I think you are getting good advice on the Wingmaster versus the express. I bought an Express for a good reason. I was planning to use it for duck hunting where I figured it would be exposed to splashed water as well as possibly rain. I wanted a gun that was cheap enough that I wouldn't fret about possibly damaging or marring the gun. At $280invested, I don't worry a lick about what I do to this gun. I do take good care of the gun, cleaning it frequently while hunting (every night while out on duck hunting weekends). I take especial care to put oil on the exerior black parts, as I have read that the "parkerized" finish of these guns is exteremely susceptible to rust. When the day comes that the gun gets too ugly or doesn't work right, I'll throw it away and buy another. Notwithstanding, the gun is now 4 years old, works execellently, and does not appear to show any exterior blemishes.

If you want a good looking, wood stocked shotgun that is really nice to look at, then maybe the Express is not for you. I certainly think wood stocked guns look nicer. I just know if my duck hunting shotgun was too pretty I would get bent out of shape if I splashed water on it or it started to rain while I was out in the marsh or if I tripped and punched the butt of the stock through the ice walking in to the slough in the morning.