Older 870 Wingmaster?

[sjcslk]

I picked up an older 12 guage Wingmaster yesterday. I couldn't resist when I saw it. It was in excellent to very, very good condition; better than my late 1960's Wingmaster that was my first gun and that I've taken very good care of. This one has the older style forearm, like on a model 12 and the serial number is 197395V. I'm guessing it's a 1950's, but not sure, does anyone know?
Also, it may be because it doesn't have a vent rib, but it "feels" lighter and sleeker than my other Wingmasters. Is this possible?
It, also, seems to have more of a gun metal gray color than the black of my other guns. ???
After the purchase, I asked the store owner about how it was so clean and if he knew anything more about it. He said it came from an older guy's gun collection. thanks,

 

[ontheroad]

If you email the serial number to Remington, they'll get back to you with the mfg date. My Wingmaster 910xxxV is a 1965.


http://remington.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/363/kw/date of manufacture/r_id/166

 

[PabloJ]

The ole' ones with lightweight ribless barrels and Model 31 style fore ends make wonderful upland game guns. Real early ones had matted barrel top if I recall correctly.

 

[Dave McCracken]

1-800-243-9700 is Remington's service number. Work through the phone tree until a real person shows up. Give them the serial number and they'll give you an approximate born on date.

Old Wingmasters are special. Enjoy....

 

[melt]

I too picked up a first years production Wingmaster in a 16 gauge for a couple of hundred. I looked at another 16 gauge earlier that day in a different shop and the owner wanted $450.00...

It was worked hard and it showed, needed a little stock work but a great and solid addition to my Wingmaster collection.

The folks at Remington are great in terms of getting you the information you need.

 

[powell&hyde]

Here is another source for date codes for the Remington's. http://www.remingtonsociety.com/rsa/questions/barrelcodes provided it has the original barrel on the shotgun.

 

[sjcslk]

Wingmaster

It looks to me like it's a 1952. It has YY stamped for year. It has a 30" Full barrel, but I bought it for upland with the thought I was going to open it up by cutting 2 inches off the end. It's exactly what I've been looking for. I only paid $250 for it at an up north gun shop I walked into. The ones I saw around home were $100 more & not even close to being as clean. I almost hate to cut it now because it's so clean, but if I do, I know it will get lot's of use, rather than sitting in a safe.

 

[Jeff F]

I almost hate to cut it now because it's so clean, but if I do, I know it will get lot's of use, rather than sitting in a safe.

You can have a smith hone that choke out to what ever you want without doing any cutting, probably a better option then a hack saw.

 

[eastbank]

my old 870 has a serial number a little over 13000 and has a barrel code of WW and is in 12ga with a mod choke in ex condition, its just about to nice to use. eastbank.

 

[sjcslk]

Wingmaster

Jeff F, but then I'd have a 30" upland gun. I don't know about that?

 

[Blue Line]

the neat thing about 870's is the availablity of barrels to fit whatever hunting condition you run into. There should be a 28 inch modified barrel somewhere out there for you. lots of barrels on the internet gun shopping sites

 

[sjcslk]

Wingmaster

Good point Blue Line. Maybe I'll just find another barrel for it. I know how interchangeable the barrels are, but will a 1960's barrel (which I'm most likely to find) fit a 1952 870?

 

[btg3]

When looking at what barrels with go with your gun, you will want:
1. Blue finish (not matte or bead blast)
2. Barrel ring should have the tiny ball which engages and secures the mag cap. Newer barrels will fit regardless, but if the mag cap is not secured, it can loosen.

Along the way, you may want to keep an eye out for discounted damaged barrels as some are good candidates for shortening to 18-1/2" for Home Defense.

it "feels" lighter and sleeker than my other Wingmasters. Is this possible?

I've also made this comparison and agree.