If you want to google a bunch about pump shotguns, test & opinions abound.
The Rem 31 is said to be fine piece of machinery. The Winchester 12 is for sure, another piece of fine work. The Ithaca 37 design was grabbed from the Rem 17 when Remington moved on to greener pastures.(or cheaper manufacturing cost)
Yes, the 870 has stamped parts as opposed to fully machined of earlier models including the model 12, but the stamped parts have held up just fine. Nearly 70 years of manufacturing of the 870 has proved the fact & the vote that it is the best engineered pump shotgun ever devised.
Not my words or opinion. Before flaming, read up.
