Elmer Keith mentioned the advantage of the 870's TWIN action bars in, "Shotguns", printed in 1950. It was one of the new gun's design innovations. He correctly predicted that the new gun would kill off the M-12 and other classic designs, being a fine gun at a remarkable price.

However, the Express grade is cheapened, and all recent 870's may have QC issues, as with other Remington merchandise. Try one thoroughly to be sure it works well before entrusting your life to it. I had both 12 and 20 ga. examples that had shell holder problems.

My current Wingmaster was bought in 2004 and has some nice engraving on the receiver that actually looks to be hand-cut, although it's surely computer done. I had to search hard for a Wingmaster, local dealers mostly stocking only Express guns. One said that people with enough money usually buy autos. Or over-unders.

My 870 was bought as a hunting gun. I get tired of seeing "tactical" shotgun photos. I use handguns for home defense. I guess if there was a riot that reached my area, I 'd dig out the 12 ga. amd load it,or the rifles.