How to tell a 870 20g small frame from large

[thepitchedlink]

Hi guys, I know that the 20g wingmaster comes in a small frame and some are built on 12g frame. How do I tell one from the other? can a 20g Magnum, 3" still be a small frame gun? thanks

 

[iceman2]

If memory serves, I believe the large frame had the same size mag tube as a 12 ga mod 870. Yes you could have a 3"mag in a small frame. I am sure someone else with more knowledge will come along.

 

[madtrapper143]

A 20 gauge light weight magnum is small frame. Quickest way to tell is if a quarter will pass through the barrel ring it is a large frame.

Darryl

 

[struff55]

It says lightweight on the frame.

 

[Claybuster]

Look at the barrel where it joins the receiver. If it goes straight out from the receiver it's a lightweight. If the barrel has a slight taper at the receiver it's on a 12 gauge frame.

And yes the 20 gauge magnum can come on a lightweight frame.

Remington introduced the 20 gauge lightweight in the early 70's. It retained the larger framed 20 gauge in the Skeet model which was discontinued in the early 80's.

 

[Stefan]

Struff55 is right. I've got one in 3" and it says "lightweight" on the side of the receiver right next to Wingmaster.

 

[FLHTCUI]

I think it says...

It says lightweight on the frame.

My 870 Wing Master 20gauge says LC for Light Contour.
It is a 3inch chambering says Wing Master.
If I had a 12 gauge and placed the 20 gauge beside it or on top for picture taking purposes you can see the difference between the two.
Well after I posted a few more comments have arrived.
I went to Remington USA and found both the 20 and 12 gauge shotguns.
So, for those that do not believe the size difference, feel free to compare the 12 gauge average weight of 7 lbs and the 20 gauge at 6-1/8 lbs.
These are both 28 inch vent rib barrels with Rem Chokes,
these also have Real Wood, Nice American Walnut, deep texture and tight grain....
And the debate rages on.

Rob

 

[struff55]

Light Contour = LC refers to BBL contour has nothing to do with receiver size.

 

[savage112]

I believe that the 20 gauges that were built on a 12 gauge had serial numbers that ended with an " X ". The smaller frame serial numbers end with a " U ".

 

[Deerdr]

Darryl wins the Teddy Bear, the quarter fits through barrel band...

 

[3macs1]

Where has this been fior 4 years ??
The quarter is a quick check
Serial number suffex is what most use
Note many early light weights were not stamped LW
'X' 20 GA. “HEAVY FRAME” (DISCONTINUED)
'N' 20 GA. “HEAVY FRAME MAGNUM” (DISCONTINUED)
'K' 20 GA. “LIGHT WEIGHT” (“LW”) (ALSO INCLUDES M/1100 “LT”)
'U' 20 GA. LW MAGNUM (ALSO INCLUDES M/1100 “LT”)

 

[struff55]

The lw version stamped or not is substantially smaller than the standard frame not sure how one could miss the difference .3macs1 is the Remington guru he's seldom off the mark .

 

[bleuet001]

I believe that the 20 gauges that were built on a 12 gauge had serial numbers that ended with an " X ". The smaller frame serial numbers end with a " U ".[/uQUOTE]
,,
I just bought an used 870 Wingmaster in new condition last week, and it's a small frame 20 gauge and the serial # end with a ''U''. What a nice looking gun

 

[guntech]

On my 20 gauge (3") 870LW Special a quarter will not go through the barrel 'ring' and a 'toonie' is the same diameter as the magazine cap and 870LW Special is stamped on the receiver and the serial number ends in U.

 

[guntech]

Darryl wins the Teddy Bear, the quarter fits through barrel band...

To be clear;

On a large frame gun it fits through the barrel ring.

It does not fit through the ring on a light weight 20 gauge.

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

On my 20 gauge (3") 870LW Special a quarter will not go through the barrel 'ring' and a 'toonie' is the same diameter as the magazine cap and 870LW Special is stamped on the receiver and the serial number ends in U.

I believe I have the exact model (has a straight stock).....the 21in rem choked barrel on mine also has 870LW 2 3/4 & 3in stamped. Among the various slide action sub-gauge shotguns I have tried so far....this one I like the best plus an 80's production 28ga Wingmaster that was equipped with Briley chokes and had excellent finish quality....I regret selling that to this day.

 

[guntech]

I believe I have the exact model (has a straight stock).....the 21in rem choked barrel on mine also has 870LW 2 3/4 & 3in stamped. Among the various slide action sub-gauge shotguns I have tried so far....this one I like the best plus an 80's production 28ga Wingmaster that was equipped with Briley chokes and had excellent finish quality....I regret selling that to this day.

Yes, mine is a 21 inch choke tubed barrel and a straight stock... it's a beaut... I reblued the action with a matte finish top and high polished sides and fixed the wood clearance so the bluing is no longer rubbed when pumping the action.