How are Wingmasters these days?

Inebriated · 05-12-2013, 04:24

Just wondering... I'm looking at a WM 12ga 28" that I'd like to use for skeet/trap/various bird hunting/etc, but I'm a little wary about Remington these days. I've got an Express from 2008 or 2009, and it's been flawless, but I've read some horror stories. So before I drop $600 on a Remington, I really want to be reasonably certain it won't... suck.

Thanks

fusegsp · 05-12-2013, 07:29

I've heard that the quality of the Wingmaster hasn't slipped as much as some of the other Remington stuff, but I have no first hand experience with the Wingmaster. That being said I'd take a Browning BPS over the Wingmaster. I love the satin wood, top tang safety, and the bottom eject. It's one of the few truly ambidextrous shotguns out there. I had a 16 gauge a few years ago and it was both smooth and beautiful. I got a hell of a deal on it and still kick myself for selling it.

aippi · 05-12-2013, 11:24

Not sure what you have read and where. A forum is the worst palce to find this information as guys who post a problem may be the problem. You don't know the persons ability or qualifications and what they contributed to the issue. Since it is the best selling pump shotgun on the Market there are more out there so of course you would read more about them.

As for the 870. They are as good today as any time. Same weapon with almost no changes in 50 years. Over 10 Million sold and most all still in use unless lost or destroyed.

That Wingmaster will be in your family for many years to come and will passed down to your children and their children if maintained.

Inebriated · 05-12-2013, 19:12

Well, I got a 28" wm today.

No complaints. Looked at three, picked out the better-looking one. I love the way it feels.

bsg1 · 05-15-2013, 16:59

^^^ congrats on your Wingmaster.

Inebriated · 05-15-2013, 17:04

Thanks. I'm having a hard time missing clays with it :D

Joshhtn · 05-15-2013, 17:10

Congrats! I love a good Wingmaster!

collim1 · 05-19-2013, 02:12

The fit and finish on the Wingmaster should still be good to go. I would not buy a Express made in the last 10 years for sure though.

I have a newer 1187 Premiere made at the time they started putting the j-lock safeties on them. I replaced the safety and have been very happy with the gun. Beautiful wood and blued metal, and functions like a champ.

I also have a 870P made in 2012 and a 700 made in 2009 and they are both wonderful guns, funtion 100%, smooth actions, and look nice.

The 700 on the bottom, was a wedding gift from my wife. With the Zeiss scope on it its a real good shooter.

Just stay away from the "econo" versions, they are easy to spot, and you will be fine. As much as I hate what Freedom Group has done to Remington, I can't help but love their guns.

Inebriated · 05-19-2013, 03:13

Sexy-looking 870P. If any LGS's around me got one, I'd probably have to buy it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by collim1

As much as I hate what Freedom Group has done to Remington, I can't help but love their guns.

I have to agree there. I'm not happy with the fact that I really have to even ask "how are they", but I love many Remington designs, and the 870 is my favorite shotgun action around. So it would take a lot for me to ditch them. My Express (HD) from 2011 has been good ever since I upgraded the Carrier Dog Follower Spring. It's my baby, so if I ever were left with one, that'd be it. But I'll probably not buy another Express. It didn't take much extra time to save for the difference between it and the WM/P models.

Also, I found that the rib was off-center by just a few mm (can tell from where it meets up with the receiver). I called Remington, and they've got a new barrel on the way, for free. So QC may not be what it once was, but their customer service did a great job.