any mods that ahould be done to older wingmaster recievers?
- Thread starter stoop14
- Start date
I currently have 7 older wingmasters (everyone has their weakness). The only mod I have ever done is re finish them. Some people have moved the ejector so that they can handle 3" shells, but I don't hunt anymore and the steel gong is just as dead using 2 3/4 shells. I wouldn't bother fixing something that isn't broke
As mentioned, you can have a 3" ejector installed.
I think what you are asking about is Flexi Tab though. This requires a new lifter with that U shaped cut in it and ether modifications to the bolt, or replace the bolt. There is a cut or slot that can be cut somewhere on the bolt (or maybe it's the carrier - I'm not really sure where it is exactly) that allows enough clearance for the flexitab system to clear a jam. Casey at TacOrd can do the cut on an existing bolt, then all you have to buy is the lifter.
I think what you are asking about is Flexi Tab though. This requires a new lifter with that U shaped cut in it and ether modifications to the bolt, or replace the bolt. There is a cut or slot that can be cut somewhere on the bolt (or maybe it's the carrier - I'm not really sure where it is exactly) that allows enough clearance for the flexitab system to clear a jam. Casey at TacOrd can do the cut on an existing bolt, then all you have to buy is the lifter.
Pretty much sums up how I treat my old Wingmaster (1951 model in excellent condition). I don't hunt anymore and 2 3/4 is easier on my shoulder for shooting clays.
freddyfour
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County, Ontario
I hunt with my Wingmaster and 2 3/4 is fine for me. I say do nothing and shoot it!
Flexi tab you mean? I don't know the exact date. From what I have read mid 80's is when it was introduced.
Whether or not you want a 3" ejector really depends on whether you want to shoot 3" shells. That's easy for each person to figure out.
Whether or not you want flexi tab has more to do with what you use the shotgun for. It is possible for an 870 to double feed from the mag tube if one is not careful to seat each cartridge all the way into the tube. If this happens and you do not have the flexi tab feature, the gun will be locked up solid. No amount of pounding on it will clear the jam and you have to remove the barrel to clear it. If it has flexi tab then if this type of jam occurs you can forcefully rack the slide hard or slam the butt down and it will clear the shell. I've never had this jam occur with an 870. It does not happen if you load the tube normally. I can see it happening if you are stuffing shells in fast or in a high stress situation. So, if your gun is for bear country or other predator protection, then flexi tab might be a priority for you. Then again, maybe not. This does not seem to be a common malfunction and it is caused by operator error, but if it does happen when yogi is running at you it might be nice to be able to rack that mother hard and keep going. So, consider the issue and make your choice. If your gun is a range toy, then don't bother. You can just stop shooting take the gun apart and clear the issue should it ever happen. I have some 870's with flexi, and some not. If I take a gun to bear country, I do choose a flexi tab equipped one. Hope that helps with the decision process.
My 870 was made in 1974 and does not have the Flexitab parts. Despite this, I can still work the action to clear a shell stuck between the bolt and the lifter. I would suggest testing this on your own gun before deciding if you need it or not.
