Is the Wingmaster really worth it?

[MCgunner]

The "real checkering" on most low end stuff like the Wingmaster is machine cut. It's a far cry from fine hand cut checkering. My old Sarasqueta double had hand cut checkering, still has it, but it's been pretty well ruined by hard use. It was beautiful, though, when new.

Machine cut checkering is by far and away better than that "impressed" checkering they used to do, though, which wasn't impressive at all, LOL. My Winchester auto has machine cut checkering and it's the "Ranger", Winchester's version of the Express. It also has a very deep, shiny bluing, not the rough dull finish of the Express. The stock is hardwood, but ain't ugly to my eye, looks pretty nice considering the gun set me back $255 new in 1988. The fit of the butt stock could be a little more flush with the metal. I suppose I could find some walnut stocks for it, maybe, perhaps at Numrich Arms, but it's fine the way it is.

 

[alaskanativeson]

Since my Wingmaster was $140 on Gunbroker just a few months ago, I'd say it was worth it. Since I'm not as enamored of it as I thought I would be, I'm going to stick with my Mossy and put the Wingmaster up for sale. Since I am guaranteed to get more that I paid for it, I'd say it was worth it.

As for the OP, it's worth it if it you decide you like the finish. If reliability is all that matters, the Express works great.

 

[Brian Dale]

My Wingmaster was also $140, but that was a couple of years ago. Made in 1956, it's as slick as buttered glass. They're out there and they last a long time.

Wingmasters are prettier, and their looks don't interfere with their mechanical function. With some friends who spend plenty of money on art, and a couple of friends who earn their living by making art, I'll tell you that it's not wrong to pay for aesthetics.

You're the judge of what you'd prefer to pay for.

 

[MCgunner]

As I recall, my old Wingmaster had the corn cob fore end. The newer checkered ones are prettier to look at IMHO. I also had a plain barrel, no rib. It was a 20 gauge, light gun, quick to the shoulder. It was a 2 3/4" chamber, but I killed a lot of ducks with it using number 5 lead shot 2 3/4" magnum loads. This was WAY before steel shot laws.

 

[devilc]

Wingmasters are nice guns.
They can be had used on Gun Broker for under $200 if you don't mind doing some refinishing.
I picked up a Wingmaster receiver only for $50 since it had a broken ejector spring!

 

[MCgunner]

One thing, I really do prefer modern guns with interchangeable chokes. A 40 year old Wingmaster with a full choke would be pretty worthless to me. In that case, I'd rather get the new Express. A new barrel will run the price up on that used shotgun. I also like ribs on guns, just me, but I like 'em. Gives my eye a nice flat plane to look down. Also, any gun I buy will HAVE to, MANDATORY, not an option, be steel shot compatible.

 

[Lone Star]

I bought the Wingmaster, new. I had to scrimp on other things for awhile, but I love pretty guns. Also figured that the internals might work better.

I seldom find really nice used Wingmasters here. People tend to keep them, I guess.

Lone Star

 

[gotmine]

I've two wingmasters..12-28"mod and 20-w/30"full and 28"mod barrels. They fit me and are great shooters.... I love them but not in the marsh. The marsh gets the trusty old N/S model 12-32"full or 1100 30"full. When falling I roll and hold up the gun because I still have the memory of getting my ears boxed for giving guns a dunking when doing the ducks.

 

[MCgunner]

Full choke doesn't work well for me with steel shot. Modified does better in all my guns. Full leaves all sorts of holes in the patterns. Actually, I often chose I/C for hunting over deeks, especially if it's foggy.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Just picked up a laminated Express for $279.99.

Two things of note:

1. It came with a full set of 3 choke tubes.

2. It also came with a green fiber optic front sight/bead.

Seems the value of the Express is increasing even more with those 2 additions.

 

[WutUpGeez]

I got a brand new, unfired 1985 wingmaster with 3 removable chokes, 28" vent ribbed barrel(with 2 bead sites). Gorgeous wood(with the semi gloss finish).

$400 out the door...

If you can find a REALLY nice one between $300-$400...I'd say get the wingmaster. Of course if money isn't an issue, I also say get the wingmaster!

The express guns are really nice...I know a guy who can debur them and give them a nice, durable parked finish for under $120.

 

[throdgrain]

It just depends what you want.

I have a 1976 Wingmaster with a fixed choke, so I bought another shorter barrel with a multi-choke, no problermo

 

[Virginian]

A guy once asked, whay is a divorce so expensive?
Because it is worth it. I feel the same about a Wingmaster. You get whatever you like. (I sure wish someone would take my ex-wife.)

 

[earlthegoat2]

Compared to a BPS it is not. Compared to a Express it also it not. Get a used Wingmaster. Those are worth it.

 

[rbernie]

Get a used Wingmaster. Those are worth it.

Word.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Yes.

The Expresses are good shotguns.

The Wingmasters are great shotguns.

 

[hometheaterman]

If it was me I would for sure pay the extra for the Wingmaster. No doubt about it. I'm sure King will be on here telling me how much I talk bad about the expresses shortly and that his is great even though it has problems with "certain ammo".

 

[jlv08]

I found a used Wingmaster at a shop here in Grafton ,VA. on RTE. 17 for 175.00.

It was an early fifties model with a 28" Modified barrel and decent walnut utilitarian grade furniture in like new condition

I was told that it came out of an estate and the person pricing the gun did not consider its value obviously.

I bought it and sold it to a friend who made an offer I could not refuse and he added it to his collection and does not iintend to shoot it.

It was a very nice gun and I would not want to take a nice gun like that in the woods.

That being said, if you beat the bushes you can find a Wingmaster at a great price and will be in shotgun nirvana.

I now ,for my needs, use NEF Pardner Pumps in 12 and 20 gauge and they are my field guns and very similar to the 870 but very different as well.

I am not suggesting that you consider a Pardner over a Wingmaster but will humbly ask that you compare it to an Express model.

I did and the Pardner came home.

The Wingmaster is the gold standard in pumps that is still made today as well as the Express.

I would have a Wingmaster over the Express for bling if I was into such things as bling.

I am not so I chose the Pardner over the Express for utility and haven't batted an eye.

If its a Remington you want, I suggest the Wingmaster. They can be found for reasonable money and are very nice pump shotguns that will go on like the Eveready Bunny....