I just bought a used 20 gauge Remington 870 Wingmaster from the 70s. The barrel is chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells or shorter. Should I be able to locate a barrel chambered for 3 inch shells, will it fit and will there be limitations as far as shooting 3 inch shells. The ejection port measures 2.96 inches in length. On a current model 870 chambered for 3 inch shells, the ejection port is 3.02 inches long. The difference, .06 inches, amounts to 1/16 of an inch. Again, assuming that I fit a barrel chambered for 3 inch shells, will the smaller size of the ejection port prevent me from chambering or ejecting a 3 inch shell?
Wingmaster question
- Thread starter pacobillie
- Start date
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
If a quarter can fit through the barrel ring you won't find a 3" barrel for love nore money. The 20 gauge standard model ( built on 12 gauge frame) did not commonly appear in 3" if at all. The 3" version was known as the 20 "Lightweight Magnum" built on a small 20 frame which all are this day. Keep us posted on the quarter through the barrel ring situation.
Darryl
Darryl
The quarter fits through the ring indeed.
Does that mean that if I want a replacement stock or forearm, I have to buy the 12 gauge wood?
Remington did make a large frame 20ga mag with 3". It came out in 1960 as the model ADX and ran until the mid 70's. That being said you are 100% correct as far as finding a barrel for one. I may have seen 2 total in 40 years.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Would he not also need a magnum receiver?
He would not need a magnum receiver but he would need to change the ejector and the ejector spring , The ejector face is cut back an extra 1/4'' . All that being said its the long way around to get a 3'' gun. 2 3/4'' 1 1/8oz mag should be effective for most hunting situations.
Yes, except that steel shotshells are not available in 2 3/4 inches. I bought the gun for my GF, so she can hunt with me. She finds a 12 Gauge to be a bit much. However, for duck hunting, 20 gauge steel shotshells are only available 3 inches. Hence, the 3 inch issue. Unless someone can point out a source for 2 3/4 in. steel shotshells in 20 gauge.
Remington and Winchester makes a steel shot 20 ga 2 3/4" but only no. 7 shot which would not be much good.Federal however makes one loaded with no. 6 which may be fine for over decoys etc.
- Location
- Ft. Mac. Alberta
They also make the Federal Premium in 2 3/4" #4's and that is a great shell for decoyed geese!!
I actually saw no difference in kill ratio between them and the Winchester 3" #2's!
Cat
