BTW, in answer to your question, I think the main reason the 870 is more popular is that Remington got more police contracts than Winchester, creating a larger demand for the 870. Then everybody else wanted an 870 because that's what the police carry, creating an even bigger market for the 870. With all of these 870's breaking parts and malfunctioning, (You know, these paragons of shotgun virtue.
) the aftermarket stepped in and started making large sums of money selling many, many replacement parts for the many, many broken 870's. It could've happened to Winchester, but Remington got most of the contracts.
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May your lead always hit center mass and your brass always land in your range bag.
~Blades~