First Shotgon

[rjo3491]

Hi all:

I'll soon be purchasing my first shotgun (yea, I'm getting into this hunting thing later in life - wish I had started sooner as I really enjoy it).  Anyway, I'll soon be purchasing my first shotgun and am looking for recommendations.  I'm leaning towards a Remington 870 (is the Wingmaster worth the extra $300 - and if so, why?.  Also, the 16 gauge is interesting - I mostly shot these as a kid.  Would you rather have this or a 12).  BTW, I'm not locked into Remington - if there are other opinions, they would be appreciated.

Also, is a used gun OK??  My primary concern there would be safety.  I've been told this is fine, but would appreciate other opinions.

This will be my ONLY shotgun for the time being.  So it will need to be versatile for both duck and upland game.

Lots of questions here, thanks for your patience and help!!

[rjo3491]

There's a big discussion on this topic below.  If anybody has anything else to add, thanks.  Looks like the 870 is pretty popular.  Maybe I could narrow my question as to what does one get with the Wingmaster for his $300 extra?

Thanks!!

[Graybeard]

Yes the Wingmaster is worth the extra cost. BUT $300 extra? Heck the whole gun shouldn't cost a lot more than that. Someone is trying to roll up your britches leg. Shop around. The last one I bought maybe 2-3 years ago was used but as new and I think I only gave $280 total cash out the door for it. Used but in excellent shape you should be able to pick up a Wingmaster for not much if any more than a total price of $300 and a used Express shouldn't run much over $200-225.

I've owned several of the Express models and just don't care for them personally. They aren't as well finished inside just as they aren't on the outside. I kinda like the bead blasted outside but they are a bit too rough on the inside for me. I've not owned one yet that functioned 100% without a bit of work to smooth things up. This is the one Remington gun I think is best left alone. Buy the Wingmaster.

Yes used guns are fine. No safety issues with them normally. Just look it over and be sure it looks good. Should be easy to find one in near new condition really.

I'd forget the 16 ga. Ammo is hard to find and very expensive usually. Reloading components are fewer and harder to come by. Most all 16 ga. guns are made on 12 ga. receivers anyway so aren't any lighter than a 12 ga. and they aren't nearly as versatile. That's why it has fallen on hard times. Especially if waterfowl is on the agenda forget the 16.

GB

[rjo3491]

Graybeard - the $300 came from retail pricing.  I found a nice Wingmaster today at a local gunshop used for $225 - didn't purchase it, but I think this is the way I'll go.  It's good to know they're so much less second hand.  You were right on with your pricing estimates.

Thanks!

[dukkillr]

don't get a 16, and for one reason:  it's harder to find shells, particularly steel waterfowl loads for a 16.  I could list other reasons why I don't shoot a 16 very often, but when you're hunting near a small town and you've shot yourself out of shells you can always beg, borrow, or buy 12 ga shells... with the 16 that's simply not the case.

[rjo3491]

No Text.

[Doc T]

Look around and see if you can find one of the Special Purpose 870s.  They have the matte finish AND the smoother innards of the Wingmaster.  They also have a coated stainless steel receiver, not a parkerized blue steel one like most people think.  That is why they origianlly cost a little more.

[prairiedog555]

I bought an 870 20ga. express for the Kid.  I also have a wingmaster.  the outside finish is different, better on wingmaster but the express functions fine.  I use it sometimes because I have a lot of old 20ga ammo to use up.  Have put a lot of rounds through it.  I find it fully functional and don't mind nicking it up a bit.  Kid shot first turkey with it this year.  I also like the 20" barrell, light and feels well balanced.