You need to find a gun shop with knowledgable salespeople. These that are telling you a 28" barrel is the way to go, should be replaced. The Remington 870 Express is a lesser quality version of Remington's enormously popular Wingmaster. Furthermore Remington's overall quality and quality control isn't what it once was by any stretch of the imagination. If you are going to shoot trap, get a gun set up for trap. While the Winchester SXP Trap isn't the Cadillac of trap guns, it isn't the AMC Pacer either. If it does arrive with an extremely heavy trigger pull, contact Winchester about correcting that condition under warranty. Any reliable gunsmith should be able to handle that job should you need to go that way. You will find there are people out there that are ok with the current quality of today's Remington shotguns. It is your money and therefore you get to decide what features and quality is acceptable to you. My advise to my own relative would be exactly as it is to you, in this case the Winchester is the way to go.

 

When talking about new guns, I agree with Oldfarmer. Now if you want to look at used guns, I would choose a Remington Wingmaster...But, that's just me.
When looking at barrel length, no one can tell you what will be the best for you. This is something that YOU have to feel. Given people of the same size and strength, some will prefer 28" barrels...others will prefer 30" or 32" barrels...It's all about what feels right to you.

 

My advise would be to find a lightly used 870 Wingmaster Trap/Classic Trap/TB/TC for in the $350-550 range. You will have to watch the auction sites, be diligent and patient, but they can be had. These models even if they are already 20 years old, lightly used and well cared for will likely out last you.

These new guns are crap.

Here are a couple of quick examples:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =482880110

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =482447788

 

The advise to seek out a good used Wingmaster trap model is solid. Assuming that you can tell a good used gun from one that is worn out or poorly cared for. Please do not assume that an owner or a salesperson will know the difference or give you good advise even if they do. If you go looking for a used gun, take your own expert with you. It's not that everyone is dishonest when selling a used gun, but those that are, are very good at seeming not to be.

 

The internals of the 870 Express are exactly the same as the Wingmasters. The only difference is the stock and forearm materials.

Same exact parts otherwise--no difference in the quality of construction or mechanics.

 

The internals of the 870 Express are exactly the same as the Wingmasters. The only difference is the stock and forearm materials.

Same exact parts otherwise--no difference in the quality of construction or mechanics.

There is more time spent on fit/finish with the Wingmasters, this does make a difference. I've never had a fired shell stick in a Wingmaster, it's happened to many times to count in my express. Once I took the time to finish(polish) the chamber in the Express, the sticking issue went away. Yes, the parts are the same, but the fit and finish is not...That's why they cost more!!!

 

Thank you Oldfarmer, ceh383, M12Gunboy, and Ira for your replies! I really appreciate it.

I unfortunately do not trust myself with buying a used gun as I really don't know what to look for. And like you said, Oldfarmer, not all sales people have the best intentions. Further, my coworker that took me to the trap range is a pretty busy guy and I already pestered him with so many questions! I didn't want to drag him out to shops to look for well maintained used guns.

So, I took to a local gun shop today during a slow time. I spent about an hour and a half there. Unfortunately they didn't have any BT99s or 870 Wingmasters. I guess someone at the local trap range was bound to have one, but I'm working during the open hours of the range and wouldn't be able to visit the range for at least another month.

The people working at the shop taught me how to properly shoulder the gun, and then they asked me to repeatedly shoulder an array of guns. I remember specifically handling the Supernova, BPS, 870, SXP, SXP Trap (they had the compact version for youth, and the adult in 32" barrel), and several more used O/Us they were selling. They told me they wanted to see me out at the trap range, but they did not want to sell me a gun that doesn't fit me right. The SXP trap was the most comfortable. They said the length of pull wasn't ideal, but they may be able to get the gunsmith to cut down the stock, and also replace the buttpad with a shorter one. With the field guns, I could barely see over the rib, or not see over it at all.

I felt the 32" barrel didn't feel balanced in my hands. Felt like it was too barrel heavy and causing me to lean forward too much. The 28" barrel Compact had a smaller grip, which caused my hand to turn down awkwardly in order to pull the trigger. So, I decided to order a 30" SXP Trap online from another store in British Columbia. I figure once I receive the gun, I'll try it out and if the length of pull is too much of an issue, I'll bring it to the gunsmith.

Once I shoot enough trap and develop a good routine and proper mounting technique, I'll ask others at the range to handle their guns and hopefully find a better trap specific gun that fits me as well!

I'll also post a review of the SXP trap I purchased after I've shot a couple rounds with it, in case there is anyone out there who is curious about it and is thinking of it as an option for a first shotgun like me.

Again, thanks for all the insight everyone!! It is much appreciated!!!

 

I was looking at the SXP Trap when first wanting to try the sport. I got nervous about it being made in Turkey though really it was a personal bias and nothing based on fact that caused me to shy away from it. Ultimately for about twice the cost I got the Browning BPS Trap Micro for my wife and the BPS Trap for me.

