Stocks and finishes

M

MacII

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I've gotten my friends all wound up over the purchase of my first shotgun. They're debating whether I should get synthetic vs. solid wood vs. laminate stocks. I had been leaning towards a plain ol' 870 express with laminate stock. To a lesser degree they're debating whether the factory camo is better than flat finish.

What are the trade offs between a factory synthetic and laminate? Are factory camo jobs worth the extra money? It seem to me that people bagged plenty of prey, even turkey, before fancy camo paint jobs, but maybe I'm wrong. None of my rifles have it, and they've gotten me plenty of game. Do they actually hold up to field use/cleaning?

I had planned on a plain 26" 870e, but now I'm wondering if something like a 26" Mossberg 500 Field or Waterfowl with Mossy Oak is "better" for a (primarily) turkey gun. I like the feel of an 870 better, but if synthetic and/or finish are that big of a deal, I think Mossberg has better options.

Thanks for the replies.
 
You can always buy some cammo tape for the barrel and reciever to cut down on reflections. After the season it will all come off and you will have your nice blued finish
 
Then by all means get the 870, but do yourself a favor and skip the express.
Click to expand...

I agree. There have been too many reports of surface rust problems on the express. The 870 Wingmaster is a thing of beauty. Here is one thing that hasn't been mentioned. If you get a really pretty Wingmaster with a stock that you don't want to mess up in a duck blind, then pick up a composite stock for it. You can always swap stocks back to the pretty wood model when you want to.
 
Like Mark Twain's death, reports of Express problems are greatly exaggerated.

We ran a thread here not long ago, where I reported that I had handled and shot about 20 Expresses over the last two years. Zero rust, zero glitches.

I had to close the thread eventually, some folks who insisted that all Expresses were junk wouldn't stay civil.

Disallowing the few folks that caused that. the consensus was MOST Expresses are not messed up. Look it up, the title was something like a"Challenge to the Express Bashers".

I offered to buy any Express I couldn't fix or make work, but I'm still waiting....
 
Since you're concerned enough to get your friends and the forum involved in your purchase, I suspect pride of ownership matters to you. I must concur with those recommending an up grade. Step up to a Wingmaster, or you'll probably soon regret a lesser purchase. Of course, if you're going to get a nicer gun, don't forget about the Browning, Winchester, Benelli, etc. offerings.
 
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Whether its a hunting gun / or a general use gun ....I personally prefer a solid wood stock.

My pump gun of choice is the Browning BPS Hunter model, 28" barrel ...

http://www.browning.com/products/ca...d=012&type_id=211&content=bps-hunter-firearms

I think most of the factory finish options are probably fine. With Turkey and waterfowl - you have to be careful with reflections off of the gun / but with tape and other options - its not a big deal. For upland hunting of course it doesn't matter - at least in my experience...

The 870's are good guns --- but like in all gun selections / you should buy the gun that fits you the best - so it hits where you look ...not based on who made it. I tend not to buy the lowest end of any product ...or at least look at what a few more bucks buys you in terms of components, fit, finish,etc ... In my view - the 870 Wingmaster and the Browning BPS Hunter are very comparable guns ....
 
Thanks for the posts. Obviously, I love the idea of a Wingmaster, who wouldn't, but I just feel like it's more of a trophy piece than a field gun. The wrap idea had crossed my mide for camp for an 870e, and I guess that would serve to keep the finish clean too. An 870e seems like a great affordable gun that can take a little abuse without a problem and I wouldn't feel bad getting it scuffed. The more I read, the more I worry about the rust and other issues like extractor problems with newer 870e's though.

Maybe I just need two shotguns...

Again, thanks for all the good advice.
 
I wouldn't say wingmasters are trophy pieces. A lot of them have served well as field guns for a long time. That said, if you'd really just prefer something else, that's understandable. People like different guns for different reasons.

As for stocks and finishes, it probably depends on what you're willing to spend. Quality laminated wood looks nice and is plenty durable. But if I don't want to spend much, I'd maybe feel better with synthetic. Even inexpensive synthetic stocks are durable and waterproof.

Theoretically, it seems like camo guns might be practical, but I don't really know if there's any data showing that hunters with camo guns have any more success than those with regular finishes. I wouldn't take a shiny stainless gun out turkey hunting, but I wouldn't worry much otherwise. Based on my experiences with hunting while camouflaged, it seems that simply keeping still and quiet has a lot more effect on remaining unnoticed than the type or amount of camouflage does.
 
Rem wingmaster

I just picked up a 870 wingmaster LW for $260.00. very good shape. absolutly love it. Look around at local gun shops. guys bring in good stuff all the time to sell.
 
Got this pic right off of Remington's site.

You would think they would knock the rust off of it before they put it up on their site. :rolleyes:
 

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MacII
I know you have not intended to open up this old can of worms so will only provide input to the laminated wood stock. The wood is fine but there is litterally no finish on it, just a light stain and some kind of laquer finish. Your stock will be all scratched up and showing wear, after the first season. The last one I bought for my Grandson, I was fully aware that I'd have to refinish it and that's my choice. This is his first year of hunting ducks and has given good performance but the stock finish it pratically gone and we are still fighting the rust. The expresses are still good enough but be aware of what you "will" face. ..... :eek:


Be Safe !!!
 
This seems like an appropriate place to post:

I've been wanting to try my hand and refinishing a beat up 870 stock and forend. Does anyone know where I could find an abused one super cheap?
 
I've decided to spend the extra and go with the Wingmaster. I'm sure in the long run, it'll be the wiser decision. I'll just have to decorate all the shiny bits with some sort of camo for turkey season. The forward end of the barrel and the stock seem like they'd be easy with McNett tape, the forend will be a bit more of a challenge. I suppose I could get a black or camo synthetic stock and forend but that almost seems like a sacrilege.

Man, I feel like two, maybe even three shotguns is the only real solution. OK, four, but no more than five... :)
 
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