Rem 870 Wingmaster Question

[josmund]

I'm looking to replace my 870 which I bought in 1976.

I've love this gun and it has served me well for decades. I know the Express models aren't built to the same standards as my old Wingmaster. Are the new Wingmasters built with the same quality as the my current gun?

I was told somewhere that the steel in the action is different or the manufacturing process has led to reduced quality. If this is the case, how would I identify a used one built with old technique to meet my expectations?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Skyshot]

Why replace it if work's good?

 

[josmund]

I had it in a Full Choke. When steel shot was mandated for waterfowl, I had it changed to Modified.

I've now taken a interest in Turkey hunting and would like to either buy another Full Choke barrel or a RemChoke. When I look at the price barrels are going for, I may as well buy the whole gun.

Plus, I like buying guns!

 

[Gun Geezer]

Good question and I have no idea how to compare a 1976 to current production Wingmaster. My presumption would be that they are the same and absolutley superior to the Express in almost every way.

My Wingmaster is within a year or two of yours. Solid shooter of many thousands of shells. Still works like the day I bought it brand new for $89 at Walgreens Drug store in Midland, Texas.

 

[powell&hyde]

Yes I have heard the same thing, mostly with the shotguns. Since the Freedom group bought them out a few years ago, it is said that the quality has gone down tremendously. Lets put it this way, the local gunshop will not service Remington shotguns made after 2007!!

Sadly the people retiring are replaced with a newer generation who probably doesn't care as much for quality like the older generation did. Now its all about the bottom line. My 2nd oldest son bought an 870 12g 3" 2 years ago and it has been back to the factory 3 times already for repairs.

Once for broken extractor and 2 times for broken firing pin, and he does not reload and shoots factory ammo.

 

[josmund]

GunGezer,

You got a deal! I paid $150 ay Kmart. I delivered a lot of papers saving up for my first big purchase.

Probably the best money I ever spent. I wish I would have taken better care of it as a youngster as it shows it's age. I'd love to find a safe queen from the same era.

 

[Gun Geezer]

GunGezer,

You got a deal! I paid $150 ay Kmart. I delivered a lot of papers saving up for my first big purchase.

Probably the best money I ever spent. I wish I would have taken better care of it as a youngster as it shows it's age. I'd love to find a safe queen from the same era.

Too funny! I too delivered papers to buy my 870!

Mine has followed me through lots of mud, dust, grain fields, and gravel pits. I've always tried to take care of it, but the milage was tough! Needs a blue job and it'd look almost new!

It will NEVER be sold.

 

[Fred Fuller]

how would I identify a used one built with old technique to meet my expectations?

1) Carry a cell phone, and

2) Memorize this number - 1-800-243-9700

3) Only do your used 870 shopping while Remington's office is open



Seriously, the best way to find out when a given 870 was manufactured is to call with the serial number and let them tell you. There's no printed list that allows you to date by serial numbers, some people rely on barrel codes but there's no way to know if the barrel is original to the gun.

And yes, I have called Remington from the gun store myself to check a date... more than once.

 

[Skyshot]

I had it in a Full Choke. When steel shot was mandated for waterfowl, I had it changed to Modified.

I've now taken a interest in Turkey hunting and would like to either buy another Full Choke barrel or a RemChoke. When I look at the price barrels are going for, I may as well buy the whole gun.

Plus, I like buying guns!

I think I would keep the old wingmaster, they have very nice fit and finish. And just buy an express.

 

[dprice3844444]

just buy another barrel

 

[josmund]

I'll keep the old Wingmaster.

I'm looking for a new classic barrel or a new classic gun. I like the idea of calling Remington to verify the lineage.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[btg3]

Certain braggin' rights seem to accompany the possession of a Wingmaster. But they do not out last, out shoot, or bring home more turkeys than an Express. I've got a couple of each with wood furniture. No black plastic. And I do much prefer the aesthetics of a deep shiny blue finish over a bead blast finish.

Among my 870s, the only serious issue was a crack up the middle of the trigger body on a Wingmaster. That metal trigger body was apparently flawed upon manufacture back in 1956. Materials technology has made astounding gains since that time. Self-professed afficionados revel in touting the metal trigger body, but my experience runs to the contrary. Composite plastics are amazing and can be a win-win with regard to cost and performance -- and if they get nicked or scratched, there's no telltale shiny metal peeking thru.

 

[Hacker15E]

I definitely would not replace a well-used Wingmaster with a new Express.

I'd spend the money to spruce up the Wingmaster, personally.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

All you need is a new Wingmaster Rem-Choke barrel and you have a slick old broken-in Wingmaster, and the versatility to use any degree of choke with it you could want ot need.

rc

 

[throdgrain]

I reckon a new Wingmaster will be just fine, buy one and keep your old one too would be my advice

 

[Dave McCracken]

Two 870s here have lots of experience and were made in 1950 and 1955, thus being older than my spouse of 35 years. The 1955 model, known to us as Number Six, wears a 30" Remchoked Light Contour barrel and serves as a GP wingshooter in the uplands. I have a newer WM with cosmetic issues I use for waterfowl, yclept Frankenstein. It turns 40 next year. So does another one that's my venison getter and standby HD tool.

The least amount of rounds any of my 12 gauges have through them is about 10K, some much more.Maybe much,much more, I was having too much fun to keep count.

Find old WMs and set them as you want them. You cannot wear them out, no matter how cleanly you live.