How did I do on my new old 870?
- Thread starter alaskanativeson
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Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Welcome aboard, Erik. About time you found us....
alaskanativeson
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Okay, the shotgun got here today (I purchased it off of Gunbroker.) The receiver is a little more scratched up than I saw in the pictures but y'all were right: The action is as smooth as baby oil on a sorority girl. I think it's likely it will go off for a Border Patrol rework.
Here's the good news: If I do definitely decide to send it off, I've got some spare parts I'm going to be able to get rid of. Nice wood, a 28 in modified barrel, and Dave, did you say the Winchester plate may be worth something? Any ideas who may want it?
Okay, the shotgun got here today (I purchased it off of Gunbroker.) The receiver is a little more scratched up than I saw in the pictures but y'all were right: The action is as smooth as baby oil on a sorority girl. I think it's likely it will go off for a Border Patrol rework.
Here's the good news: If I do definitely decide to send it off, I've got some spare parts I'm going to be able to get rid of. Nice wood, a 28 in modified barrel, and Dave, did you say the Winchester plate may be worth something? Any ideas who may want it?
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Post the plate on the right for sale forum here and see what happens.
Real sad. I was looking for a used shotgun last week and ended up buying an 1100 for $300--not a steal but still a decent deal considering metal finish was as next to perfect as one could get on a well used hunting gun and the wood was almost as good.
The sad part was that I went to about nine pawn shops thinking I might find a hidden gem or at least a decent beater gun, but oh no, what did I find? Insanity. That 870 you got alaskanativeson, would have been tagged at at least $400. I saw one 870 that looked like it had been used as a paint brush, oar, and pry bar and what were they asking for it? $600. I didn't say a word or blink an eye. I just turned around and walked out the door.
The ironic thing is that 870 that was used for so many ignominious purposes probably still works like it should, but not for $600.
The sad part was that I went to about nine pawn shops thinking I might find a hidden gem or at least a decent beater gun, but oh no, what did I find? Insanity. That 870 you got alaskanativeson, would have been tagged at at least $400. I saw one 870 that looked like it had been used as a paint brush, oar, and pry bar and what were they asking for it? $600. I didn't say a word or blink an eye. I just turned around and walked out the door.
The ironic thing is that 870 that was used for so many ignominious purposes probably still works like it should, but not for $600.
hk lover
Member
Wingmaster mines a 1966
chrome bolt and lifter says 2 3/4 or shorter on 28 in. mod choke no rib
chrome bolt and lifter says 2 3/4 or shorter on 28 in. mod choke no rib
Deltaboy1984
Member
140 bucks you got a steal.
chuckusaret
member
alaskanativeson Had this guy that works at a plating shop tell me that he anodized an old shot gun. He claims it is better than bluing or parkerizing and is cheaper. The old guns go for a good buck here in Florida, if you can find one
alaskanativeson
Member
I know this thread is a couple of months old, but I have an update. I received my shotgun and I have mixed feelings. I know why 870s are so popular. They're not the best shotgun out there, but they were light years ahead of the competiiton for what they were: Well-designed, reliable, and much cheaper to manufacture. That's why the 870 is one of, if not the most popular shotgun in the USA. The wood on this thing is quite beautiful. The checkering is well cut by someone who likes wood. The action is smooth and sounds like quality. It does have a few dings and scrapes, but that shows that it's given its former owner(s) good field service. It's really not going to get that chance with me.
As nice as it is, it's not the shotgun I want. I have a 590 A1 that I bought when they first came out many years ago. I really like the controls much better on it. It's true that my Mossy action isn't as smooth, but I'm happy with the way it functions. As beautiful as it is, I'm not a big fan of wood for the most part. I tend to hunt in pretty bad conditions and I really like the peace of mind I get from my plastic furniture.
This 870 is a great gun. The workmanship in it is what you'd expect from a Wingmaster. A fine firearm like this deserves an owner who will love it and use it as much as it deserves. If I don't put this thing on Gunbroker, I'll put it in the "For Sale" section of THR.
One thing's for sure: I won't lose money on it.
As nice as it is, it's not the shotgun I want. I have a 590 A1 that I bought when they first came out many years ago. I really like the controls much better on it. It's true that my Mossy action isn't as smooth, but I'm happy with the way it functions. As beautiful as it is, I'm not a big fan of wood for the most part. I tend to hunt in pretty bad conditions and I really like the peace of mind I get from my plastic furniture.
This 870 is a great gun. The workmanship in it is what you'd expect from a Wingmaster. A fine firearm like this deserves an owner who will love it and use it as much as it deserves. If I don't put this thing on Gunbroker, I'll put it in the "For Sale" section of THR.
One thing's for sure: I won't lose money on it.
alaskanativeson
Member
Exactly. I definitely understand why this became so popular. it's really a great gun, and it was way ahead of the curve on design. If the 870 isn't the best selling shotgun in history, it's certainly in the running, and for a damned good reason.
Like I said, I know this gun deserves an owner who will appreciate it as a user more than I will. Oh, by the way, I'll be taking that Winchester plate off the butt before I sell it so I'll have that around if someone needs it. Of course it'll have to wait until I get into town again, I'll post something here when it's available.
Like I said, I know this gun deserves an owner who will appreciate it as a user more than I will. Oh, by the way, I'll be taking that Winchester plate off the butt before I sell it so I'll have that around if someone needs it. Of course it'll have to wait until I get into town again, I'll post something here when it's available.
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