Just got a 870 Wingmaster

[forcefed]

Hello all,

I have been shooting pistols for a while and have only shot long guns on occasion. Recently my friend needed money and wished to sell his shotgun that his father had given to him. We took it to the local shows and got a dealer buying price of $170. It is a Remington 870 12ga Wingmaster with a serial T915***V and the barrel has a bunch of proofs and says for 2 3/4 shells and looks to be a very short barrel. The gun looks brand new with no scrathes of any kind but I think it has to be atleast 20 years old.

Now I had wanted a shotgun for a while so before he sold it to a dealer I told him I'd give him $170. We made the deal and now I am a happy owner.

Three questions: Where can I find out its worth, what are good defensive shells, and do all stocks that say they fit the 870 work on all 870s? I am looking for a full stock with a pistol grip.

Thank you.

 

[riverdog]

$170 is a very good price.

I use Win 00 Buck. Others prefer the Federal tactical reduced recoil load. Still others ...

Are you really sure you want a plastic stock? I have no use for plastic pistol grip stocks so I can't help with that, although if a stock says it's for a Rem 870, that probably means your 870 too. But before you swap the stock, take it to the range and shoot it a lot. Keep the wood stock, you might not like the plastic.

I am replacing an factory 870 stock with a walnut stock that has an offset comb and canted butt (toe out) . It should improve the fit for me and be much better for Trap. Also the larger palm swell should be more comfortable for other applications.

 

[Still Learning]

Great Buy! Congratulations!!

I thought my Rem. 870 Express at $185 was a good buy but I think you've got me beat!

I picked up a Hogue Over Moulded stock and forend and put it on last week. I've fired about 250 rounds with the new Hogue setup and so far I like it just fine. (Dave, I'm BAing/UUing/and R ing as fast as I can. Will shoot more tomorrow.) The Hogue stock may prove to be a tad too long this winter...we'll see. The set cost $31 at one of the local shops.

As far as defensive loads to choose, there are plenty of threads on the subject here--which I learned after I finally figured out how to properly search for old threads. I'm in the process of figuring out what buck loads pattern the best our of my 870. I'm not too worried about whether the best turns out to be a reduced recoil load or whether it's 8 or 9 pellet, etc. It ocurred to me today that the puniest 12 gauge load is still going to be superior to any handgun round. Just a case of a good big man beating the Hades out of a good little man.

Good luck and I hope you have as much fun with your new shotgun as I'm having with mine.

 

[forcefed]

Here is a quick pic. I know nothing about shotguns, just know 870s are a good choice. Is it easy to change the tube to a larger capacity? Also, is there any customizing that is ideal or just shoot it the way it is?

 

[Dave McCracken]

I'll give you $175 right now!

More seriously, congrats. Fine gun, good price. I'd have gone $225 at least.

The full stocks with PG work OK, but so does what you have, and I think the standard stock is a hair faster. YMMV. Shoot a few rounds of skeet,etc and see if it likes you as is. And, all 870 stocks are interchangeable within gauge.

It's a great HD shotgun as she sits.

As for ammo, a search here will give you lots to chew on. Use environment is crucial.

 

[Opie]

$170!!!!!!!

Thats at least a $275 gun around here if not more!

 

[Gordon]

Keep the fore end , it is the best one, likewise the buttstock just have it PROFESSIONALLY cut to fit a decellarator or other tactical pad so it mounts to your shoulder perfectly without hanging up. You have good striaght grain walnut in that 870riot. If you think you need more ammo than 5 then get a HIGH GRADE extension, spring and anti bind follower. A giant head safety is easy and nice. No other bells or whistles are desireable or reccomended. If you decide to stay with 5 round (versus 7) mag you can get a nifty light mount that screws onto where end cap is. Swivels for a "Ching" sling would be a plus. You can get a barrel band and scre in a heavy rear in right position for those. You got the best shotgun there is IMHO.I think I would keep a bead on that barrel plenty good the way it is!