Author Topic: choosing a pump (Read 1480 times)

mjbgalt · « **on:** October 01, 2009, 05:21:24 PM »

i know this is going to start something but i gotta ask.

i am looking at getting a 12 gauge pump. i like browning but hear great things about the 870.

so....wingmaster or bps? and why

bobg · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2009, 06:52:00 PM »

Never owned a bps. For 20 years i used my Wingmaster. Killed more game with that than any shotgun i have owned. I have owned a couple Mossy 500's. They are not bad guns either. I will have to admit for a few years now i have been using a Beretta semi auto model 303.
bobg

dukkillr · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2009, 07:06:24 PM »

Look at some of the other threads on this topic. The answer is BPS but I don't feel like typing the breakdown again...

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** October 02, 2009, 12:44:16 AM »

I own both, don't think you'll go wrong with either but in the 870 I much prefer the Wingmaster not the Express I've had mostly disappointment with the Express guns I've had.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #4 on:** October 02, 2009, 01:14:39 AM »

they are the same guns right? just less time spent on the finish of the expresses?

i like the bps a lot...but the 870 has that reputation...

i have a browning gold in 20 gauge so i am good there. just wanted a backup, something i can shoot a little trap with, and have a bigger gun should i want to do more, like turkey hunting or ducks.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #5 on:** October 02, 2009, 01:41:23 AM »

I have owned several 870's and now own my second BPS.
Either pic is a good one. The BPS has the thumb safety and bottom eject which I prefer.
Extra barrels for the 870 are cheeper.
Of the guns I own or have owned the BPS has been a smoother action.
A feature available on the BPS is the magazine cut off. You can empty the chamber and keep the shells in the magazine, handy at times

dukkillr · « **Reply #6 on:** October 02, 2009, 02:59:57 AM »

Quote from: Hairtrigger on October 02, 2009, 01:41:23 AM

I have owned several 870's and now own my second BPS.
Either pic is a good one. The BPS has the thumb safety and bottom eject which I prefer.
Extra barrels for the 870 are cheeper.
Of the guns I own or have owned the BPS has been a smoother action.
A feature available on the BPS is the magazine cut off. You can empty the chamber and keep the shells in the magazine, handy at times

Or empty the magazine without shucking through the shells.

Bullseye · « **Reply #7 on:** October 02, 2009, 06:51:19 AM »

I prefer the 870 because it is about 1/2 pound lighter.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:50:59 AM »

I have had both , the BPS is heavy and not blanced well for me . It drops empties at your feet - i reload so that's not good also in a boat or blind its not safe IMO . The wingmaster is a good gun with many options and aval. up grades .
and i like the location of the safety better on the 870 not as easy to knock off when you want it to stay on .

sachel.45 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 02, 2009, 04:13:48 PM »

hard to go wrong with an 870

GLHolmes · « **Reply #10 on:** October 03, 2009, 05:30:50 AM »

Try the Mossberg 500. I prefer the tang safety and the price can't be beat. However, I do really like the feel and performance of my dad's 870.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #11 on:** October 03, 2009, 06:20:54 AM »

the mossberg is ok. i have owned a couple. but they don't even come close to the fit and finish or the smoothness of the 870 and BPS.

odie-wan · « **Reply #12 on:** October 03, 2009, 06:00:48 PM »

I've had a few of both but the 870's just fit me better. I always feel like I have to reach waaayyyy out there for the slide on the BPS. On the other hand it stays cleaner in the field IMHO, has the advantage of an overbore choke if you duck or goose hunt like me, and doesn't chuck empties at your blind mates. A nice BPS just ooozes quality. However, so does a good wingmaster. Plus you can get extra 870 barrels cheaper if needed. I currenty have an express for the blind and slugs, and an older wingmaster for upland. They're really both the top of the line of pumps (insert Ithaca zealot quote here

).

my $ 0.02
Sean

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #13 on:** October 07, 2009, 04:47:24 PM »

