with both among my collection of 870s, I gotta say unless you do like me and buy them just because its an 870, I'd get the Express model. My express is just as solid as my old wingmaster, shoots just as good and occasionally better than the sps. I wouldnt mind a thumbhole stock on it but if you are just looking for one gun, get the express, use the money you save to get your sling, chokes, etc and still have shell money. If you have a walmart nearby and havent checked already, the full realtree hardwoods Express supermag sells for $290 and remington was offering a 30 dollar rebate on express models.