Old Wingmaster + new barrel?

[rwc]

A local pawn shop has an old WM with a 28in. barrel, Modified choke (no tubes). The grip cap has a white inset and the buttpad is the old style, open-waffle design. I'm not sure how old it is.
If I wanted to swap in a new barrel, are old Wingmasters compatible with all (or some) current 870 barrels? All advice welcome.

Thanks and Merry Christmas.

 

[Froggy]

Yes; the new barrels will fit.

I bought my wingmaster back in the mid-70s; it also came with a fixed choke barrel. About a year ago I finally conceded the Remchoke thing was more than a passing fad and bought a new barrel for it. It slipped right into place.

But.... the new barrel will take a 3" shell, and says so right on it. But check the serial number on your receiver -- if it does not have the "M" at the end of the serial number (denoting "magnum") you should stick with 2-3/4" shells.

 

[rwc]

Thanks. And have a Christmas tamale for me.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Number Six here wears a new LC barrel with Remchokes and does well with it. It was made in 1955. Of course, I stick to 2 3/4" loads.

 

[dfariswheel]

When buying a replacement barrel for an older Wingmaster, be sure you buy a Wingmaster barrel.

The Express barrels don't work well, since they have a different method of retaining the magazine cap.
A Wingmaster barrel will have a small spring-loaded plunger on the front face of the barrel support ring.
No plunger means it's an Express barrel.

 

[MikeWSC]

RWC,

Bought an older 870 WM, didn't even have the vent rib. Took it to Gander Mountain. For $135 had the
Barrel sent & had it threaded w/3 briley choke tubes. Works nice, keeps the vintage look and saves a
couple of bucks!

 

[george_co]

What guage?

I have an older 870 20ga. WM (bought new in 74), I bought a slug barrell for it that fits the newer wingmasters, but won't fit the older ones.

I strongly encourage you to call remington to get their input on barrells.

 

[Mannlicher]

My old 12 ga Wingmaster wears a factory Remington 20 inch rifle sight barrel and 2 shot ScatterGun Tech mag extension now. Had no trouble at all with it fitting the older gun. It makes a great HD shotgun.