John Jackson

That is a fair question to ask of any brand or manufacturer these days. With prices of materials, labor and shipping going through the ceiling, you can expect that the manufacturers are looking to save cost somewhere, as well as passing that cost on to you the consumer. I'm sure there is plenty of outsourcing to "friendly third world countries" for assembly and manufacture of parts of various companies and manufacturers as well. I dare not say that the craftsmanship you get from a plant in the USA 20 years ago is the same as you would get in a Turkish sweatshop making shotguns. There is no comparison.

You have to understand that when discussing matters of quality, it is purely a subjective response you'll get. Sure, I love the Remington 1100 shotgun and the old Woodsmaster 742.

Do I have a preference? You bet. I would rather have an 1100 made prior to 1980, than afterward. Why? Because I know that at some point during the 1980s they changed their process in manufacturing and that the earlier models seem to hold up better. Notice I said the word "Seem." It's all subjective.

Remington, today, makes the Versamax which is one of the most amazing shotguns ever produced as well as the ever continuing model 700 series of rifles. You are wise to do your homework on what you're interested in, but in the end, the only way to ever determine quality is to hold it in your hand and put it to task for what it was intended.

Cole Sametts

Thank you for your perspective and agree completely.I guess I am mostly talking about Model 700 quality and have heard that it has drastically dropped. I would like to hear from recent purchasers and what they think.

Michael Skirpan

I have had numerous Remington guns, to include 870s, a 742, an 1100 and two 700s. Two years ago, my wife bought me a Remington 887 for Christmas. Long story short, I had to take it back because the ventilated rib was actually crooked. I was so disappointed that I just got a store credit and didn't bother ordering another one. I had never had a problem with Remington prior to this, but how does a good Quality Control Department allow something like that to happen? I'm not angry, just disappointed in Remington. I'm hoping that it was just an isolated case.

Cole Sametts

The last new Remington I bought was a model 710 the first year they came out.that "cheap" gun will shoot under one inch groups all day,I am planning on buying a new 700CDL DM in 7mm mag hopefully it is as good.I will post my findings.

David Tomlinson

I will say my opinion is the 700 series is a good rifle. I use it and would not change but everyone has a preference and like John said hold it and try it out is the best way.

Marty Little

I can say i have had a Remington 870 wingmaster in 12 ga. for 33years and it still performs just like the day i got it..As in all things take care of your equipment and store it properly and it should perform for you ..I have had excellent performance and Quality from Remington.Shotguns, Rifles and Clothes..

Mike Molinaro

i have a remington 700 vtr in .308 from 2010 and my father has an 870 wingmaster from the 80s or so. we both love our remis and would make the purchase again. i do remember a few years ago when the versamax was released, that there were quite a few problems arising, based on the popularity and high praise, i'm assuming these issues have cleared up. i love my 700 and can't make one complaint about it, the quality is second to none. however, the wingmasters of the past IMHO were definitely nicer. the wood seems to be of cheaper quality and the metalwork does seem a little second rate compared. however there is no real performance difference that i've noticed between my fathers 870 and my friends wingmaster