Fred-

Originally and for many years, the Model 870 was called the Wingmaster. Only when they began making the cheaper Express grade was the standard, better quality gun still called the Wingmaster, to distinguish it from the cheaper Express version. I think this was in the 1980's, but never had any interest in the economy model and am not primarily a shotgunner, so don't recall the date for sure.

I saved up more and bought a Wingmaster, and mine was one of a short run that has realistic engraving on the receiver. It looks hand-cut unless a trained eye really studies it.

Assuming that a particular gun feeds okay (Remington has had some QC issues in recent years), the M-870 is almost surely the best shotgun buy on the market.

You probably used them in police work, so know what to expect, unless you maybe had Ithaca M-37's out where you used to be. Looks as if you can now stash shotguns at strategic locations in the home. Always a good idea, I think.