Need Help Quickly: 870 Wingmaster Question *UPDATE*

[maidendeth13]

Hey Everyone,

I need help with a quick question about an 870 Wingmaster.

I am looking at purchasing my first shotgun and have been in touch with a fellow calgunner who is selling his wingmaster that he bought new in 1979 and never used. The gun has a 28" vented rib barrel with modified choke and he's unsure whether it's fixed or if it's removable so I could swap it with others. The barrel is marked for 2 3/4" shells.

Anyways, I don't know much about shotguns (other than that I want one ) and that I'm looking for a 12 gauge, preferably an 870, to use for trap/skeet and also for hunting birds (quail, pheasant, dove, duck, basically everything that I can for now except Home Defense).

Basically I'm trying to figure out if this would be a better gun for me than a new 870 express which would have interchangeable chokes, accept 3" shells, and run about $350 or so before tax/fees.

I'm trying to get back to him as soon as possible as he has 2 other people who contacted him and I don't want to make him wait/lose other potential buyers but I just wanted to post up here and see if anyone with more knowledge would be willing to chime in with advice.

Thanks!

UPDATE 11/25

Met up with the seller today to check out the gun and it was beautiful. Perfect wood, perfect bluing, etc. Gun is in jail now but unfortunately I won't be here on Day 10!!! Will post some pics and hopefully a hunting report later but just wanted to say that all the advice was well appreciated!

[BajaJames83]

for what you said you plan on using it for it will do just fine, the interchangeable chokes are pretty nie to have though.

[llamatrnr]

I'd buy the Rem

[maidendeth13]

I'd buy the Rem

Well they're both Remington... Wish I could buy both haha.

Anyone else have an opinion or suggestions? I think my main concern is the fixed choke but from what I remember modified is a pretty good all around choke for small to medium birds? Probably have to get another barrel whenever I move up to Turkeys and other larger birds though I'm guessing.

Thanks!

[hcbr]

for an older gun, i'd probably buy the older 870, they don't make the new ones like they used to. Don't get me wrong, the new ones are great, it's just something with the build quality back then that just makes it feel better.

I'd say if you want it, go for it, if not, well you can always fall back on the 870. if you're looking for cost, go get the express since buying another barrel for the wingmaster will just make it cost the same as the new 870 express.

[portegee]

I like the older express models as well (getting one out of jail on Nov 25). But in your situation I'd go for the new model express for the interchangable chokes, and the ability to use 3" shells. If you ever decide to get into turkey/duck hunting 3" shells sometimes come in handy, as well as being able to use a tighter choke. Sometimes you can get the 870 Express on sale with two barrels then you can use it as a home defense weapon as well.

[AAShooter]

Buy the 870 Wingmaster with the 28" modified barrel or send me his number. You really don't talk about the gun's condition but if it has not been shot and is in like new condition, I would jump on that.

People over think chokes. It is only by luck that you have the ideal choke in for that game shot when you are hunting. A modified choke is a solid all-around choice for the type of hunting you describe.

[maidendeth13]

Thanks everyone. I think for my purposes this will do quite well for awhile, and when I decide to get into hunting turkey and larger birds I'll have a good excuse to buy another one

Waiting to hear back from the seller now.

Cheers

[BigDogatPlay]

I bought a Wingmaster new in 1977 almost exactly as you describe. The choke was fixed and Modified. Rem choke (Big Green's proprietary thread) wasn't introduced until the 1980's. If the barrel on that gun is original (likely) then it'll be a fixed choke and will have "MOD" stamped on the left side of the barrel just up from the receiver.

As mentioned above, if the gun is low / no round count and in good shape as advertised, buy it.

[RayPDA]

I was THIS close to saying 'I'll take it' last night- hope you get it!

[RandyD]

I would add that the older 870 shotgun shoots only 2 3/4" ammo. The express will shoot both 2 3/4" and 3" ammo. You may want to use 3" ammo if you are hunting ducks. Most people would want a full choke for trap and an improved cylinder choke for skeet.
A Wingmaster and an Express are the same gun, except the Wingmaster has a much nicer finish. Both will perform the same. I have both, and prefer the Express because I don't concern myself with the finish when I am hunting.

[maidendeth13]

I was THIS close to saying 'I'll take it' last night- hope you get it!

I'm glad you didn't! Got ahold of the seller and am going to get it from him! Stoked

Thanks again for the help. I'll try to post some pics when I get it and hopefully a hunting report shortly after.

[Thefeeder]

Buy the 870 Wingmaster with the 28" modified barrel or send me his number. You really don't talk about the gun's condition but if it has not been shot and is in like new condition, I would jump on that.

People over think chokes. It is only by luck that you have the ideal choke in for that game shot when you are hunting. A modified choke is a solid all-around choice for the type of hunting you describe.

^^^^^^^^^
This

[1911su16b870]

The old Wingmasters are awesome...absolutely buy one when ever you can.

Their silky smooth actions says it all.

[coyotebait]

Buy the 870 Wingmaster with the 28" modified barrel or send me his number. You really don't talk about the gun's condition but if it has not been shot and is in like new condition, I would jump on that.

People over think chokes. It is only by luck that you have the ideal choke in for that game shot when you are hunting. A modified choke is a solid all-around choice for the type of hunting you describe.

This.
My brother's been hunting ducks with 2 3/4 inch shells for years. You can hunt successfully with 2 3/4 shells and a modified choke for most things. Now, if you move to geese and/or turkey, you may want to step up to something with a 3 or a 3 1/2 inch chamber and interchangeable chokes.