870 decision

[DeftwillP]

So I already own an express magnum. It's an awesom ebs(hotgun). I would like to go ahead and purchase that 18.5 inch barrel from remmy as well and use it for bird, skeet, and hd. But I've always like my dad's wm 870.

A few month's back, I found a wing for $180 at a corp. pawnshop. I though at the time that it was a good price. It's the older model with fixed non-interchangeable choke and chambers only 2 3/4 shells. The blue is in good shape with the exception of some light rust spots on the receiver. The wood had no deep gouges, but may need to be refinished because of some white scuffs or paint on the butt. Internally, the inside, bore, and breech face all look good. It also cycles very smoothly. For some reason, I didn't jump.

Well, I happened into said pawnshop again today to see that most of their guns have moved except for the pretty little wm. I've already got my all-purpose express, but shouldn't I try to get a purdy one too? I know I'd use it for skeet and probably for dove and quail. Without being able to shoot 3", I'd rather use my express which is matte black and better for turkey anyway.


Point is: What else should I look for in this gun? Anybody have any experience with talking down branded pawnshops on guns? I've read on here that offering 50-60% of tag price is usually a good start. Hell, does $180 already sound like a good deal for an older model? If I end up re-finishing the receiver, will that take away from the collector value?


Sorry for so many questions,
Will

[byf43]

Will,

Don't worry about 'collector value' on an 870. There are literally millions of them out there. . . somewhere.

FWIW, I bought a 1980 model 870 Wingmaster 'Police' shotgun at a gunshow for $210 out the door. ($200 + tx.)
It is chambered for 2-3/3" only. Blued. Georgeous scattergun.

Personally, I have no need for 3" shells, unless I'm on Maryland's Eastern Shore, hunting geese, so, the fact that a scattergun only chambers and shoots 2-3/4" is a non-issue.

I can't advise you about pawn shops. Personally, I've never walked into one, in my 52+ years.


Oh. . . . buy the scattergun before it grows legs and walks out the door!!!

IHTH.

[dpote]

Try my tactic. I was in lust with an old Wingmaster at a local shop. It had a 30" barrel, fixed full choke.
I said to the owner "I kind of like this 870, and would like to use it for skeet. But it has a full choke, and to shoot skeet, I'd need a new barrel. How about $150?" And he said "OK."
Try it, what have you got to lose?

Dave

[Dave McCracken]

In the last five years I've shot 25-30K rounds. Less than 50 were 3". Some turkey loads, mostly waterfowl loads and a few slugs.

Almost all of these were shot from 870s, the newest from 1978.

My most recent 870 acquisition was 4 or 5 years back, $178 out the door. 1955 with 30" goose barrel and pretty wood.

In this case.....

Rust is forever. Metal corroded cannot be easily replaced, It can be lived with. And after market finishes can hide lots of sins.

I can live with stock dings. Wood can be replaced, a couple 870s here are on their second or third stock set.

870s can be taken apart and put together like Lego sets. The modular construction means mix and match parts as you wish.

I'd offer $125, citing the rust and dings. If he balks, go to $150....

[benelli12]

I would buy it if I were you. I wouldn't hesitate on it just because it only chambers 2 3/4", I have an 2 870 express guns, and one has a 3" chamber and the other is 3.5", and 98% of what I shoot are 2 3/4. Its a good deal, those old 870s have a better finish, and are just prettier and more flashy than the new ones, like you said.