Wingmaster "Best Before" Date?

[International Harvester]

I'm looking to p/u a good wingmaster for goose hunting. I'd prefer it to be 3" capable with choke tubes. That being said, all I hear about now is how junky the new Rem guns are (I can't confirm this myself). Is there a certain serial # to stay below to get a "more quality" 870? Have there been many changes over the years? I understand that wanting a 3" w/ choke tubes is gonna require a gun that wasn't built before the 80's.

Thanks IH

 

[G P]

I think the wingmasters are still ok, it's the express that has the decline in quality.

 

[JamesM]

What GP said is true. Mind you while my express isn't as pretty as a wingmaster it still works perfectly, just clean it after use and it won't rust.

 

[Max-4]

I have a 2008 Wingmaster 3", 28" barrel with choke tubes and I am really happy with its quality and fit/finish.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new 870 Wingmaster again, just make sure you hold and inspect the actual gun you are buying. Dont skimp out if you can afford the Wingmaster it is miles above the Express!!! Good luck.

 

[gunsaholic]

I think sometime around 1986 (not sure of exact year) they started coming out with the changeable chokes in the 870. So there are a lot of good condition used ones out there. Just keep checking on this forum.

 

[3macs1]

I think sometime around 1986 (not sure of exact year) they started coming out with the changeable chokes in the 870. So there are a lot of good condition used ones out there. Just keep checking on this forum.

Yep. Remington started playing with choke tubes in actually 85 but those were real odd balls made by briley with a square thread. I have a 85 1100 special field and a 86 870 wingmaster with these, They are impossible to find and cost 85.00 each for briley to make special order. Somewhere in the fall of 86 rem came out with the standard rem choke which we all know today.So look for a 87 and up wingmaster

 

[tjhaile]

The newer 870s Wingmasters have improved in one respect besides choke tubes; they have much nicer checkering than the tacky fleur-de-lis pressed checkering the many of the ones made in the 1970s had.

I bought an 870 barrel (20", rifle sights, Remchoke) a couple years ago. It has an attractive polished blue finish that matches the 1974 vintage 870 I mounted it on.

 

[International Harvester]

Thanks all. My last Q is does the longest bbl option stop at 28", it seems like you can't find a field shotgun with a 30" barrel anymore.

IH

 

[3macs1]

Thanks all. My last Q is does the longest bbl option stop at 28", it seems like you can't find a field shotgun with a 30" barrel anymore.

IH

They just stopped making the 30" wingmaster 12ga last year so you may find one on a shelf somewhere sitting.Here was the info

12ga 7 1/4lbs 30" barrel 50 1/2" overall Light Contour
Vent Rib Rem -Choke Discontinued No. 26925

 

[219F]

IH unless you like the longer barrel as a sight plane the added length really does little if anything for your shot pattern. it is the choke that defines your pattern.

 

[International Harvester]

I always figured that a longer barrel would add increased velocity just as it does with a rifle. Since steel shot needs speed to be effective I try to get any edge I can.

 

[sherlockbonez]

I think it does add like 2fps per inch or something minor.

 

[MauserMike]

I always figured that a longer barrel would add increased velocity just as it does with a rifle. Since steel shot needs speed to be effective I try to get any edge I can.

It does. The shot is 2" closer to the target

 

[plinker 777]

 

[International Harvester]

Good one! I remember my first beer, lol.

 

[jackrabbit000]

I think the wingmasters are still ok, it's the express that has the decline in quality.

X2 on the Wingmaster.

 

[mbogo3]

Barrel length has a lot to do with the style of shooting you're doing ,balance and pointability of the firearm...............Harold

 

[Jameso]

On the wingmaster with interchangable chokes are they all good for steel? Barring using a full choke. Or is there a certain year or type that are not safe to shoot steel through.

Thanks

 

[3macs1]

On the wingmaster with interchangable chokes are they all good for steel? Barring using a full choke. Or is there a certain year or type that are not safe to shoot steel through.

Thanks

After 1986 they were made for both lead and steel and fitted with the rem choke.Older ones will shoot it but will be fixed choke unless the barrel was changed or colonial thin walls , or equivalent fitted.

Sorry to answer you question all rem choked barrels are good for steel in the 12 ga for sure

 

[petew]

best before date?? I have 2 originals from the early 50's and they have not expired yet.