to buy a shotgun for a 12 year old. But man it was hard. I asked questions here and to buddies on brands and models and so on. He really liked a little Tristar semi auto but not having much knowledge on the brand, being iffy on giving a new shooter a semi auto and the apparent lack of factory or aftermarket barrels I nixed that one.

He also held an 870 express and liked it. I tried my best to get him to fo with a wingmaster but he didnt like the gloss finish on the stock.

So we went with the 870 express it fits him well and parts are available everywhere. It is killing him however that due to my work schedule we wont be able to pick it up till Friday.

Then a week later he takes the hunters safety class so he will be all set for the September dove opener.

Cant go far wrong with an 870. It ain't pretty but they will keep working no matter what. Good choice.

870 expresses will NEVER compete with a wingmaster

I agree 100%, I prefer to spend more and get a better product. He just really didnt like the high gloss finish, but really liked the matte black finish on the express. Even though I had the final say, I let him have some input on the final choice.

On the plus side, it wont hurt as much when it gets scratched, dinged or dropped.

Two totally different guns when it comes to fit, finish and function.

It’s great that your son is excited about the dove opener, we need more if that. I hope you two have a lot of fun together.

I'm excited for the boy and you, Dad! A first shotgun is always a big deal! You guys will have a lot of fun and memories ahead of you. Make the most of it.

Moosetrot

Thanks guys, bought it at a local mom and pop gun shop. Got a hand shake and he congratulated my son on his first gun.

My wingmaster was made in the sixties, good dependable shotgun

Interesting. My dad has the Wingmaster, while I bought an Express. I always figured the only difference was the finish coating. Hmmm.

I own both.

The fit and finish (other than normal wear) on the Wingmaster are fantastic. The action is silky smooth and it has nice walnut on the stock and forearm.

The fit on the Express is sloppy and the finish, well, you get what you pay for. The action is rough compared to other pumps in my gun safe, especially the Wingmaster. The stock and forearm are some sort of cheap, light colored wood stained to look darker.

I use the Express a lot more than the Wingmaster, mostly for waterfowl. It's the type of gun I don't mind if it gets kicked around in the bottom of the boat and/or trampled by dogs (when it's unloaded of course).

boys and i have 9 expresses and a wingmaster that isn't used.my first shotgun.if they ask about the wingmaster,i bribe them with the 1100's.

I have two Wingmaster one was my dad's and one he bought for me in the 60's. Your sons gun will mostly likely be with him till he is old and can't hunt or shoot any more. A great choice for a life time shot gun.

I have an old Wingmaster 20 gauge that gets much better care than my 12 gauge express. The express is ugly and sloppy, but it never fails.

That is really Awesome that He is So gung ho!

Awesome. Congrats to you both. Hope he stacks the doves up.

I have a feeling my ammo budget is going to have to get bigger. Gonna have to blow the dust off the reloader, and order a bag of shot.

To help alleviate this problem in my future(2 boys 3 and 4), I have developed a plan in which I have started acquiring options for them when they become of age. Nothing fancy, just keep my eye out for good "used" gun that fits with things I do and they will likely join me doing. The wife hasn't even been able to argue with the plan. I recently bought a remington .22 in an auction and told her when I did. She replied "didn't you just win a .22 earlier this year? What do you need 2 or more of the same gun" when I told her, "eventually the boys are gonna be big enough to go with and are gonna need something to use" She actually said I made a good point.
I am not a gun collector however, she knows my purchases are for use in what I love doing and for getting to share that with them. She also knows I don't have patience for inferior quality gear that doesn't work when I need it too so the plan also helps spread gear costs out.

A high gloss finish can be dulled to perfection with auto rubbing compound, I use Poly Eurithane for stock refinishing.

Lol. No doubt, but it's a great investment and tons of good times. Good for you and the kid!