help with 870

[shattered00]

I have a Remington Wingmaster 870 20ga for 2 3/4 or shorter shells. Mod LS 60. It is in great condition, but I don't know how to check the barrel for pits or anything.

The barrel is around 28 inches from the tip to the ejection port.

What type of shotgun activities can this be used for (i.e. clay, dove etc.)?

Is there any tip on how to break this thing down, or should I buy a Radocy take down manual?

Is this a pretty decent shotgun?

I know next to nothing...

[Lee Lapin]

It's a great gun, and you can use it for all the uses you listed plus about anything else it's suited for except maybe waterfowling.

No need to buy anything except a cleaning kit if you don't have one already for the 20 ga. And ammo of course, don't forget ammo, 2 3/4" anything will do except maybe steel shot (do they load steel in 20s? I dunno, I don't chase ducks etc. and I don't know). It's better to start out with lighter loads, even in a 20, till you get used to the gun.

If it is indeed an OLD 20 ga., it was made on a 12 ga. size frame beginning in 1950. Remington marked these older guns with a serial number ending in X, it should be chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells only. A 20 ga. Magnum model came along in 1962, at the same time the 20 ga. version of the 870 Brushmaster deer gun was introduced with its 20" rifle sighted barrel. Regular small frame 20 ga. guns had a serial number suffix of K, that would be the LW models introduced in 1972. If you go shopping for additional barrels, be sure to get the one that fits your frame size.

Call Remington's parts people at 1-800-243-9700, M-F 9- 5 NC time, to confirm what gun you have and when it was made. You can ask them any other questions you have also. Ask 'em if it's OK for steel shot, if you are going waterfowling with it.

As to takedown, see the owners manual on Remington's page at http://www.remington.com/pdfs/om/om_870.pdf .

Enjoy it, and Stay Safe,

lpl/nc

[gunslinger15]

Take down of a 870 is very easy and basic until you take the bolt out of its slides its still not anything hard but other than that you can do it in your sleep.