A Legacy of Excellence
The Remington 870. The name itself conjures images of classic American firearms, a rugged workhorse trusted by hunters, law enforcement, and home defenders alike. This pump-action shotgun has earned its place as a legend, a testament to its reliability, versatility, and sheer ubiquity. But navigating the world of the 870 can seem a little complex. Two dominant models often vie for attention: the 870 Express and the 870 Wingmaster. Deciding which one is the better choice for you comes down to understanding their differences and how those differences align with your specific needs and shooting style. This article dives deep into a detailed comparison, providing you with the information necessary to make an informed decision.
The 870 Express: A Workhorse for the Masses
The Remington 870 Express is arguably the most recognizable version of the 870 family. Designed to offer excellent performance at an affordable price point, the Express has found its way into the hands of countless shooters. The heart of the Express is its solid steel receiver, providing a robust platform that can handle the rigors of field use. The Express is often finished with a matte or parkerized coating, providing a durable layer of protection against the elements. Stocks are commonly crafted from either walnut or synthetic materials, offering a blend of classic aesthetics and modern functionality. The wood stocks often showcase a more economical grade of walnut, allowing for a lower overall cost. Synthetic stocks offer increased weather resistance and are favored by those who need their shotgun to withstand harsh conditions.
The 870 Express is a versatile shotgun, well-suited for a variety of applications. Hunters rely on its reliability in the field, while home defenders appreciate its simple, effective design. The Express is readily available in a range of barrel lengths and choke configurations, making it adaptable to different shooting scenarios. Whether you’re after upland birds, waterfowl, or using it for general home security, the 870 Express delivers consistent performance. Its affordability and readily available spare parts make it a practical choice for shooters of all experience levels. The Express offers a significant advantage to those on a budget, providing a reliable shotgun without breaking the bank.
The 870 Wingmaster: A Touch of Class and Refinement
The Remington 870 Wingmaster, on the other hand, represents a step up in quality and craftsmanship. While sharing the same basic design and functionality as the Express, the Wingmaster distinguishes itself through its superior materials, finer finishes, and more meticulous manufacturing processes. The Wingmaster also boasts a steel receiver, but the steel is often of a higher grade. The wood stocks are typically crafted from higher-quality walnut and expertly finished, creating a firearm with a more refined and elegant appearance. You may encounter a deep blued finish on many Wingmasters, which gives it a richer, more lustrous look than the Express’s matte finish.
Beyond its aesthetics, the Wingmaster is renowned for its exceptionally smooth action. This smoother operation is a direct result of tighter tolerances and a more refined manufacturing process, often involving more hand-fitting of components. The Wingmaster’s reputation for reliability is legendary; it’s a shotgun that’s built to last and to handle a high volume of shooting with minimal maintenance. Its design and the quality of the materials used make the Wingmaster a preferred choice for those who appreciate a more refined shooting experience and seek a shotgun that exudes timeless elegance. Wingmasters were often the choice of competitive shooters and those who simply valued a well-made firearm.
Delving into the Core Differences
The true contrast between the two models resides in the details. One of the most striking differences between the 870 Express and the 870 Wingmaster lies in the materials used and the overall build quality. The Wingmaster generally employs higher-grade steel in its receiver, providing an extra degree of durability and resistance to wear. The wood used for the stocks is usually of a better grade, often featuring beautiful grain patterns and a superior finish that highlights its natural beauty. This difference in materials contributes to a more refined overall look and feel. In contrast, the Express makes use of materials that reduce the cost of manufacturing and appeal to a wider audience.
The manufacturing processes are also distinct. The Wingmaster, in its best days, involved more hand-fitting and meticulous attention to detail. This led to a smoother action and a more finely crafted firearm. The Express, designed for mass production, uses more automated processes, resulting in a product that is still reliable but perhaps not as refined. These differences also contributed to how the action felt, with the Wingmaster typically boasting a noticeably smoother cycling process. The extra care during the manufacturing process translates to a superior shooting experience, with a more effortless and fluid action, making shooting more pleasurable.
