I have always thought about getting an 870, but just never had gotten one. I have heard that the Express is ok mechanically but rough on the finish. I have always liked the wood on a shotgun, but in this case, if I get one, I am thinking about the synthetic stock and forearm ( I guess I could always refinish the wood). Anyway, I don't want camo so I guess that leaves me with a choice of black matte or blue matte for the metal. If the mechanics are supposed to be the same as on a Wingmaster, then the synthetic stock, and say, black matte finish, should be all right. Duhh--what do you all think? I know it won't be pretty, but I didn't want it to look rough.