Most versitile, most widley used, best inexpensive shotgun sure, but the best overall, I don't know. I know many will disagree but to me it is a very good gun made at an unbelievably low price and is an awesome value. But to me I would rather shoot a Winchester model 12 if given the option of pump guns to use. If you have never shot one of these you are truly missing out, and you understand why they can't be made at a competitive price nowadays.

I don't know Golfing Sportsman. When I reach into my gun cabinet my hands passes a lot of mighty fine weapons before landing on the old Wingmaster. Cheap or not I'd say the 870 has downed more game than the rest combined. I love it.

Golfing sportsman is right it is probably the gun that has killed the most game but as far as fitting me it isn't even close. My BPS and the number of others I've shot are much better balanced guns. It mostly comes down to personal preference but in my opinion the 870 isn't the best gun.

It's hard to ever call one gun the best. But the 870 is among the best, I will say that.

I agree with you

The winchester model 12 set the bar for many, many years as the best pump shotgun in the world. Remington built the 870 based on the model 12.

The model 12 became to expensive, hence winchester began taking shortcuts and this was sacrilegious to model 12 shooters. The 870 has also underwent manufacturing shortcuts but for some reason was never labeled a sell out, and its current popularity is a test to this.

It if was 1962 I would purchase the model 12. The 870 of today is probably better than the model 12 was in its heyday.

My old winchester model 12 is my favorite. Ive shot a few 870s but I still like the model 12 better. Thats just my opinion.

I have an 870 wingmaster 12..I love it, and more importantly its what i'm comfortable with. Now my friends shoot Mossberg's and one inparticular shoots a Benelli. They will argue that they are better until blue in the face. more expensive yes, but in my honest opinion it all matters who's holding it.

870s are like bellybottons everybodys got one but the best shotgun in my opinion is the benelli nova.

Its true that the wingmaster and express are mechanically the same. The difference is more than upgraded stock and forearm.
1. More machining is done on the wingmaster for better fit and finish.
2. The barrels are not the same; the barrel that comes on the wingmaster is machined to greater tolerances and is actually lighter than the barrels on the express.

If the intent of the question was only directed toward feed reliability then the express and wingmaster are on par; they are both mechanically the same.

it is all in the eyes of the beholder. i have grown up shooting my 870 and my uncle's model 12. both great guns... but im more comfortable with my 870 in the woods, weather it is deer or rabbit. plus, a few years back during deer season, it rained all day. people's shotguns decided to stop working, but every 870 in the group was able to shoot and cycle new shells.

sayerbefiddlin, not very many ppl can afford a benelli nova. i believe we can all agree with that

"The best one is the one in my hand that works when I need it." with that being said, the 870 has to be one of the better ones out there, but to say it's the best is like a Ford guy saying the F-350 is the best, the Chevy guy saying the 3500 Silverado is the best, the Dodge guy saying the 3500 Ram is the best. All are good, the question is, how far back do you need to go to figure it out? Back in 1910, the Model 1897 by Winchester was top demand. The Winchester Model 12 came out, many people still desire that particular gun. I own a Savage Model 28 which looks exactly like the Model 12 except the safety is on the top, instead of by the trigger. Really depends on the owner and demand for particular models.

In overall sales? Probably. In versatility? Probably. In reliability among similar models? Probably. Alot of people going to disagree with me? Probably. I have one, I love it and have no complaints. Inexpensive, functional and rugged.

For the price and what you get for your money yes, but overall if your willing to spend the money you can get better shotguns in my opinion.