Remington Wingmaster 12ga or 16 ga?

J

JimFromFL

New member
Pure plinking gun for cardboard, milk jugs, fruits and veggies.

Just don't know which to buy.

I thought about the Express but was told the Wingmaster is much better. Smoother action and all.

I guess this is really two questions:

1 - Is the Wingmaster worth the extra cash?
2 - What are the advantages/disadvantages between the 12 & 16 ga?
 
If you just want a plinking gun, get the Express. Also, I would definitely get a 12 Ga. Better ammo availibility, wide range of loads and shell lengths. If you are recoil sensitive get a 20 Ga. 16 Ga is quickly becoming obsolete.

nsf003
 
The wingmaster, although technically the same gun as the Express, just feels better. Better finish, better wood. If you can afford it get the Wingmaster.

16 GA is far from obsolete. In fact it is making somewhat of a comeback. Snooty double gun shooters now pay hefty prices for new O/U and SXS 16 ga guns. Old SXS 16 ga guns that used to sell for reasonable prices have suddenly begun to cost more.

Ammo selection for the 16 is the main problem. If you are on a budget you are limited to the promotional loads found in the mart stores and volume internet sellers. Several European ammo makers have 16 ga loads but these are a bit pricey.

16 is in the same boat as the 28. Great guns but not supported by the major american manufacturers.
 
The 16 gauge isn't obsolete but it's very hard to find in some areas. Meanwhile 12 gauge is abundant in a variety of loads from very light target right up to teeth rattling magnums. If you are going to have only one gun the choice is clear. Get a 12 gauge. The 16 gauge has its applications for upland gunning but there are no target loads unless you make them yourself and even then 16 gauge reloading components are very hard to find.

The Express and the Wingmaster are the same gun with the former not as well fitted and finished. I've owned both but kept the Wingmaster.
 
Much as I like the 16 gauge, the 12's versatility
amd ammo availability has it beat from the practical aspect.

And while you're now saying that this is a plinker, shotgun use tends to broaden with time. Trust me on that(G)...
 
We've got a couple Wingmasters & a couple Express - pretty much evenly divided between 20s & 12s.

Personally, I can't tell the difference between fit at all - although I did have to shim a 20 Express Youth (I'm 6'5") to fit the rib-to-sight line (natural shouldering/point) for me. Action seems the same - to me, certainly nothing shooting a few cases through wouldn't fix (& I've seen that with new Wingmasters, too).

Wingmaster finish IS better - wood & metal. If you think the extra $150+, or so is worth the $, buy the Wingmaster, otherwise don't.

A shotgun, to me, is a "beater gun" & although can be used to great precision, doesn't justify the extra $s for "pretty wood." IMNSHO (is all)
 
Went to the gun show today in Orlando to check out the 870s. There was a used 870 Express for $219 and the guy said the "show" price is $169.

I could not pass on a deal like this and it looks like it has been barely used.

Thanks for all the input. I will be trying it out tomorrow.
 
That's a great gun at a great price. I probably wouldn't pass it up either - even though I have a couple of 870s.

Details? Barrel length, guage?

Giz
 
Congrats, Jim, that's a good price. Let us know how it goes, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Good luck and good shooting...
 
The barrel is about 28 inches with a ridge vent and a single bead sight.

Also at the show, some dealer was getting rid of some 12 ga. shells so I bought the remaining box wihch were Winchester Super-X Super Buchshot Load that have 5/box @ $2 a box. Bought the last 23 boxes. (Not bad)

I don't know if it were the loads, but damn, I forgot how much the 12ga kicks, but the important thing was it functioned flawlessly. Gotta go ice my shoulder now.

Cheers.
 
Jim, I'm assuming a ridge vent=ventilated or vent rib. I'm also assuming you have some gun knowledge but are not a shotgun vet. Sorry if I'm wrong.

Your shotgun weighs in the neighborhood of 7 to 7 1/4 lbs. A 9 pellet load of 00 is not the best plinking ammo due to recoil and cost. You did get a nice deal on that Winnie ammo. Now buy some generic field/dove loads in 1 oz configuration, 7 1/2s or 8s. Shoot them up, repeat. Top off each range session with a few rounds of 00.

I suggest checking the Archives for some stuff on licking kick.

HTH...
 
Yes, the shotgun is virgin territory for me and my research resulted in the conclusion that if I did buy a shotgun it should be an 870.

I will check out some generic field/dove loads probably next weekend.

Thanks everyone for the info.
 
Know-it-alls have been pronouncing the 16ga. dead for well over three decades. They have been wrong and still are wrong. There are more guns being made in 16ga. every year. I doubt that Remington would have come out with the 16ga. 870 if their research department determined that the gauge was on its' way out. You will find that most Wal-marts have some brand of 16ga. ammo.

That said, I would definitely go with the 12ga. The Rem 870 in 16ga. is heavy for the gauge and does not have much of the charm that makes the 16ga. such a wonderful upland gun. As mentioned there is much more 12ga. ammo out there. 12ga is second only to 22 caliber rimfire in total number of rounds fired per year. You can find anything from ultra cheap promo shells to high quality target shells to heavy waterfowl and turkey loads. If there is such a thing as a do-everything gun the 12ga. is it.

Chuck Graber
 
Only reason to buy a new 16 would be if it was built on a smaller, lighter frame. Something to give it an advantage over using a 12. If not, just download 12 ammo or buy some of the soft 12 rounds now on the market. In essence, 16 gauge loads.

dfm
 
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