I have a 2 3/4" chambered 870 Wingmaster 30" FC barrel.If I install a new steel proofed barrel with Rem chokes they are available only in 3" Can my 870 take them or should I stick to 2 3/4"? I read somewhere about magnum receivers serial #'s begining with a "M" ..........Harold ......been loading Bismuth but it's $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Rem 870 Wingmaster different receivers ?
- Thread starter mbogo3
- Start date
If memory serves, you can install the 3" barrel, but only use 2 3/4" rounds. the ejector is not set up for the longer shell and probably the ejection port is not long enough. Nothing wrong with 2 3/4" steel rounds if you do your part and not try extra long shots.
Receivers are marked with letters at the end of the serial number that determine ejection size as follows:
V -- 12ga -- 2 3/4" Only
M -- 12ga -- 2 3/4" or 3" Only
A -- 12ga -- 2 3/4", 3" or 3 1/2"
W -- 16ga -- 2 3/4" Only
K, X -- 20ga -- 2 3/4" Only
U, N -- 20ga -- 2 3/4" or 3" Only
J -- 28ga -- 2 3/4" Only
H -- .410 -- 2 1/2" or 3"
As "struff55" states, prefix letters in serial numbers represent nothing more than REM manufacturing date codes.
1. Used 3" 870s far harder to find than 2-3/4" ones, which are cheap and ubiquitous. Changing ejectors should cost about $20 worth of parts and less than an hour's worth of labour.
2. Changing the ejector doesn't "ruin" the receiver. The new rivets may show unless it is refinished, but I don't see why this that big of a deal on a working gun that has no doubt seen some finish wear anyway. Used 2-3/4" fixed choke 870s aren't collectibles.
Personally, 2-3/4" shells are good enough for any use I have for a shotgun, but the option to upgrade an 870 to 3" is available and not terribly expensive for those who wish to do so.
