Differences between 870 express and wingmaster

[a.bentonab]

What are some of the differences between the two models? I know the wingmaster is "nicer" but anything more specific would be helpful. I currently have an 870 express and am considering an upgrade. Would any accessories like an extended magazine tube fit the wingmaster?

 

[MostCrucialMarsupial]

 

[chezuki]

I believe everything is pretty much the same except for the external appearance, and the price of course. If you want it to shoot and look nice get the Wingmaster. If you dont particularly care how it looks, save some money and get the express and some extra goodies for it. This is going to be my next purchase also

Never held a classic Wingmaster huh?

 

[jbombelli]

Never held a classic Wingmaster huh?

This. I've got a Wingmaster from 1972. Smooth as silk, like butter.

 

[canterbc]

My Wingmaster is from 1974. I can't hardly stand to use most any other pump shotgun. The action is the slickest thing ever. I'll never be getting rid of it, that's for sure.

 

[MostCrucialMarsupial]

Never held a classic Wingmaster huh?

nope

 

[canterbc]

Plus they look 1000x better, IMO. I have the Fleur de Lis pattern on mine and I can't think of a better looking shotgun anywhere near the price.

 

[KJQ6945]

One is a classic Remington, one is a Mossberg.



I'll put my flame suit on now.

 

[canterbc]

One is a classic Remington, one is a Mossberg.



I'll put my flame suit on now.

He's not wrong. There is nothing wrong with an Express or a Mossberg for that matter. They will do the job every single time. The Wingmaster is just another level up.

 

[Cameramonkey]

He's not wrong. There is nothing wrong with an Express or a Mossberg for that matter. They will do the job every single time. The Wingmaster is just another level up.

Yep. my 3 Mossys work just fine. Nothing much to look at but they work well. Its a ford/chevy thing.

 

[K_W]

Ok, I am no expert on Remington 870's but I do own one and I do know some differences for a fact.

Finish
Wingmaster - Finely polished then blued
870 Express - Rougher with applied coating (except Marine magnum)

Furniture
Wingmaster - Polished Walnut stock
870 Express - Matte solid or laminated wood, or plastic

Mag Tube cap
Wingmaster - Detent pin and dimples secure cap
870 express - Cap secured by toothed plastic insert

Extended Magtube
Wingmaster - Accepts extended mag tube out of box without modification
870 Express - Dimples in mag tube must be ground or pressed out use mag extension (except tactical models)

Internal parts
Wingmaster - All machined parts and twin extractors
870 express - Some MIM parts and single extractor

Also some say the chamber in Express barrels is not a finely finished and can jam using cheap shells. In reality that varies, case in point my Express is not rough and eats them fine.

 

[POB]

How far south are you? I'll let you shuck my Wingmaster and feel the smoothness.

 

[Cameramonkey]

How far south are you? I'll let you shuck my Wingmaster and feel the smoothness.

Hey now, this is a family friendly site!

 

[oldpink]

Ok, I am no expert on Remington 870's but I do own one and I do know some differences for a fact.

Finish
Wingmaster - Finely polished then blued
870 Express - Rougher with applied coating (except Marine magnum)

Furniture
Wingmaster - Polished Walnut stock
870 Express - Matte solid or laminated wood, or plastic

Mag Tube cap
Wingmaster - Detent pin and dimples secure cap
870 express - Cap secured by toothed plastic insert

Extended Magtube
Wingmaster - Accepts extended mag tube out of box without modification
870 Express - Dimples in mag tube must be ground or pressed out use mag extension (except tactical models)

Internal parts
Wingmaster - All machined parts and twin extractors
870 express - Some MIM parts and single extractor

Also some say the chamber in Express barrels is not a finely finished and can jam using cheap shells. In reality that varies, case in point my Express is not rough and eats them fine.

That sounds about like what I expected, but I'll add one more:
Trigger guard
Wingmaster - Polished metal, steel if I'm correct
870 Express - Molded plastic

 

[yetti462]

The old wingmaster I have is only 2 3/4". Do they make a 3" WM. The express will take a larger shell. Another difference is on an express you take a can of paint and make a turkey/coyote slayer. WM you let the wood shine and show its beauty.

 

[K_W]

That sounds about like what I expected, but I'll add one more:
Trigger guard
Wingmaster - Polished metal, steel if I'm correct
870 Express - Molded plastic

Only applies to the newer ones, the older 870 Express shotguns have an aluminum trigger guard.

 

[oldpink]

Only applies to the newer ones, the older 870 Express shotguns have an aluminum trigger guard.

Thanks for that one.
Is the Wingmaster's trigger guard steel?
You lucky guys with one, do you have a magnet?

 

[a.bentonab]

Finish
Wingmaster - Finely polished then blued
870 Express - Rougher with applied coating (except Marine magnum)

Furniture
Wingmaster - Polished Walnut stock
870 Express - Matte solid or laminated wood, or plastic

Mag Tube cap
Wingmaster - Detent pin and dimples secure cap
870 express - Cap secured by toothed plastic insert

Extended Magtube
Wingmaster - Accepts extended mag tube out of box without modification
870 Express - Dimples in mag tube must be ground or pressed out use mag extension (except tactical models)

Internal parts
Wingmaster - All machined parts and twin extractors
870 express - Some MIM parts and single extractor

Also some say the chamber in Express barrels is not a finely finished and can jam using cheap shells. In reality that varies, case in point my Express is not rough and eats them fine.

thanks this is good stuff right here!

 

[autogun]

Yes, classic Wingmasters are much smoother. I used them for many years. You might expand your search to include Model 12 Winchesters also. Very smooth and they point better for many. Enjoy.

 

[Expat]

Thanks for that one.
Is the Wingmaster's trigger guard steel?
You lucky guys with one, do you have a magnet?

I checked one of my Wingmasters and it appears to have an aluminum trigger guard based upon the magnet test.
I also looked at my Express that was sitting next to it and it looks to be aluminum as well.