870 Wingmaster in 16ga

[rbernie]

I have a chance to buy a 50's-era 870 Wingmaster in 16ga, for just under $200. I really like this gun; the trigger is amazing and it just smells of a build quality that is long gone.

Sadly, I have no other 16ga and I really don't know how much 16ga I'd ever shoot if I got it. I already have 870s in 12ga and 20ga. I kinda want it, but I have no idea when/how I'd ever use it.

What will a 16ga do for me that a 12ga or 20ga won't?

 

[SwampWolf]

What will a 16ga do for me that a 12ga or 20ga won't?

Pretty much nothing in terms of "raw" ballistics (i.e., fps/fpe). And, if you don't reload, you will find that the 16 doesn't have nearly as many diverse loadings as the 12 and 20 and will not be found as readily in Big Mart stores.Some will argue that a 16 betters a 20 in terms of pattern distribution and others will argue the opposite. Few will argue that either is better or even as good as the 12.

In good condition, the Wingmaster you reference is certainly a good buy. And, there is nothing wrong with the 16, it just isn't as flexible in its factory loadings as the other two gauges. If the receiver is scaled to 16 gauge dimensions, one could argue that the handling might be superior to the equivalent 12 gauge. However, speaking for myself, I have no use for a 16 gauge barrel stuck on a 12 gauge sized receiver. If the receiver is 12 gauge sized and chambered for a 16, one really has to ask, "What's the point?"

All that said, for under $200.00 and in good condition, I'd waste no time in buying the Wingmaster you're interested in- if it is scaled to 16 gauge dimensions (and, as I understand it, the newer 870 16 gauge renditions aren't).

 

[earlthegoat2]

I guess I am one who will argue that the 16 is better than the 12. It is not for everyone. If you are a handloader then it is a hands down better choice than the 12.

I prefer 16 or 20 in nearly all shotgun scenarios. If slug shooting is why you want a 16 dont get it and opt for a 12 or 20. More options as well as rifled barrels are available.

As SwampWolf is saying make sure the receiver is scaled to the size of the barrel. If it is not you might as well go with a 20 if weight is a factor or just go with the 12 so you wont have to lug around scrap steel.

 

[Dave McCracken]

All 16 gauge 870s are built on the same receiver as the 12 gauge.

Had I a 16, I'd reload for it. Ammo selection for the 16 most places bites.

Still it's an 870 from the Golden Years. and the price is good.

 

[ImARugerFan]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Even if you don't shoot it much, it's a steal at that price.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Not to mention the gold star you'll get on your PETP* membership card if you bring it home...

lpl

*People For The Ethical Treatment Of Pumpguns

 

[ArmedBear]

What will a 16ga do for me that a 12ga or 20ga won't?

Zip.

A particular gun may balance and swing better for a particular shooter or application in 16 than in 12 or 20, or vice versa.

I have a 16 Gauge double that I like. I suck it up and feed it what I need to feed it; it's the gun, not the gauge, that generally matters most.

So, turn the question around: What will a 20 or 12 do that a 16 won't? Zip.

16 is a good bore. If you like the gun, want the gun, and have the money anyway, it sounds like a nice piece.

 

[axeman_g]

rbernie.....

If you do not buy it you will need to publicly tell us where it is so a kindly member of the PETP can adopt it.

Shame Rem built the 16s on the 12s receiver and frame. Takes most of the loving right out of the gun.

 

[ArmedBear]

axeman- AFAIK they did the same with 20, which makes even less sense. OTOH some people still like the old 12 Gauge frame 1100 in 20 for range use, since it has essentially no recoil at all.

 

[brasskeeper]

Thats a good price.

 

[rbernie]

OTOH some people still like the old 12 Gauge frame 1100 in 20 for range use, since it has essentially no recoil at all.

I have one of those, and I love it. Despite the same weight frame, the gun is noticably lighter (presumably due to the lighter mag and barrel tubes) and much more lively than it's 12ga bretheren. It's certainly not a range-only piece.