The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Remington 870

zippy13 · November 6, 2009, 10:42 AM

When you mention the Remington 870, you're talking about a family of shotguns, not a specific model. To the gray beards, like me, we think of the venerable 870 Wingmaster with it's shiny wood and deep polished blue steel when an 870 is mentioned. The military and LE communities think of the Special Purpose and Tactical 870 models. Those looking for a budget first shotgun have probably compared the Mossberg 500 against an 870 Express model. When espousing the virtues of the 870, especially to potential shooters, please remember to mention which 870 you have in mind.

Members' reports of the 870 being a wonderful old sporting and hunting gun are mostly based on the classic Wingmaster models not the modern "cheapened-down" Express models with plastic parts and dull metal finishes. With the cheapest Wingmaster's MSRP ($785) more than twice that of the basic Express ($385), it's easy to understand why the former has a dwindling market share. It's hard for the new shooter to justify a Wingmaster when he can get an Express with a few extra barrels and have some cash left over.

There was a time when the Winchester Model of 1912 (M12) ruled the roost as the pump shotgun of choice (it still does for many). Then, in 1951, Remington's cheaper 870 was introduced, and it eventually drove the old W-M12s out of business. Since 1987, the Expresses has been doing the same thing to the original 870s. Remington presently lists 28 different Express models and the Wingmasters are down to just 4 models. Who knows if there will be any Wingmasters available next year. If you want a piece of history, this may be your last opportunity to get new "real" 870. Of course, you can always go looking for a sweet shooting W-M12.

November 6, 2009, 10:42 AM	#15
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	R-870 confusion When you mention the Remington 870, you're talking about a family of shotguns, not a specific model. To the gray beards, like me, we think of the venerable 870 Wingmaster with it's shiny wood and deep polished blue steel when an 870 is mentioned. The military and LE communities think of the Special Purpose and Tactical 870 models. Those looking for a budget first shotgun have probably compared the Mossberg 500 against an 870 Express model. When espousing the virtues of the 870, especially to potential shooters, please remember to mention which 870 you have in mind. Members' reports of the 870 being a wonderful old sporting and hunting gun are mostly based on the classic Wingmaster models not the modern "cheapened-down" Express models with plastic parts and dull metal finishes. With the cheapest Wingmaster's MSRP ($785) more than twice that of the basic Express ($385), it's easy to understand why the former has a dwindling market share. It's hard for the new shooter to justify a Wingmaster when he can get an Express with a few extra barrels and have some cash left over. There was a time when the Winchester Model of 1912 (M12) ruled the roost as the pump shotgun of choice (it still does for many). Then, in 1951, Remington's cheaper 870 was introduced, and it eventually drove the old W-M12s out of business. Since 1987, the Expresses has been doing the same thing to the original 870s. Remington presently lists 28 different Express models and the Wingmasters are down to just 4 models. Who knows if there will be any Wingmasters available next year. If you want a piece of history, this may be your last opportunity to get new "real" 870. Of course, you can always go looking for a sweet shooting W-M12.