How to date an 870 Wingmaster

[Arkansas Paul]

Greetings all.

I picked up an 870 Wingmaster magnum today at a local shop.
Was in the market for a pump 12 gauge and was looking at new 870s.
I got this Wingmaster for about what the Express models are going for new. It's used, but no abused, and the action is smooth as butter.

My question is about dating it.
The barrel is marked XI. I know the X indicates that it was made in December, and the I is supposed to denote the year. Trouble is, Remington used I for 1976 and for 1988.

So, my question is, is there anything to distinguish between the years so I can tell which one it is?
No real reason other than curiosity.

Thanks.

 

[kudu]

If it is a vent rib, most likely it is an 88 model. Not too many came with vent ribs before1980. If it is threaded for choke tubes, 88 or newer.

 

[jmr40]

Older guns used reverse stamped checkering. If it has cut checkering it is a newer gun. Choke tubes came in at about that time as well, not sure of the exact year.

 

[Virginian]

What's the serial number ?

 

[Arkansas Paul]

If it is a vent rib, most likely it is an 88 model. Not too many came with vent ribs before1980. If it is threaded for choke tubes, 88 or newer.

It is a vent rib model.
Also, it is threaded for choke tubes, but the barrel says "full". So I'm thinking they had the barrel modified by a gunsmith.

So, in all likelyhood it's a 1988 model.

jmr40, I don't know how to look at checkering and tell the difference. Is it obvious?

 

[bersaguy]

Gotta buy it dinner first....
Oh, come on....somebody was going to say it

 

[Scribner]

The Remington website has an email contact so you send them the serial number & a couple days later they tell you the year the receiver was made

 

[Weflyfast]

Ask her father ...real nice...

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I remember when you had to pay extra for a vent rib on an 1100 or 870.

I did not know that, but thinking about it, it shouldn't be surprising.
This barrel is a factory ribbed and is marked "full".
However, a previous owner sent it to an aftermarket company and got it altered to accept choke tubes.

I think I have it figured out (thanks to the nice folks on the shotgunworld forum) that it is Continental Choke and Tool Company.
I've been emailing them and they think it's theirs.
I ordered a full choke, so we'll see in a few days.