Hello,

My step dad just picked up an older Remington wingmaster 870. The barrel is labeled 12ga for 2 3/4 or shorter. I loaded a 3" shell and it would chamber it just fine. Will it shoot 3" or should I stick with 2 3/4"? Also, why did the come with no screw in chokes?

Any way I can tell how old this gun is?

Thanks

EDIT: PICS!

DO NOT fire 3" shells in a 2 3/4" gun.
A 3" will chamber because shot shells are measured AFTER they're fired.
Firing a 3" shell in a 2 3/4" chamber can cause serious damage to the gun and you.

In addition, a 3" shell will not eject from a 2 3/4" gun.  The 2 3/4" gun has a shorter ejector that can't eject the longer 3" shell.

Check the serial number on the receiver.  If the number ends with a "M" the receiver is a 3" capable gun.  You could buy a 3" chambered barrel and shoot 3" shells safely.
If the receiver doesn't have a "M" serial number or a barrel marked for 3" shells DON'T fire 3" shells.

If you want, the gun can be converted to handle 3" shells by sending it in to Remington or to a custom shop like Wilson and they can install a longer 3" ejector and re-chamber the barrel to handle 3" shells.

The gun doesn't have screw in chokes because screw in chokes weren't invented back then.  Back in those days, the choke was made in the barrel and if you wanted a different choke you either bought a different barrel or installed an external adjustable choke on the barrel.

To get a date on when the gun was made, email Remington.

Copy that. Thanks for the info. The SN ends in a V. I think I will clean it up and just use it for trap. Seems to be a decent little gun

Another thanks dfaris. I just bought a police trade-in WM 870 and had the same questions as the OP.

I figured out my wingmaster was made in 1955 using this info.
Sounds like your barrel has the same markings as mine.
This method is not perfect, but as long as it has the factory barrel, it's pretty good.

http://www.remingtonsociety.com/rsa/questions/barrelcodes

I called Remington, gave the rep. my serial number, and he gave me the year of manufacture. I tried to use that thing, but nothing on it matched my markings.

I did not see any serial numbers on the barrel, only on the receiver.

I also called and since it was the weekends no one answered. I emailed Remington with my info, so hopefully someone emails me back next week.

I went and shot it today. Shoots like a champ! I think its a keeper.

Little update from Remington...

Thank you for contacting Remington Country. Your Model 870 was produced in 1955

Pretty cool Wonder what its worth?

As info, shotgun ammo length is measured with the crimp open, in the "fired" position.  That's why an unfired 3" magnum fits into a 2 3/4" chamber.



When you fire the longer shell in the shorter chamber, the shot column tries to squeeze through and causes pressures to rise dramatically.  





 

Wilson Combat can 'refresh' it and open it up to 3" if you really want 3" capability.

Don't alter a 55 Wingmaster... Sell it and go buy what you want. Old Wingmaster's with fixed chokes are coveted.

I'll have to see what its worth. I really have no use for it other than a safe gun. I would like a tactical 870 to play with.

Keep in mind that Remington lost a class action lawsuit over metalurgy of some of their shotgun barrels.  I would never alter one.  

Buy a replacement barrel if you must.  They are out there, even Mossberg makes one.

Assuming age appropriate wear and no damage, probably $325-350.



 

Thats what I was guessing. Thanks

Ill get pics up asap.

Pics are up

It's got the corn cob forend... No way I'd butcher that. It looks like a sweet bird gun.

Im guessing that is more sought after in this gun?

Like I said, its in good shape. It has been used but not abused. The wood could use some refinishing (which I am not going to do) and the bluing is wearing in spots. Overall its in good shape for its age.

Settled, I wouldn't say class action though, no one knew about it until it was posted for people to collect. I collected about 120.00 for 4 or 5 shotguns.