870 Wingmaster as a combat shotgun

[RainDodger]

Going commando is the way to go, as you'll likely scare away any intruders without wasting a shell. Instead of relying just on that, I added a GG&G extended magazine tube and a side-saddle. Left the rest alone. As a former federal agent for a time, my agency used 870s with folding wire stocks with pistol grips so I am very familiar with them, having qualified with them many times. Great shotguns that do anything well. I did not care for the folding wire stock though - a regular composite stock for me. Along with 00 Buck and slugs in the side saddle. I live in the country.

 

[Garandimal]

Put an 18.5" Mossberg 870 CYL Bbl. on my 12 ga. field gun, took out the mag plug, and loaded it w/ Federal Flight-control #1 Buckshot.

​

"House-broom."




GR

 

[gralewaj]

Flex Tab conversion is a MUST on older 870 Wingmasters to be used as HD shotguns. Read the article vkeith posted!

If the host 870 is an older one, you will want to add the flexitab system so shells can't get jambed between the carrier and the bolt.

Article about the flexitab system.

 

[lemaymiami]

A "must" ? Sure, it's a nice upgrade if upgrading is being done - but any competent 'gunner can use a standard riot configured old Wingmaster all day long without short shucking a single round... At least that's my take on it - and we never had any 870's with Flex Tabs in our issued weapons during my years on the street (1973 to 1995...).

Something to ponder in these days when everyone wants a defensive gun with as much ammo as possible (and all the bells and whistles you can add, it seems...). Properly employed, a short barreled shotgun at close quarters is a one shot... fight ender, period. It was that one feature that drew me to it when it was available and I finally learned a bit about them (after I'd already used one for the only shot I ever fired on the street in 22 years -and spent six months in and out of court before it was ruled justified..).

For close quarters work (under 15 meters... ) it's still my first choice all these years later...

 

[gralewaj]

I say it's a must if you are trying to turn an older Wingmaster (that may have worn feed latches) into an HD gun. Department shotguns I assume are checked by the department armorer for full function and LEOs have a lot more training than bubba turning pappy's meat getter into the HD gun. Bent action bars can cause issues too, and a lot of older 870s display this problem due to being used hard. Just my take.

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

Best tactical shotgun is a cutdown ribbed 870 with left ejection and shortened stock... IMO...

 

[johns961]

I bought my first 870 at Woolworths for $149. They had an ad in the Sunday newspaper tv guide with some other stuff. It as advertised as a Remington 870 Police Riot Shotgun with an 18" barrel.
Over the next year I got two more. This was 1979. I also have a 590 I call the Embassy gun. Read the Marines used them there. I also have two Winchester 1897 trench guns made in 1916. All are good.
I like those 1897's the most. But, if it ever hits the fan, I will bypass the the AR's and other stuff and grab an 870.

 

[gralewaj]

My 870s are first in line as well

 

[robhof]

I have 2 Mossberg 590A1s all decked out in combat regalia, it's just that the action and reliability of an 870 Wingmaster is so much smoother and it never hesitates.

I would like opinions on converting a Wingmaster into a combat shotgun, there are plenty of after market doo dads to accomplish the mission, your thoughts please.

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