870 20ga value question

[Rupestris]

I've been looking around for an 870 in 20 gauge for my 14 year old son for a while. In SE Mich the prices seem a bit higher than other parts of the country. I came across a used one this weekend and the seller is holding it for me. I need an opinion from those who know this model a little better than I do.

The gun is a Mid 1970's 870 20 gauge. Blued with checkered stock and forend. Wood is in excellent shape. The gun comes with two barrels (Mod. and Imp. Cyl. IIRC) both same length and both with fixed chokes. The Bluing is showing its age but is in surprisingly good shape. It does have a couple character marks (scratches) on the receiver. I'd say, overall, the gun is in very good shape for its age and it fires beautifully. The action is much smoother than my new 870 Express Magnum in 12 ga. I suppose this has alot to do with "break-in".

Anyway, is $275 too much to pay for an 870 that is about 28 years-old? Would I be better off getting my son a new 20ga. Express (for about $239-$259) with the choke tubes as opposed to the fixed chokes? Last question, will I be able to put a newer barrel in this older gun later if he wanted to use it as a turkey gun using a turkey or Ex. Full choke?

Thanks in advance,

Rupe

 

[romulus]

Yes it does seem a bit high but I confess I don't know about gun values that much

the second barrel alone would make it worth it to me, sounds like a fantastic setup for a youngster - imagine him swapping barrels instead of choke tubes, what a ritual in itself...Is the wood cut-checkered or roll-checkered? Figure in wood? All things I'd consider in buying what sounds like a lovely piece, better than anything produced today by Rem...

Can't you talk him down a tad? Regardless, I'd consider Remington's PC stance (see related thread) and shell out for this one even if it were slightly overpriced (not saying it is, don't know)

 

[45Badger]

Two Barrels, clean gun, not bad, but you can do better.

I bought mine (vent rib with fixed mod choke) in excellent condition for $195. I think the wingmasters are much nicer looking guns than the expresses. I also got a Hastings cantilevered deer barrel. This set up will got to my oldest when he's big enough to handle the gun.

The trick to buying a used gun- patience. If you have the cash, just wait until the perfect gun and deal comes along (@ twice a year in my experience). If you need to buy a gun, and have a time deadline, your options get limited.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Buy it....

With 2 barrels, $275 is not out of line. While you can't swap tubes, load selection can change the pattern as much as one increment of choke will. IOW, a top quality target load in that Modified barrel will equal Full choke performance with a generic field load.

And an IC barrel with proper load will gladden the heart of any Michigander grouse fanatic.

And quality is such that your unborn great grandchildren will commend your choice...

New barrels will fit.

HTH....

 

[Rupestris]

Thanks everyone. odds are, I'm going to get it. One of the reasons is that after looking around on the internet, I can't seem to find one like it anywhere.
Romulus. you asked if it was press checkered or cut. I'm not sure. It looks cut but I was more interested in the receiver and function. The stock(grip) and forend have a checkering patern I've never seen before. Its a diamond patern checkering simmilar to the new models, but, with raised or un-cut lines about a 1/4" to 3/8" wide intersecting on the bottom forming larger diamond sections. I've seen that Remington had a patern called the All-American or Fancy-Cut checkering but I can't find a pic to confirm whether or not this is the one. Its not the wingmaster patern.

Thanks again, I'll keep you all posted. I should be able to pick it up Saturday and put a few more rounds through it as well.

Rupe

 

[Clemson]

I agree that the price is good for a gun with two barrels. You can take one of the barrels and send it to Mike Orlen or Briley and have it threaded for tubes. Orlen advertises $85 for the threading and three tubes. That would make for an even more versatile gun.

 

[HSMITH]

What Dave said, buy it.

 

[TrapperReady]

In case you haven't heard it enough... buy the gun!

I just picked up an older 870 20ga, and after a single pheasant hunt, it has replaced all of my other shotguns for upland hunting. It's combination of light weight, smooth action and almost perfect fit make it perfect for me.

The gun and I are probably nearly the same age, but the gun seems to have only improved. I wish I could say the same about myself.

You might be able to find a slightly better deal, but maybe not. If you like it, then go ahead. You won't be sorry.

 

[Al Thompson]

For my area, that's a very good price. GS here usually moves wingmasters with one barrel at 250 and 20s get more money than that. I'd jump on it.

 

[romulus]

Its a diamond patern checkering simmilar to the new models, but, with raised or un-cut lines about a 1/4" to 3/8" wide intersecting on the bottom forming larger diamond sections.

If it's skip-checkered like you describe it's got to be cut-checkered. The more input I read, the more it sounds like you should buy it...

 

[PJR]

Absolutely not. Do NOT buy this gun under any circumstances.

Then, when no one is looking, e-mail me the shop's phone #

As Dave mentioned for 2 barrels it's not out of line. You could easily sell either barrel, recover some of your cost or pay to have choke tubes installed. Either way, the price is right IMHO for a gun of that vintage and as described.

Lately, I've noted a real scarcity of 870s from that era on the used shelves and those that I have seen were in pretty sad shape. You might go a while before seeing another one at this price.

Paul

 

[romulus]

Do NOT sell one of the barrels...keep them both, they are part of a truly alluring package, something a boy can really fall in love with (I would ) One barrel (even with chokes) and it's a pretty common shotgun...

Jes my oh-pinnion

 

[Rupestris]

Thanks for all the advise. I picked it up today. I would have got it last weekend but the seller was on a snowmobile trip for the weekend and weekdays were just too tied up with conflicting schedules.
A little more on it: It is a wingmaster, chambered in 2 3/4 only. The furniture has been re done and it looks like a urethane has been used on it. No big deal. It looks real good, but I can strip and refinish it later if needed. Hard plastic butt plate, the original bbl is not a vent rib and bluing is worn quite a bit with a full choke and a front bead sight. The additional bbl is an original/old style vent rib with Imp. Cyl. and is LNIB supposedly unfired.
I'll try to get some pics posted this week.
Thanks again everyone.

Rupe

 

[Dave McCracken]

Glad to help. Hope your son enjoys and learn to love it. Now BA/UU/R....