In another thread, I mentioned how I was looking at 870s at a local pawn shop. To make a long story short, I ended up with two 870s.
The first is an Express model 28" with rib and rem choke that accepts 3" shells. Apparently, this one was made early on as it does not have the mim-extractor, nor does it have the dimples in the mag tube, but it does have an aluminum trigger guard with a finish that matches the rest of the gun. Anyone know when they changed to the plastic trigger guard, mim-extractor and dimples in the mag tube?
The second is a Wingmaster with 30" ribbed full choke barrel. What was interesting when I broke it down was that it had a wooden magazine tube plug that looks original. I'm wondering now if there is a website that I can use to date these guns?
I decided I would clean both today and I'm glad I did. Despite both guns appearing to be little used, both were filthy with what appeared be oil that had gummed up and became very sticky. IN fact, I would have been shocked if the express had been able to be fired it was so gummed up inside. I gave the both a thorough cleaning and lightly oiled key places.
Observations:
I've heard people say the express models are not as smooth. I could not tell the difference between these two, both seemed equally smooth to me after cleaning.
I was also amazed at the simplicity of the design. No wonder these are the best selling pump guns by far.
I'm pleased with both of them, and considering I gave $360 for the pair, I think I got a good deal as well.
Now, I'm looking forward to taking these to the range and given these a workout.
Thanks for listening.
The first is an Express model 28" with rib and rem choke that accepts 3" shells. Apparently, this one was made early on as it does not have the mim-extractor, nor does it have the dimples in the mag tube, but it does have an aluminum trigger guard with a finish that matches the rest of the gun. Anyone know when they changed to the plastic trigger guard, mim-extractor and dimples in the mag tube?
The second is a Wingmaster with 30" ribbed full choke barrel. What was interesting when I broke it down was that it had a wooden magazine tube plug that looks original. I'm wondering now if there is a website that I can use to date these guns?
I decided I would clean both today and I'm glad I did. Despite both guns appearing to be little used, both were filthy with what appeared be oil that had gummed up and became very sticky. IN fact, I would have been shocked if the express had been able to be fired it was so gummed up inside. I gave the both a thorough cleaning and lightly oiled key places.
Observations:
I've heard people say the express models are not as smooth. I could not tell the difference between these two, both seemed equally smooth to me after cleaning.
I was also amazed at the simplicity of the design. No wonder these are the best selling pump guns by far.
I'm pleased with both of them, and considering I gave $360 for the pair, I think I got a good deal as well.
Now, I'm looking forward to taking these to the range and given these a workout.
Thanks for listening.
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