hell-o...

[Snake Pleskin]

I am interested in what many think of the 870 etc.
I am a former marine officer,84th class OCs...nam 72, and then 12 yrs Dod/DIA/DSE/SPB....
I have owned and used shotguns all my life and also when in harms way. I like the 870 because of parts availability but my all time favorite is the Ithaca Feather weight 12,bottom schucker!!!...anyway..i currently have an absolutely beautiful, 870 Wingmaster, 1970's era, with two bbls. and a Boyt leather/canvas take down case that holds both bbls and the stock/receiver....absolutely the cats meow!..20 in. smooth bore with original meta,l buckhorn style rifle,!! sights!! also a 28' vent rib, modified bbl. I do not know that exact date of manuf. yet, since I do not know which bbl was original...it is either 1972 or 1979...I have asked remington to verify on full serial number...I have owned 6 different 870's including express and Police and I would not have either now. An early production Wingmaster in blued steel and walnut is the way to go...plastic and matte fininsh with garbage hung all over it is for wannabees and arm chair commndos in MHO....I have used the 870 in battle and all od=f the goodies are not needed, make it heavy, unwieldy and do nothing to increase the effectiveness. My team leader could load his 870 faster from a pocket full of shells then anyone I ever say with sidesaddles or other carriers...oh well.....hell-o and good to be here.

[Snake Pleskin]

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[nighthawk]

I am also a vet and a minimalist when it comes to hanging things on my weapon. A good hunting vest like mine lets one carry plenty of extra shells as well as any other things needed without adding weight to the weapon. However to each his own.

I also own a classic wing master, older than yours, as well as a 12 gauge 870 express I bought in the 1980's. Don't sell the express model short. Quality and mechanically they are every bit as good as the classic wing master although I also thought the synthetic stocks to feel a bit flimsy. Do yourself a favor when you get a chance to do it check out an express model with the hardwood stock. They are every bit as solid feeling as that beautiful classic wing master of yours.

Beautiful shotgun and welcome aboard!