870 question

[Milkmaster]

I know a lot of you out there are 870 guru's and can offer facts and opinions so I will ask a question about an 870 I happened upon this morning. First let me share a story...

The 870 in question was given to a man by his girlfriend at the time. His now wife of 25 years has never liked the particular gun for whatever personal reasons ( I didn't ask) . The gun has been at the owners brother's house for all this time with an occasional wipe down etc. Only 2 or 3 boxes of shells have ever been shot with it. After some prying and questions, I might just be able to convince him to part with it in my direction rather than let it deteriorate any further While I am not an 870 aficionado, I do appreciate the history and usefullness of the famous pump gun and would certainly add another to my collection.

Question..

Is there any inherent added value of an 870 that was manufactured 25-30 years ago? I know the receivers are still made of steel nowadays, but I don't really know if other parts have changed. This is not a Wingmaster, but does sport decent wood and blueing as opposed to synthetic furniture. In other words, would you pay more for that one than a recently manufactured model of the same type?

 

[simmonsguns]

870

All things equal, with the exception of the express the 870 has not changed in a major way in all of it production.
All parts are interchangable in every year of production with the exception of locking blocks which for 99% of the time will fit up fine.
Costs have been delt with by adding CNC milling stations and computer assist grinders and finish stations.
Plastic is fairly new for the trigger housings but a old aluminum housing will work in a express.
Bore diameters have changed in the police models but not much else has been altered.
The question is what's it worth to you, models here range from (for me) free to $400.00, there are perks for what i do you know.
Is it a 2 3/4 or a 3 inch gun, what type of finish is it and what wood does it where?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Some of us think that early Wingmasters were made more carefully.
This may or may not be true.

I do think that an 870 made prior to 1990 or so has a higher level of fit and finish. Functionally there's no real difference.


BTW, if it's that old, it's a Wingmaster whether so marked or not.

Around here, a WM of this vintage, no Remchokes, with vent rib and decent lumber goes for maybe $350-300 in near new condition.

HTH....

 

[Blue Line]

I like the time-honed slickness of the older action. your not going to feel that smoothness on a new one without a little elbow grease.

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

Cutting down a barrel?

I apologize for asking this here but it seems like a good time to ask. I have asked some questions about .410 with some people responding that a 12gauge would be far better.

I ran across a pawn shop with 2 Model 870's for around $225-$250 out the door. They were both long barrel models. Can a shotgun barrel be cut down, recrowned and a new bead put on? Does it make any sense to do so.

If this needs to be a separate thread, please tell me!

 

[Dave McCracken]

Bobbing a barrel can be done. I've done so and regretted it afterwards. Others have felt no qualms.

Spare 870 barrels are neither scarce nor expensive. The 20" RS barrel in Cylinder, IC or fitted for Remchokes is common and serves well for slugs and defense. Buying one and keeping your older long barrel for whatever makes sense.

$225-250 for a non roached out 870 WM is a good price.

HTH....

 

[41magsnub]

"roached out"? I've never heard that term but I can assume it is a synonym to "Bubba" or something else negative right?