I'm looking to buy my first shotgun and in case I see something at the Ottawa Gun Show in Carp this week-end, I was wondering what to look for in a used shotgun? I'm thinking I'd like a used pump action (non rifled barrel) that I can hopefully use for as many purposes as possible (hunting deer with slugs, rabbits and maybe geese). I definately want a 12 gauge and am thinking that an Ithaca 37 or Remi 870 would fit the bill. Anything I should look for that differentiate a good one from a bad one?
What to look for in used shotguns?
- Thread starter lord-humungous
- Start date
Old Remington 870 Wingmasters are the best deal going for shotguns. You can probably find a serviceable one for around $200-$300. Most of these come with a fixed full choke and 2-3/4" chamber. Reaming out the choke to Modified will make your gun good to go with steel shot and will work as a good all around choke for the uses you specify. If you want choke tubes, you can swap out a newer Rem-choke barrel.
While conversion to 3" isn't absolutely necessary, if you want to do it, there are two things required. The first is a 3" chambered barrel and the second is a 3" ejector, which will prevent 3" shells from hanging up on the ejection port. The only downside is that the rivets will show unless you have the receiver reblued after the ejector is replaced.
It would probably be a good idea to get a dedicated slug barrel because they are shorter and have sights.
The Ithaca Model 37 is also a fine shotgun. The older ones are all 2-3/4", with only the recent ones available in 3". Once again, you will want to have a full choke opened up to modified. Guns with a serial number above 855,000 have interchangeable barrels, but I don't know if there is a source for them in Canada.
While conversion to 3" isn't absolutely necessary, if you want to do it, there are two things required. The first is a 3" chambered barrel and the second is a 3" ejector, which will prevent 3" shells from hanging up on the ejection port. The only downside is that the rivets will show unless you have the receiver reblued after the ejector is replaced.
It would probably be a good idea to get a dedicated slug barrel because they are shorter and have sights.
The Ithaca Model 37 is also a fine shotgun. The older ones are all 2-3/4", with only the recent ones available in 3". Once again, you will want to have a full choke opened up to modified. Guns with a serial number above 855,000 have interchangeable barrels, but I don't know if there is a source for them in Canada.
Army Issue
Regular
- Location
- Port Credit, Mississauga
870's and the Ithaca are good but have a look at the Remington MOD 10.
I have to restrain my self from picking up a Mod 10, its such an Icon. But too many shotty's at the moment.
I'm a novice here but look at the stock for cracks and cycle the pump make sure its smooth. I got a Shotty in a trade and it took me months to wear in the pump.
I took this pics from this thread here.(not the Ithaca)
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221116
Remington MOD 10
Ithaca Mod 37
The MOD 10 and the Mod 37 share the same load and eject port from below so its a choice gun for left handed shooters.
870 wingmaster
I have to restrain my self from picking up a Mod 10, its such an Icon. But too many shotty's at the moment.
I'm a novice here but look at the stock for cracks and cycle the pump make sure its smooth. I got a Shotty in a trade and it took me months to wear in the pump.
I took this pics from this thread here.(not the Ithaca)
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=221116
Remington MOD 10
Ithaca Mod 37
The MOD 10 and the Mod 37 share the same load and eject port from below so its a choice gun for left handed shooters.
870 wingmaster
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madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
Buy a Remington Express 12 gauge with screw in Modified choke and laminate stock. It should be around 400.00 To buy an older 870 (200.00 to 300.00) and ream the full choke (50.00) or add screw in chokes (150.00) or convert it to 3" (50.00) or buy a new barrel (150.00) seems to cost more in the end than the NEW Express version. Correct me if I am off with my figuring.
regards, Darryl
regards, Darryl
The older 870s are built better than the new Express ones:
-Better finish. Besides looking horrible, some users have found the Express matte bluing unusually prone to rust
-Metal trigger guard
-Ball detent magazine cap retainer
-Smoother action
-No extraction problems due to rough chambers
-Fewer quality control issues compared to more recent production
A more fair comparison would be to compare upgrading an old Wingmaster to buying a new one.
Personally, I would rather not encourage Remington to continue to build shoddy products.
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
I agree 100% that the older 870's were built better. I own several vintage wingmasters in all gauges. I also own several express versions in most gauges (except .410) Other than finish I find the express versions just as reliable and they smooth out nicely with use. In our economic times if Remington attempted to continue making guns like they did years ago they would be broke and we would lose another gun builder.
regards, Darryl
regards, Darryl
- Location
- Back in the Peace Country
Carry the gun, swing it, point it, cheek it, work the action,...
If it were me, an 870 Express would be the choice. 3.5" if you can
If it were me, an 870 Express would be the choice. 3.5" if you can
I wouldn't even use the word blueing. To me blueing is where you start with regular bare polished chromemoly steel, add a blueing compound and it will create a protective oxide coating out of the exposed metal surface. You can't rust what is already rusted.
My 870 express supermag combo (wich I love in every way but the finish) has some sort of "spray on" paint-like/powder coat spackle that forms a non-protective coating on top of the bare metal. It is aweful and one day shooting in the rain made me buy all the rest of my guns in stainless/nickel.
You can easily see and feel the difference between real blueing and the spray-on fleck-stone BS they put on them now. Whatever you get, get real blueing, or be prepared to get your gun refinished anyways.
I'm not convinced that Remington is doing themselves any favours by cheapening their product. It seems to me that they are pissing away their brand equity in a race to the bottom.
I don't think that matching the standard of finish of older Wingmasters is that high a mark to aim for; were not talking pre-Bangor Punta S&W revolvers here.
You would think that Remington could at least Parkerize the Express models; the amount of labour would be similar and the finish would be far more durable and corrosion resistant than whatever it is they're using now.
I don't think that matching the standard of finish of older Wingmasters is that high a mark to aim for; were not talking pre-Bangor Punta S&W revolvers here.
You would think that Remington could at least Parkerize the Express models; the amount of labour would be similar and the finish would be far more durable and corrosion resistant than whatever it is they're using now.
