Remington 870 Express VS Wingmaster Magnum?

[RevJim]

 Anyone shot a lot of slugs from an 870 Express 12 ( 2 3/4 or 3") with Rifled Barrel ( either factory or aftermarket)? I read somewhere that the Express model did not hold up as good as say, the old Wingmaster 12ga Magnum. Granted, I have had both, and my HD is a modified Wingmaster Magnum. I didn't shoot the Express that much so sold it. Now, I'm rethinking it. I don't want to mess with my current HD gun and want a dedicated 870 with rifled barrel, I'm gonna have it pinned too. Tell me someone,  for hogs in the thickets, is there enough difference to really matter? I'd like some opinions as well as experienced deer hunters ( heck, lets through in duck/goose hunters too) on the Express vs the Wingmaster Mag?

[spruce]

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't buy a new (or newer model) of the Express version.  Just hearing too many bad things about them.  Seems as if Remington has been gradually integrating more inferior parts and letting QC slip a bit to make their price point.
 
I've owned a few Wingmasters in the past, and currently own one of the earlier Express models.  I really can't see any practical difference between it and a Wingmaster - other than a Wingmaster LOOKS 10 times better!
 
An 870 police trade-in may be the best combination of price/quality as a starting point for building a slug gun.

[Swampman]

I've owned several of both.  Other than the finish there is no difference.  New Remingtons are every bit as good as and more accurate than the older ones.

[RevJim]

 I know I would not put as many rounds through either as a slug gun as a duck/goose hunter would. I wouldn't be taking long shots over a food plot with it either. I like a full bore, heavy slug for close range for a camp gun. Was thinking it would get some use on the occasional hog. I would shoot it first to see if it was accurate enough for me before I had the barrel pinned to improve it. Thanks for the input guys!

[alleyyooper]

If your buying new and the gun is going to be for slug use why not just buy the slugger model. I have the slugger model in 20 ga. and love it.
 
    Al

[RevJim]

 I'm looking at another 12 because I have bookoo 3" slugs, from Federal Tru-Ball to Dixie Terminators! ha. I shot just "one" Terminator from my HD (it has the smoothbore shorty bbl but with a magazine extension, and the butt has been shortened, but has a Limbsaver pad) It was still a face full, ha.
On the other hand, I have thought long about a 20ga Express with RS rifled barrel. There are many full bore size slugs available for the 20 now, i.e. Brennekes,etc.  Years ago, my first 12 3" Wingmaster had a Mod, VR barrel. That thing could hit a coke can at 75 steps with plain Remington slugs! I kept "short shucking it" though, hunting rabbits with beagles, so foolishly traded it for an old High Standard auto "Deer special". It was a 20" smoothbore Cylinder with RS, and with #7 1/2s was an awesome brush gun on rabbits and the occasional woodcock! It was a jammomatic though, and off it went.

[mcwoodduck]

Dispite what Swamp man has said I have seen two express models that have a problem shooting anything but premium shells.  The Wall mart cheep shells get caught in the chamber.  One was an express my friend got for his son in CA the other was one my Uncle bought in NC.  One was plain was was camo.  Both shoot the Rem STS and the Win AA hulls fine but any of the other hulls get hung up.
I have no comment about the slug barrels as I have not seen any reciently. 
But with that said I have a Benelli  Nova that is like a timex watch it takes a licking and keeps on clicking through the shells from 2 3/4 to 3 1/2". all brands all loads. 
The Tactical and deer varients are not overly expensive.  The smooth bore with the ghost ring sights are accurate to 100 yards with a slug and works well for buck of all sizes. 
You may not need the 3.5" but it is nice to have in case your supply of ammo dries up.  Kind of like having a 357 mag.  Will shoot 38 S&W and 38 Special.  The 3" sells are more than you will ever need but it is nice to know that you can shoot any and all 12 ga shells.

[RevJim]

Thanks, I gave a camo Nova 20 to my Godson years ago. He never used it much, but was a good product. I'll check into it.

[mcwoodduck]

And I own an 870 Express with out the rifles barrel.  It wears a 18" smooth bore.  I works, and I have not have any problems with it.  I shoots standard slugs strait to 100 yards and a little beyond and works well for 3 gun and other type games. 
I own a buch of different shotguns from SXS and O/U to pumps and autos.  If I had to leave with only one scatter gu nit would be a Nova.  The take down tool is on the mag cap.  Easy to take apart and put back together with only the pins to get lost.  Nothing to hold in place as you put it back together. 

[RevJim]

Well, I couldn't help myself; found a new Mod 870 Express with fully rifled R/S 12 (like the one I sold last year!) for a very good price. So, I'll be able to report back later just how it holds up. I like the idea of a dedicated slug, fully rifled barrel. I'm going to have the Williams peep put on it though. I tend to shoot high with open sights, I'm much faster with a peep. Thanks guys.

[RevJim]

Just picked up my new 870 Express with the rifled barrel. Looks very nice, very well finished too. It has the laminated stock and the higher comb. Trigger feels pretty good as is, but later on I just have to try one of the Timney Trigger fix kits.