Old Wingmaster Barrel Replacement Question

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nmatski

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I know it's been discussed to death and I've looked through many forums for info but I would like to be sure of myself as I am still a newbie!

I'm looking into picking up a 1979 Magnum Wingmaster - comes with a 30" fixed full choke barrel.

Now, from what I understand, it's definitely not a good idea to shoot steel shot through this barrel and from what I've read, lots of people recommend taking it to a gunsmith to open up the choke.

My question; can I simply pick up a new Wingmaster barrel with interchangeable chokes? Will a new Wingmaster barrel fit seemlessly on a 79' Wingmaster?

Also, any other advice from the Wingmaster guru's would definitely be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
If your going to shoot steel shot size #2 and under then it can be done and has been done by many.
You can find a new barrel that will fit your frame with chokes factory oem.
You can also find barrels that have been reamed out to modified to cylinder bore as well and thesse are capable of having the larger steel shot fired through them.
Now, for the last part I am not 100% familiar with, but there are a few abnormal barrel combinations that might cause you conniptions when it comes to installing said new to you barrel.
There will be someone along with much more experience and able to articulate it much better than ?I.
Best Regards ...
Oh and make sure you get a Wingmaster and not the express model either.
Rob
 
Nothing has ever changed on a wingmaster a 1951 and a 2014 are all the same mechanics all interchangeable u can put a mag bbl on a standard reciver just can't shoot mag cartridges because the ejector is to short .
 
struff55, there is something about the Express barrel that does not work with the Wingmaster barrel.
That was what I was eluding to.
I just do not recall what it is and what the difference is as I only ever bought new with chokes or a factory barrel with a mod or skeet choke and this was before the advent of the Express.
Rob
 
FLHTCUI said:
struff55, there is something about the Express barrel that does not work with the Wingmaster barrel.
That was what I was eluding to.
I just do not recall what it is and what the difference is as I only ever bought new with chokes or a factory barrel with a mod or skeet choke and this was before the advent of the Express.
Rob
Click to expand...

I've got an older model like the OP has and you are right in a way: Original barrel is full choke and long (close to 30") I have found no conceivable use for a full choke except maybe turkey hunting, but I still kept the original barrel and bought a new one with screw in chokes. Where you are right is that while the new Express barrel fits and functions, it's an Express barrel which looks like crap (fit, finish and the lame design of the vent rib) on a beautifully blued Wingmaster magnum receiver and walnut stocks... so it doesn't really "fit properly".

EDIT: OP, the older barrel was never manufactured with steel shot in mind. If you value originality, (and if Remington didn't use hard enough steel to resist steel shot even at the time) then get a new barrel as they are made to endure steel. The cost of boring it out and threading the muzzle for screw in chokes is probably going to cost close to what a new barrel costs and you will still only have one barrel in the end instead of two.
 
Thank you for all of the input! I am not interested in boring out the original barrel. I would much rather keep it stock and buy a new wingmaster barrel with screw in chokes and this is what I am going to do!
 
You can certainly install a new Wingmaster barrel, but that will run around $300, so you need to purchase the gun for a great deal, to save money over just buying a newer Wingmaster with interchangeable chokes. I just purchased a mint Wingmaster with interchangeable chokes for $600.
 
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You can use an Express Barrel, which should run you around $150, you'll just need to put a piece of thread tape under the magazine cap to hold it on tightly. The retention system is different between the two and without the tape on the Wingmaster the Express barrel will loosen with recoil. With tape it will be fine.

New Wingmaster barrels will absolutely work, they're just much pricier.
 
blasted_saber said:
You can use an Express Barrel, which should run you around $150, you'll just need to put a piece of thread tape under the magazine cap to hold it on tightly. The retention system is different between the two and without the tape on the Wingmaster the Express barrel will loosen with recoil. With tape it will be fine.

New Wingmaster barrels will absolutely work, they're just much pricier.
Click to expand...

Ahh yes... the point I forgot to mention.
 
An express barrel is your best option with cost in mind. Who really cares what it looks like when hunting
You are going to pay 300 plus plus for a blued new wingmaster barrel and the last two I got from remington came for 3 1/2. When questioned they told me it was an inventory issue and stocking the 3 1/2" covers the entire range
Also watch the light contour ones which are lighter which is cool but different dimensions slightly. Some fit nicely others make the forearm rattle like an old mossy
If you located a LC try it on the gun prior to buying
Take care
 
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