Remington sportsman 58?

[Imlikeaninja]

Shopping around for a used 1100 I ran across a sportsman 58 that was in excellent shape for ~$350.

I was just wondering if this is a good buy and how easy it is to find replacement parts or spare barrels. If I buy it and something needs changing will I be stuck for parts?

How does the sportsman 58 compare to the 1100 in general better worse same. This gun will mostly be used for shorting clays maybe some hunting down the road. Thanks.

 

[Sunray]

It's an earlier version. Gas system is different as I recall. I think barrels and a lot of the parts interchange. Parts aren't hard to get anyway. Don't think I'd part with $350 though.

 

[jaguarxk120]

My 2009 Std. Cat. of Firearms lists the Model 58 as a three shot made from 1956 to 1963. Value $300 Exc., VG $250, Good $200, Fair $150.

As always check the auction sites to see what they sell for, Gunsinternational listors list the actual selling price. I'd go with what sunray says, maybe there's some bargaining room with the seller.

As I recall the Remington gas system had a selector switch for light and heavy loadings. Barrels are the same as 870's but with a gas ports drilled.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Solid Shotgun the Pappa to the 1100. IMO I would not pay more than $250.

 

[Virginian]

Barrels will not interchange with the 1100, but some parts will. Barrels can be made from 870 barrels. The 58 had the gas piston inside the magazine tube instead of outside like the 1100. The joint between the action bars and the piston is a known weak link, but it can be fixed when it breaks. A lot of people actually preferred the feel and balance. But the 1100 was a major overall improvement in my opinion and most other people's.

 

[rcmodel]

The Sportsman 58 was Remington first gas-operated shotgun.

It was introduced in 1956 and featured a Dial-A-Matic magazine cap for selecting L (light loads) or H (heavy loads).

In 1959 it was replaced by the Model 878 Automaster, which had a self regulating gas system.
And it was a much better gun.

I had a new one in 1962, and it was a 100% reliable shooting machine with anything you put in it.

But it wasn't as good as the 1100 which came out in 1963, and is still in the product line today 50 years later.

I would not pay $350 for a Sportsman 58 on a bet.

I would probably pay that for a like new 878, just for nostalgia's sake.

rc

 

[Imlikeaninja]

Thanks guys. I'll hold out for an 1100.

 

[btg3]

My dad and I shot 12ga and 20ga Sportsman 58 for skeet and dove for many years. When I went off to school and work, and dad's health declined, those guns sat for awhile. However since then, my son and daughter have busted clays with them. I've replaced the action spring and the rubber gasket and they've been 100% reliable.

Sweet shooters, those gas guns. After 100 rounds of skeet, you just want to keep shooting!

 

[308win]

Excellent shotgun. I have a first year model my dad bought me new in 1956 I believe it was. Reliable shotgun. The magazine is limited to two shells on mine anyway. They could have problems with a pin (stud) breaking in the bolt but they can be easily repaired. In very good condition I wouldn't give more than $200-250; I passed on a three inch 12 ga for $150 because it hadn't been taken care of,

 

[bluekouki86]

I've got a Model 58. Its a pretty decent shotgun. Biggest thing is to remember to switch the adjust-a-cap or whatever its called. My biggest gripe is the design of the gas system doesn't allow additional magazine capacity. You are limited to two in the mag and one in the chamber. I don't think I'd pay $350, $250 is probably more in line.

 

[jaguarxk120]

I do not see a three shot gun as a disadvantage, after all if the shooter can't hit the quarry with three shots then let it go. Duck hunters don't have trouble with three shot max.

 

[icanthitabarn]

I have one in like new new condition. It is the skeet model. Nice wood, the old gunsmith said only a fool wouldn't buy it off of him, $350.

 

[Virginian]

Make sure you have the magazine cap in one of the two designated positions. If you shoot it with it between the settings, you will likely be looking for the pieces. Been there and done that.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Good shotguns.

 

[loose noose]

Not a bad gun, but for that kind of money ($350) you can find yourself a nice model 1100.

 

[Riomouse911]

My dad gave me his old S-58 many moons ago. OK gun, I sent it away and use the 1100 I bought with the $$ from the S-58.

As was stated, $350 is a bit steep for the S-58 as it is so outdated; unless it is a special run or something like that.

 

[dbarky]

58 vs. 1100

I have a 58 in very good condition and a 1100 trap. If I was looking to buy I would probably go with the 1100. The 58 has a better balance and I love shooting it. The 1100 is barrel heavy compared to the 58. Parts , barrels, etc. much more available for the 1100.