Over the years I have owned many pumps: Ithaca, Mossburg, J. C. Higgins, Win. (97's 12's and 1200's) Rem. and Browning. All are good guns, and all have their draw backs. My current Browing is a 10, but if Rem. Made an 870 in 10 bore, the Browning would go down the road. I believe the old 870 has been prodouced the longest time of any of our pumps.

jager · « **Reply #14 on:** October 08, 2009, 06:53:12 AM »

I've owned all three guns (870 Express, Wingmaster, and BPS). I kept the Wingmaster because it is a smoother functioning Express and lighter than the BPS without being too light for a 12ga.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #15 on:** October 13, 2009, 02:43:49 PM »

decided on a 12 gauge 870 express with laminated stock.
got a heck of a good buy...$279 new in box.
going to use it as a trap gun and field gun for right now...since i have to sell the browning to pay a bill or two. figured i could pick this up cheap and still have something to hunt with until money gets right again.

thanks!

Swampman · « **Reply #16 on:** October 13, 2009, 02:49:01 PM »

IMO the 870 is the best repeating shotgun ever made. Good choice!

1marty · « **Reply #17 on:** October 13, 2009, 04:21:02 PM »

You can't go wrong with the 870. I've had the express for many years and it is absolutely reliable. It is a good first shot gun. I've acquired over unders and auto loaders for skeet and bird hunting over the years. I still use the 870 for home defense (18 inch barrel) and turkey hunting.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #18 on:** October 14, 2009, 08:09:21 AM »

When buying an 870 keep in mind you really do get what you pay for . The Wingmaster is smoothest and best built - The top of the reciver is better machined as are most other parts along with better wood , Police models have some stronger parts ( when replacing parts order parts for the police mag. where they interchange ) and the Express is cheapest with least detail and quality but still a good buy .
If you want a hunt/defense gun look at the police mag and add a sporting bbl. If you want beauty the wingmaster is the gun and if you want a good starter gun that can be upgraded or used as is for a modest price then the express would do.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2009, 01:25:47 PM »

i bought an 870 wingmaster 12 gauge with 28" light contour barrel tonight. needs reblued in a few areas and has been hunted with obviously, a few nicks. $265.

i was looking for an express but the old guy at the local gunshop had this one sitting for a while and i like to support him and not Gander and other jerks who charge twice what used guns are worth.

this was not a great buy but i dont feel i paid too much. these go for around $300 even for a beat up one around here.

i will be rebluing it but in the meantime it should last me forever and is already broken in

-Matt

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #20 on:** October 14, 2009, 05:53:42 PM »

I have owned both and both are great.
I would give the 870 the nod only because it has a side eject and for target shooting it is easier to just drop one into the chamber than close the action load the mag and then load the gun.
But the BPS is smooth and nice to shoot.
I would like to toss in the Benelli Nova if you are looking for a Plastic gun. Really like mine.

Noreaster · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2009, 12:34:21 PM »

Good choice, I'm sure you'll be happy. I currently own a NEF Pardner Pump and it's a great shotgun at a modest price. Less options though.

Cubby08 · « **Reply #22 on:** November 07, 2009, 08:09:11 AM »

My first pump shotgun was a Maverick 88, I still use it and i love it. Feels lighter than the BPS IMO but never put up agaisnt 870. I like how it has the rail and double beads on top of the barrel. Cheap too, i got mine for $180 and i have put thousands of rounds through it.

JPShelton · « **Reply #23 on:** November 17, 2009, 11:18:25 PM »

While the OP seems to have already decided, I'll post this up for others who might share his delima....

I have two shotguns, currently, and both are pump guns. One is a 20 guage New Haven Model 600 (house brand Mossberg M-500). The other is a 12 Gauge Remington 870 Express. Both have strengths and weaknesses and they are used for different scattergunning chores because of this. I wouldn't want to be without either of them.

-JP