The finishes also vary. The Wingmaster commonly features a blued finish, which offers a deep, rich appearance, providing a protective layer against corrosion and enhancing its aesthetics. The Express often utilizes a matte finish, which is durable and resists glare but does not have the same visual appeal. This bluing on the Wingmaster is considered by many to be an exquisite aesthetic touch.
The Wingmaster’s smoother action isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it can also impact performance and shooting experience. A smoother action makes cycling rounds quicker and easier. This is particularly noticeable during rapid follow-up shots, such as when pursuing multiple targets during a hunt or engaging in a defensive situation. Many users have reported the Wingmaster cycles more fluidly, reducing the likelihood of jams and ensuring more consistent operation.
The Performance Experience
There isn’t a massive difference in accuracy between the two models, assuming similar barrel lengths and chokes. Both are capable of delivering consistent shot patterns at typical shotgun ranges. The quality of the choke, however, is critical. Both Express and Wingmaster models come with a range of choke options to allow the shooter to tailor the shot pattern. Whether you plan to use the shotgun for bird hunting or trap shooting, the right choke is important. The choke is what dictates the spread of the shot as it leaves the barrel, and can have a large impact on the effectiveness of the weapon.
Recoil, of course, is felt with any shotgun. The overall weight of the gun and the design of the stock can have an impact on the shooter’s experience. While the Express and Wingmaster have similar designs, the Wingmaster’s weight could vary slightly due to the higher quality materials, which may result in a slight difference in felt recoil. However, the weight of the gun isn’t the only factor that determines how recoil is experienced. The design of the stock and the use of a recoil pad can also help to reduce the amount of felt recoil.
Ergonomics and handling will be very similar. The balance and feel of the gun in the hands are important, especially during rapid shooting. Both models share the same basic design, and that design has been time-tested and improved. The ability to quickly shoulder the shotgun, point it, and shoot it is a critical component of firearm handling.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
The 870 Express offers distinct advantages, primarily centered around its affordability and wide availability. Its price tag makes it accessible to a wider range of shooters, and it can be found in most gun stores and sporting goods retailers. The Express is reliable and delivers solid performance, making it a practical choice for various uses. However, the finish might not be as refined. The action may feel a little rougher out of the box.
The 870 Wingmaster, on the other hand, offers a superior build quality, resulting in a smoother action and a more elegant appearance. It is often considered to be a more durable shotgun, capable of withstanding years of heavy use. The smooth action and overall refinement make it a joy to shoot. The downside is that the Wingmaster typically comes with a higher price tag. Its availability might be more limited depending on its age or the current market conditions.
Making the Right Selection
The best choice for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable shotgun that won’t break the bank, the 870 Express is an excellent option. It’s perfect for budget-conscious shooters, new gun owners, and those seeking a versatile firearm for hunting, home defense, or recreational shooting.
If you appreciate fine craftsmanship, a smoother shooting experience, and are willing to invest in a higher-quality firearm, the 870 Wingmaster is the way to go. Experienced shooters and those who enjoy the aesthetics of a beautifully crafted shotgun will find the Wingmaster to be a rewarding investment. The Wingmaster is especially well suited for trap and skeet shooting where a smoother action can provide a small but noticeable advantage.
If you’re looking for a classic, and value a higher-end shotgun, keep an eye out for older Wingmasters. These models, often produced before specific company changes, can represent excellent value and performance.
Conclusion
Both the Remington 870 Express and the Wingmaster are iconic shotguns, each offering its own unique strengths. The Express provides exceptional value, offering a reliable and versatile shotgun at a very attractive price point. The Wingmaster elevates the experience with superior build quality, a smoother action, and a touch of classic elegance. By considering your budget, shooting style, and intended use, you can confidently choose the 870 that’s right for you, joining the ranks of those who have appreciated this timeless design for decades. The enduring legacy of the Remington 870 will continue to provide shooters with a quality shotgun for years to come.
