tape The Wingmaster is the better gun, but you can modify an Express to mak it just as efficient. The wood on to stock and fore-end, plus the steel that comprised the action was not of the same quality of the Wingmaster. In 1987, a more affordable version of the 870-the Express-rolled off the production line in Ilion, New York. Those first models came with a “Vari-Weight” system, which was simply wood and steel plugs that allowed hunters and clay shooters to add weight to the gun to help keep the barrel moving through the target. The first 870 AP Wingmaster was priced around $70-if you still have one in pristine condition, it’s worth more than 10 times what you paid for it. It also reduced production costs because Remington was able to manufacture the same action for two different guns. That assured the 12-gauge 870 would be lighter. Remington went back to the drawing board and decided to build a new, more affordable pump based on the action of the 16-gauge 11-48 semi-auto shotgun. It was a smooth-running, heavy pump gun that was too expensive. As a result, there were high labor costs involved in building it. It was a fine shotgun, but it was also expensive and over-built: The Model 31 had more than 500 different machined parts. Remington first built the Model 31 to compete with Winchester’s iconic Model 12 pump. The History of the Remington 870īefore I get into which gun you should purchase, let’s take a look at the origins of the 870. So, which is the better buy? Wingmaster or Express? I’m finally going to put the debate to rest. In hunting, there’s probably no more hotly-debated shotgun topic (besides “Do you shoot a Benelli or Beretta?”) than which model 870 is in your gun closet. They are also available in self-defense and duty models that sit in the squad cars of countless police officers across the country. There are skeet and trap models for clay-target shooters as well-the first 100 straight trap doubles at the Grand American in 1950 were broken by Randy Etchen with an 870. Turkey, deer, upland, and duck hunters have been carrying Remington 870s afield for more than 70 years now. Then in 1987, Big Green introduced the Express, a cheaper knock-down version of the pump-action Wingmaster that could be had for half the price. In 1950, Remington debuted what is arguably the most iconic-and successful-shotgun in American history: the 870 Wingmaster. Thanks for your patience.We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Thanks for your input please note I'm new to firearms and still learning. I've attached a few photos for reference.ģ) Compatible shells as denoted on barrel The rep could not provide information about the prefix or suffix of my serial number (RS xxxxx A)Īccording the reference above the suffix 'A' denotes that my shotgun gauge is super magnum 3 1/2" but the rep at rem arms just replied with your gun is 3".Ĭan someone help me determine if my shotgun is a super magnum 3 1/2"? This here seems to be a reference for gathering information from the serial number however after talking to rem arms (new company) they are giving me different info.Īccording to rep ( the two letters on my barrel (XD) indicate that my shotgun was manufactured in Dec 2008 (which was kind of a bummer the cabelas dude told me it was manufactured in the 80s, but I'm learning now the RS part of my serial number is new.) Was hoping to get information about decoding the serial number of my Remington 870.
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