They were great intro guns but may have been better off with the SXP since we were rapidly bitten hard by the clay sports bug and purchased other trap guns just a few months later. New guns certainly weren't a necessity, just a golden years spend your money before your too old to enjoy it thing.

 

Good choice On the SXP trap I think. Know however that most people don't mind going on a little shopping trip where they get to fondle shotguns and help spend someone elses money. If that's an imposition you should watch them closely for other signs of mental illness.

 

The SXP Trap is a good gun and it will break birds too. Do your homework and you can find a new one for around $400. Another one to look at is the CZ 612 Trap.

 

The internals of the 870 Express are exactly the same as the Wingmasters. The only difference is the stock and forearm materials.

Same exact parts otherwise--no difference in the quality of construction or mechanics.

There is more time spent on fit/finish with the Wingmasters, this does make a difference. I've never had a fired shell stick in a Wingmaster, it's happened to many times to count in my express. Once I took the time to finish(polish) the chamber in the Express, the sticking issue went away. Yes, the parts are the same, but the fit and finish is not...That's why they cost more!!!

I purchased a 870 Classic Trap new about 6 years ago. The fired shell would stick in the chamber of that gun. Had to smack the butt on the ground to get the shell to eject. Polishing the chamber took care of the problem. I have a 870 Express from the late 80's, never had a problem with that gun. Trigger pull was actually better in the Express also.

 

I have an older 870 and it is a fantastic gun. Fit and finish are excellent and it NEVER miss fires or jams. My buddy recently(December) purchased 2 new 870 express's (12ga, and 20ga). The wood on both of them is horrific and they constantly have ejection issues. The quality of the guns look like Chinese knock-off's of the original 870's. This is very sad to me as I have many Remington's and am very happy with them. However they are all a little older and not new production.

 

OP, good on the SXP, even though I own several older Wingmasters and a late 80s Express. The important thing is that you are comfortable with the gun. Also, IMO you are smart to buy a reasonable priced gun to start with. Now you'll have some $ for lessons and ammo. By taking some lessons in a more relaxed environment with a good instructor you will progress quicker and enjoy the sport more.

 

Thanks Spad. Buying a cheaper gun initially probably was the right decision. Also lightens the hit to the initial startup cost. I just shelled out (no pun intended.... hehehehe) 215 bucks to buy a pair of electronic muffs, a bore snake, gun case, gun cleaner/lube, trigger lock, and a shell pouch. I think I just need safety glasses and some target loads and I'll be good to go!

 

Thanks Spad. Buying a cheaper gun initially probably was the right decision. Also lightens the hit to the initial startup cost. I just shelled out (no pun intended.... hehehehe) 215 bucks to buy a pair of electronic muffs, a bore snake, gun case, gun cleaner/lube, trigger lock, and a shell pouch. I think I just need safety glasses and some target loads and I'll be good to go!

I got the bore snake for my revolver--then later learned they're not the best way to go. If you didn't open yours, you may want to return it.

I picked up a full Hoppes shotgun cleaning kit with bore cleaner, oil, brushes, buffing brushes, extension handle, cleaning pads, and a few other accessory tools for under 15 bucks at Walmart--to handle 410, 20, 16 and 12 gauge. And what did that bore snake run you--$30?

 

UPDATE GUN IS SOLD PENDING FUNDS SORRY

buy this gun can't go wrong: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=780460

slick up old wingmaster with a trap barrel, andy J is a good honest guy, i bought guns from him before.

Bull

 

Ira, I may not be able to return the bore snake. Bought it from a local gun shop and they gave me a discount on the products since I was buying a lot. So the discounted price was $21 Canadian.

There is a department store that carries the Hoppe's cleaning kit you mentioned for 40 plus tax. How much did you get your kit for?

 

Thanks for the effort Bull. Much appreciated

 

They sell a much cheaper Hoppes kit than 40 Canadian, I'm sure.

And just this weekend, I had to change $100 Canadian at the bank:

Very cool money, with that silver strip and all! But it doesn't fold right!

 

Lol. Those are our newer polymer bills. They're supposed to be more secure and durable.

 

Kdang, Did you ever do a review of the SXP Trap?

My brother is interested in getting into trap as he's come out with me a number of times. He's kind of a new thing person so while I buy mostly used guns he'll likely go new.

He's been shooting my 870 and likes it but he also likes the lore of Winchester and is likely to buy one casual trap gun and be done.

Any thoughts you have on the SXP Trap would be great.

 

Kdang, how is the SXP trap treating you? Would love to know, thank you.

 

Kdang, how is the SXP trap treating you? Would love to know, thank you.

Wow! Good luck, Joe! . Thread`s 5 1/2 years old and the OP hasn`t visited SW since Jan. of `16 . Man, I wouldn`t even know how to find a thread this old (?).