"Pawn Shop Used 870 Wingmaster"

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roo_ster

roo_ster

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OK, I think I may have to join the pump shotgun club.

I really love me some Rem 1100, especially in HD getup, but my desire for a compact truck gun has driven me to consider the 870, since it has a manual of arms similar to my already-mentioned 1100 and my Rem 7400.

I do not intend to buy new and I want to buy one of these "pawn shop 870 Wingmasters" folk write about. It doesn't have to be pretty, as it will spend its time in a case behind my truck seat. Heck, I'd prefer it NOT be pretty, considering some of the designs I have for it.

What is a fair price for such a critter? "Fair" being just that: not a screaming deal, but a commonly-encountered price for such hardware.

12ga, of course.
 
You can get used express models for less than 200 around here. You can get them new for nearly that low sometimes on "special."
 
One of the local shops has 4-5 in stock right not for $250 your choice. I have purchased 3 from pawn shops vent rib, pretty nice blueing, nice stocks, for $225 each. I prefer older wingmasters that were actually made well. If it has a factory barrel with interchangable chokes I don't want it. Instead i just buy another one in modifed and one in full choke. Might be foolish but something about older 870's I really like. I don't care for the express model at all.
 
I am not considering the Express flavor. Oh, I'm sure they are an OK shotgun.

Thing is, I usually prefer a nice semi-auto. A rough pump will not do for me. And all new Rem Express pumps I have handled ran rough. A well-used shotgun that was well-finished when it left the factory is what I am thinking. Cosmetics are not a worry, but smooth function is.

Honestly, the only pumps I ever took a real shine to were the Win Model 12. They point like nobody's business. But, there is no way in hades that I am going to butcher one of those into a truck gun.

If some "aquatic tart*" were to toss a Win M12 riot/trench gun my way, for the price of a used 870WM, I would be a VERY happy man.



* Monty Python reference
 
I see used wingmasters that are no more expensive than used express guns regularly. The wingmasters are superior IMO. I would take an older used wingmaster over an express any day unless there was some discernable problem with the wingmaster.

Good luck in you search. I see the best deals in the classifieds.
 
My experience with pawn shops is that often the prices are higher than at the store.
 
Used Wingmasters will set you back the price of a new Express or better, depending on condition. The average storefront price for a used Wingmaster these days in the Metroplex seems to be hovering around $400. I've bought several off online auction sites for $250 or so, but you have to be willing to wait for months for the right deal to come along.

Many Wingmasters have fixed-choke barrels, and it seems like all the ones that I find that I might want always are stuck with full-choked 28" or 30" barrels (for which I have scant utility).

I have purchased several used Express models in the last several years, and bought a new one from Academy two months ago. The most recent version was far better machined than the older versions - a Wingmaster it ain't, but it does have removable chokes and relatively forgiving laminate furniture. You can also find used Express models for $150-$200 most places.
 
I have been prowling the different boards and auction sites to pick up a couple of Wingmaster winter projects. I found that the prices have increased somewhat over last winter -- especially the add-on pieces like mag extensions and used stock sets. The real increase has been in used Ithaca M37 prices.

Local Central TX FTF individual sales are in the $250 range ... or even ridiculously higher but the $400 WM locally is not going to sell. You *can* find used WMs on the auction sites for <$200 but by the time you pay shipping and FFL transfer they will break the $200 mark. I also agree with rbernie, many 30" full choke WMs out there if that is what you are looking for; anything with an 18" or 20" barrel is going for silly money. There have been a few vendors on Gunbroker liquidating police trades at $225 and up but they are VERY rough. I would not give that for them.

I have some beautiful older WMs but my truck gun is a butt ugly synthetic 870 Express that I picked up very reasonably in a FTF. If you are dead set on a Wigmaster, it is going to take some time to ferret it out.
 
Well, if you have to settle for a Remington, a used wingmaster is probably worth 400 compared to an express. Really don't matter much if it's just an SD truck gun. It's left unloaded with full mag, jack the round and go for it. I just don't like Remington ergos and like tang safeties. That doesn't really apply on a SD gun and if you like adding all that mall ninja crap on it, the Remington has a lot more. You can pile on 50 pounds of crap on that thing from the aftermarket. :D I'd prefer a used wingmaster to a new express, though, just between the two. I'd say, take your time, hit the big gun shows, and look for a deal.
 
Around here used Wingmasters run between $225 and $275 before haggling. Figure you can get 10-15% off that if you play your cards right.
 
"aquatic tart*"

I think that was "watery tart."

And if you find one of those handing out Model 12 riot guns instead of swords, please let me know... the heck with being king. :D

Good deals on used Wingmasters around here depend on the appearance of the gun. Sad-looking specimens can be had for $225 or so. Internally they generally are about the same as used LE trade-ins, rough looking on the outside but just fine on the inside, after a good cleaning and lube. And as far as I'm concerned, an older model (pre-magazine tube dimples) Express gun will do as well as a Wingmaster for a working gun, and can often be found for less than $200.

lpl
 
I am not considering the Express flavor. Oh, I'm sure they are an OK shotgun.
Click to expand...
oops... I misread your post. I thought you wrote that you were NOT considering a wingmaster.

"aquatic tart*"

I think that was "watery tart."
Click to expand...


Thank you... saved me the trouble. You could also use "moistened bint."
 
Hey keep in mind Pardner Pump Protector is an 870 clone for $219 at Dick's and they go on sale for $189 sometimes
 
As far as aquatic/watery tarts and moistened bints, I will defer to y'all's collected wisdom.

An externally rough, internally good police trade-in Wingmaster would be just fine. Matter of fact, just about ideal.

A similar-condition WM with a 30", full-choke would be fine, too, after a smith took it down to 18" or so and slapped a bead on the remaining bbl.

I prefer wood stock & forearm, as I can saw & work on that, while the synthetic stuff is much less change-friendly.

Thanks you all for your input. Now, I gott to get to looking.
 
I have to agree that the used 870 Wingmaster Police and Riot (18" and 20") guns have gone absurd in price. They used to start at $250 but now people want $400. Keep an eye out though and you might get lucky as they are to be had. I have several, one I paid less than $200 for.
 
I would not pay more than $100-150 tops (and the high end of that range only if really in mint conditions)

Around here in Western Wa is not unusual to find 870 on sales for less than $300...as low as $259....
 
Sorry no, I was just talking about the regular basic 870 with synthetic or cheap wood...a no-frills 870 can be had new on sale for $250-300 through the big box retailers.

Of course if you want the higher finishing and superior wood of the Wingmaster is another thing...personally I do not care.
 
I got an older (1955) Wingmaster for about 160 out the door, but I have no doubts that I will never find one like that again. I think I would have paid double that for this gun, and still been pleased.


IMG_1757-Copy-1-1.jpg
 
That is really nice Tim and I think double is about right from what I've seen if not more. Beautiful wood on the stock.
 
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