Happened across what appears to be a beautifully preserved Wingmaster that Remington identifies from the serial number as a 1967 build. Blued; 18" bead barrel; wood stock and forend that look law enforcement, not sporting.
I've been planning on acquiring a current production 870P for home defense use, but find this piece calls to me.
I'm not an expert in evaluating 870 condition -- though my general firearm assessment skills are good -- and this is an impressive specimen, condition-wise: a couple very light handling marks and wear and that's it; function seems solid and surprisingly fresh -- it's been shot but not used unless restored and refinished.
Seller has no history on it, and is asking $450 but there's room to play.
I'd like some help deciding.
Obviously the knee-jerk reaction is "It's an older Wingmaster in good shape -- get it!", and that may be the right reaction.
I'd be foregoing parkerization, which I like on working guns; the two shot extension; and a couple other do-dads like a front bead night sight and shell holder (yes, I've been planning to buy an AI&P gun) -- none of which is absolutely necessary, just desired.
I could of course have all that done to the Wingmaster, but that seems wrong for an older one so well preserved.
The only thing the Wingmaster lacks that actually troubles me is the flexitab conversion, which for $100 I could do myself but that starts to make the savings of buying used less compelling.
But it is beauty, and really seems to be calling, and would probably be enough gun for the intended purpose as is...
Thoughts? Price? Pitfalls?
I've been planning on acquiring a current production 870P for home defense use, but find this piece calls to me.
I'm not an expert in evaluating 870 condition -- though my general firearm assessment skills are good -- and this is an impressive specimen, condition-wise: a couple very light handling marks and wear and that's it; function seems solid and surprisingly fresh -- it's been shot but not used unless restored and refinished.
Seller has no history on it, and is asking $450 but there's room to play.
I'd like some help deciding.
Obviously the knee-jerk reaction is "It's an older Wingmaster in good shape -- get it!", and that may be the right reaction.
I'd be foregoing parkerization, which I like on working guns; the two shot extension; and a couple other do-dads like a front bead night sight and shell holder (yes, I've been planning to buy an AI&P gun) -- none of which is absolutely necessary, just desired.
I could of course have all that done to the Wingmaster, but that seems wrong for an older one so well preserved.
The only thing the Wingmaster lacks that actually troubles me is the flexitab conversion, which for $100 I could do myself but that starts to make the savings of buying used less compelling.
But it is beauty, and really seems to be calling, and would probably be enough gun for the intended purpose as is...
Thoughts? Price? Pitfalls?