Opinion on an unfired late 60s Remington 870

[masterofchaos]

I have a beautiful, never been shot 12 gauge shotgun. It doesn't have sentimental value to me. I target shoot only. It was a good deal and I thought it would be a good "cabin in woods" protection gun as well as a shooter. I believe it's a 1968. The wood and blue is in great shape. I know this gun is common so I would guess there's no real value in keeping it as is. I'm thinking of making it more a tactical gun. Any opinions on whether I should or should not do this to my "virgin" Wingmaster?

 

[egg250]

For the price of converting to tactical, you could acquire an affordable tactical gun.

 

[Kingcreek]

You're kidding, right?
A nice vintage wingmaster modded to a tactical backwoods shot blaster?
Sweet baby Jesus, if you don't like it as is, sell it to somebody that appreciates it and use the money for your cabin gun.

 

[Bushpilot]

Just as "Sporterizing" was the ruin of many fine old military rifles of generations past, "making it more tactical" is the ruin of many fine guns today.....

 

[scramasax]

As standard grade 870 without the box it has no true collector value. It would be good to sell it to someone that will value the gun for the shape it is in. But saying that Will any of you pay more than $200-300 for the gun? If not it is on the block for customizing. Someone could always offer him a full house custom 12 in trade.

 

[JohnBT]

The odds are good it has a full choke and will require some barrel work anyway. If it has an open choke I'd consider buying it, but the price just went up.

John

 

[masterofchaos]

It is beautiful as is. After hearing these comments im just thinking should i keep it that way n buy a tactical shotgun. Its open bore n 20" for those who r curious.

 

[Uniquedot]

Its open bore n 20" for those who r curious.

Sounds to me like it's "tactical" enough.

 

[MarshallDodge]

Sounds to me like it's "tactical" enough.

I agree. Nothing wrong with a wood/blued "tactical" gun. If you want a little more capacity you could put an extended mag tube on it and add a flashlight mount like the 870 in this thread.

This would keep the gun as original as possible. Just remember to keep any parts that you remove from the gun in case you want to return it back to original someday.

 

[Steve C]

Only thing really needed to make your 870 "Tactical" is to buy a riot barrel. If you want more capacity then get a mag extension. Want a light, buy one and clamp it on. Nice thing with that is you can convert it back to hunting so you essentially have 2 types of shotguns.

Here is one of my 870's with riot barrel and mag extension. About as Tactical as I care to get.

 

[masterofchaos]

Good feedback. I will look into a mag extender if anything. I guess it's time to de-virginize it and go shoot some clays ;-)

 

[Gordon]

Screw one of these on and when you cut down the stock for a recoil pad go an inch shorter for quicker mounting in confined areas and call it good!
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/92...ed-choke-with-tritium-rifle-sights-parkerized

 

[Zeke/PA]

I own two Mid -60's model 870's and I think it would be a real shame to alter a specimen such as this ,as at that time, the Remington quality was STILL there.
I suggest a trade to get what you desire OR a sale at your local FFL on a consignement. basis.
IMHO, it is a sacrelidge to alter a fine piece of Shotgun history like an older 870.
My favorite 870 28" Modified, was at one time poison on the local ringnecks AND the "shot over decoys" goose pits.
The Cantlever barrel was/is a good choice for the local slug regulated areas.
I also own a 30" full choke tube for an occassional trip to the trap range at my club.
Price of this particular 870, 28" Vent Rib when I acquierd it?
$ 159.00 !!!!

 

[bushmaster1313]

Start shooting it and build in some sentimental value.