After using a 870 Wingmaster or older magnum even the 870 Express feels lacking in handeling qualities and livelyness .
If feels that way because it is.
I used to recommend to people who wanted to become serious hardcore duck hunters that they buy the BPS first, and the 870 second. If they wouldn't get one of those two, they should borrow a gun.
Today I still have BPS first, but now for the more budget hunter I recommend the Nova. It's ugly to my eye, but it is a similar, yet better made product than the modern 870 express.
Oh, and lest you think I don't know what I'm talking about, I was carrying an 870 around the woods... uh... 4 hours ago.