Problems having wood on the 870

MikeS · April 20, 2000, 07:55 PM

I'm interested in buying an 870 from Vang
Comp Systems. They have two models ready to
be shipped: The 870 Express with synthetic
stock and forend; The Police Magnum with
wood. Although one purpose will be for HD
I would like to use the shotgun, e.g., firing
range, classes, etc. It will not be used for
hunting or be exposed to particularly harsh
conditions.

I have two questions: 1) Can someone point
out the difference between the two models in
terms of workmanship and reliability and 2)
assuming I go with the 870P, any potential
problems (advantages?) having wood rather
than synthetic components? Thanks for your
help.

MikeS

Arizona Eric · April 20, 2000, 09:35 PM

Mike, OT . . .

Your post has a very strange title . . .

Coronach · April 20, 2000, 09:41 PM

HEH!

I thought the same thing when I saw the title as well.

However, I have basically the same darned question...I too want to get a 870 (mag or super mag, probably the latter), and I too wanted to get it with wood stocks and forend.

Soooo....whats the differences (besides the obvious wear benefits and weight difference of synthetic)

Mike

------------------
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein

K80Geoff · April 20, 2000, 09:56 PM

Most of the wood on remingtons lower priced guns is pretty ugly. The express model's wood looks like plywood. I replaced my wood with synthetic, looks better and feels better.

Many of the Police models I have seen locally seem to be made to wingmaster specs, with blued receiver and barrels rather than the parkerized finish found on the express models. The wood on these police models isn't bad, but not up to wingmaster standards. The wingmaster is the top of the line 870 with blued receiver and walnut (I think) stocks.

Personally I prefer the synthetic stocks for a HD/knockabout gun. Wood bruises too easily.

Geoff Ross

------------------
One reason to vote in the next Presidential election.

It's the Supreme Court, Stupid!

tackdriver · April 20, 2000, 10:13 PM

the title gives all new meaning to "gun nut"

t2 · April 21, 2000, 07:32 AM

I have an 870 express and the wood is not pretty, but durable. I just picked an 870HD with synthetic stocks, it feels lighter(more felt recoil?), but I guess theoretically it will be more durable. I'm going to the range today, I'll let you know if I notice any difference. Terry

Icopy · April 21, 2000, 07:43 AM

I'd go with the Police model. Mine just seems better put together than my Express model. Also, the Police forend is short enough to use the 6-round sidesaddle and the mag tube doesn't have the dimples which prevent you from installing the extended mag tube. As far as the wood versus synthetic goes, if you're going to expose the weapon to the elements, get the synthetic. Since mine stays in the house, it has the wood.

Dave McC · April 22, 2000, 04:28 AM

I've seeen no difference in durability between the two. Wood shows abuse a little sooner,that's all.

IMO, get what you like...

April 20, 2000, 07:55 PM	#1
MikeS Member Join Date: April 17, 2000 Location: San Diego, CA USA Posts: 57	I'm interested in buying an 870 from Vang Comp Systems. They have two models ready to be shipped: The 870 Express with synthetic stock and forend; The Police Magnum with wood. Although one purpose will be for HD I would like to use the shotgun, e.g., firing range, classes, etc. It will not be used for hunting or be exposed to particularly harsh conditions. I have two questions: 1) Can someone point out the difference between the two models in terms of workmanship and reliability and 2) assuming I go with the 870P, any potential problems (advantages?) having wood rather than synthetic components? Thanks for your help. MikeS

April 20, 2000, 09:35 PM	#2
Arizona Eric Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 1999 Posts: 125	Mike, OT . . . Your post has a very strange title . . .

April 20, 2000, 09:41 PM	#3
Coronach Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 1999 Posts: 3,147	HEH! I thought the same thing when I saw the title as well. However, I have basically the same darned question...I too want to get a 870 (mag or super mag, probably the latter), and I too wanted to get it with wood stocks and forend. Soooo....whats the differences (besides the obvious wear benefits and weight difference of synthetic) Mike ------------------ "A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein

April 20, 2000, 09:56 PM	#4
K80Geoff Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 1998 Location: NE Pennsylvania Posts: 3,639	Most of the wood on remingtons lower priced guns is pretty ugly. The express model's wood looks like plywood. I replaced my wood with synthetic, looks better and feels better. Many of the Police models I have seen locally seem to be made to wingmaster specs, with blued receiver and barrels rather than the parkerized finish found on the express models. The wood on these police models isn't bad, but not up to wingmaster standards. The wingmaster is the top of the line 870 with blued receiver and walnut (I think) stocks. Personally I prefer the synthetic stocks for a HD/knockabout gun. Wood bruises too easily. Geoff Ross ------------------ One reason to vote in the next Presidential election. It's the Supreme Court, Stupid!

April 20, 2000, 10:13 PM	#5
tackdriver Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2000 Location: Bedford County, Virginia Posts: 505	the title gives all new meaning to "gun nut"

April 21, 2000, 07:32 AM	#6
t2 Member Join Date: January 11, 2000 Posts: 61	I have an 870 express and the wood is not pretty, but durable. I just picked an 870HD with synthetic stocks, it feels lighter(more felt recoil?), but I guess theoretically it will be more durable. I'm going to the range today, I'll let you know if I notice any difference. Terry

April 21, 2000, 07:43 AM	#7
Icopy Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2000 Posts: 340	I'd go with the Police model. Mine just seems better put together than my Express model. Also, the Police forend is short enough to use the 6-round sidesaddle and the mag tube doesn't have the dimples which prevent you from installing the extended mag tube. As far as the wood versus synthetic goes, if you're going to expose the weapon to the elements, get the synthetic. Since mine stays in the house, it has the wood.

April 22, 2000, 04:28 AM	#8
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	I've seeen no difference in durability between the two. Wood shows abuse a little sooner,that's all. IMO, get what you like...