870 Express or Stoeger Uplander???

[shaneroyce]

So, I've always owned 12 guage pumps (almost all 870 Express guns), and am looking for a new upland only gun (mainly chukar and pheasants). I would like a 20 guage this time (I've never owned one), and I am wanting to get your thoughts on whether I should stick with what I know and get and 870 Express 20 or branch out and get a low cost Stoeger Uplander SXS (double triggers)20. I only want to go with a 20 guage and want opinions on these two guns only (unless there is something besides a Benelli Nova that I should be looking at for under $400). Thanks in advance.

[birddog1968]

As you know anything you shoot well will work....if you like 870's and want a 20ga, why not step up to something just a tad nicer in the same gun and find yourself a 20 ga 870 wingmaster with some nice wood on it....

Used browning BPS shotguns can be found for under 400 but if you already shoot a 870 well might look into a wingmaster model. Look on GunBroker.

[3Britts]

There is a reason that the 870 is so popular and rated so high, 2nd most shootable shotgun. Stick with it. The others will cost more and not shoot as well.

[JWP58]

Get a wingmaster, trust me. I just sold a 16ga wingmaster in great condition for 250, so you can find deals out there that are close to a new express.

[nikegundog]

Get a wingmaster, trust me. I just sold a 16ga wingmaster in great condition for 250, so you can find deals out there that are close to a new express.

Wow I wish you would have posted it here, I have a place in my gun cabinet for one.

[Winglish]

There is a reason that the 870 is so popular and rated so high, 2nd most shootable shotgun.

You can't throw something like that out there without naming the 1st!

Of the two you listed, I would go with the 870. A gun you might consider looking at is the Weatherby SA-08. I bought one prior to hunting season this year and I have been extremely impressed with it so far.

[3Britts]

I wish that I could remember which shotgun was rated number one, It was an English shotgun, but I can't.
I just remember the 870 express being the number 2 rated shotgun because that is what I use and it shut my
buddy from bragging about his Browning for a while.

[terrym]

If you have always used 870's then I would look for a 20 guage wingmaster, I am not impressed with the quality of the newer Express Remingtons. The old Wingmasters were great guns.

[Bberry20]

i currently shoot a Stoeger and believe me, stay with the 870. Nothing but problems with this gun, it jams all the time. Since it was free i cannot complain but i am purchasing a Benelli Nova for this reason. Just my opinion but you can definatley tell they used cheap parts in the Stoeger.

[Deets]

I agree with the other post that suggest a wingmaster. I have never even held a Stoger uplander, but there has to be a reason it sells for under $500, and most other double barrels are well over $1,000. I bought a CZ mallard (which is sells for aprox $500) and only keept it for a year. It was a piece of crap. I sold it and bought the best pump gun I could find. I figured it was better to own the best pump shotgun, than the worst double barrel. Im so tired of buying cheaply made crap. Unfortunatly even the 870 express is losing quality. I remember when you could go into walmart and buy an 870 express with a blued barrel and a walnut stock for $300. Now I think they are pushing $400 and they either have a plastic stock, or a cheap laminate, and the metal is parkerized (painted).

[birdshot]

I may be wingmaster's biggest fan. I have atleast one in every gauge. But, the last time I bought one, last week, I passed up a benelli nova in 20 gauge. I have been thinking of returning for the Nova. It was priced at 350 and looked brand new. My wife reminds me nova is spanish for no go, I am not sure of what she is trying to tell me.

[Ryman Gun Dog]

Gentlemen,
Nothing wrong with either of these two entry level guns, you might consider a Franchi 84 also its another nice light entry level
Grouse gun. If you look at the 20 Gauge SxS Stoeger, make sure you pick one off the shelf that you like, the quality of wood, fit and finish varies greatly. I would not order one and pre pay for it. The 870 you can order however. Consider an old Win M12 also.
RGD/Dave

[JWP58]

Get a wingmaster, trust me. I just sold a 16ga wingmaster in great condition for 250, so you can find deals out there that are close to a new express.

Wow I wish you would have posted it here, I have a place in my gun cabinet for one.

that was WITH 2 boxes of shells too...