Model 870 Quality between models
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ponycarman
- Senior Shotgunner
- Posts: 210
- Joined: Sat Dec 08, 2012 1:16 am
- Location: Upstate, SC
Re: Model 870 Quality between models
I have never been able to shoot anything prior to purchasing. Only one shop that I know of in my area does that. Like synchronizor said, they are very tough and simple. You can save alot of money on used. And on the plus side they tend to be more worn in and smooth. My home defense 870 is a 70's model wingmaster I found in a pawn shop for $150. A couple upgrades and it is perfect. Never had any issues with it at all.
Re: Model 870 Quality between models
First you can inspect a used gun as far as safeties working , Action working -smooth , rough , jerky or hanging up . You can see the condition of bore and rest of gun.
But as to old vs. new , loaded question. I had new ones in the late 70's and each decade since. Had several used ones from police/prison trade in's to Sporting clays model. I had a couple express models and don't care for them even though I still have one sort of, they will never be a Wingmaster . I have one that was a magnum before the special purpose came out it was packetized , oil finished stock and slick as goose grease. I would buy another if they ever make them again. Best 870 I have owned. I find the older ones (wingmasters) when new came from the factory with slicker actions. The ones with the thin barrels seemed livelier in the hands maybe better balanced. The new ones are stronger and steel proof. But then the old one never had much trouble , one police trade in came from a range. The hammer looked like the end of a well used chisel with the metal mushroomed out. I filed it flat and used it for years with a turkey shoot barrel. To be honest at my age if I was to buy another one it would be used and old so I don't have to break it in. BTW parts are interchangeable but some models have up graded parts like the police model or marine model. It is easy to check look at complete parts list. Police guns have parts less prone to break.
But as to old vs. new , loaded question. I had new ones in the late 70's and each decade since. Had several used ones from police/prison trade in's to Sporting clays model. I had a couple express models and don't care for them even though I still have one sort of, they will never be a Wingmaster . I have one that was a magnum before the special purpose came out it was packetized , oil finished stock and slick as goose grease. I would buy another if they ever make them again. Best 870 I have owned. I find the older ones (wingmasters) when new came from the factory with slicker actions. The ones with the thin barrels seemed livelier in the hands maybe better balanced. The new ones are stronger and steel proof. But then the old one never had much trouble , one police trade in came from a range. The hammer looked like the end of a well used chisel with the metal mushroomed out. I filed it flat and used it for years with a turkey shoot barrel. To be honest at my age if I was to buy another one it would be used and old so I don't have to break it in. BTW parts are interchangeable but some models have up graded parts like the police model or marine model. It is easy to check look at complete parts list. Police guns have parts less prone to break.