Couple of questions about my 870

bassn81 · 11-03-2007, 05:43 PM

I have a Remington 870 Wingmaster that my Grandma recently gave me after my Grandpa passed away. This gun is most likely from the early 80's since I dont recall my Granpa ever hunting. It is a 12 gauge 2 3/4" Camber w/ a fixed mod. choke. My questions are....First, would it be safe to shoot steel BB shells w/ this barrel for the rare occasion that I go Goose or Duck hunting? Also, is it possible for me to change the barrel to a 3" model that I can switch chokes on? I know that I can remove the barrel, etc. I just didnt know if the receiver had anything to do with shell size. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Pioneer2 · 11-04-2007, 07:30 AM

Don't use steel shot in your .870 mod choked gun.Or you will score[damage the barrel].You can buy another barrel with REM CHOKES and use steel shot.A 3" chambered barrel with fit and work on a 2 3/4" frame BUT SHOOT ONLY 2 3/4 SHELLS IN IT! YOU NEED A MAGNUM 3" FRAME TO SHOOT 3" SHELLS! Confirm this by contacting Remington Arms to be safe. It may be cheaper to just buy a new 870 Express Magnumwith the correct barrel? Good Luck ............Harold

driftrider · 11-04-2007, 08:19 AM

If you have an older 870, it might only be able to eject 2 3/4" shells, even if you put a 3" barrel on it. I would say contact Remington and find out what your options are. They can also tell you exactly when the shotgun was made.

But it sounds to me like you've got yourself a great upland game gun as is.

Mike

The Rifleman · 11-04-2007, 10:38 AM

Like everyone else said

YOU CANNOT SHOOT 3 INCH SHELLS OUT OF A 2 3/4 INCH RECIEVER!

It is not machined or designed for that purpose.

If you want to learn more about date codes of manufacture - you can look at the Remington Society page.

www.remingtonsociety.com

bassn81 · 11-05-2007, 06:27 AM

Thanks for the help guys. I will see about a 3" barrel and just continue to shoot the 2 3/4" shells. I am going to contact Remington as well. Thanks again.

bigbulls · 11-05-2007, 10:03 AM

A new 3" barrel will not fit your old 2.75" receiver. The barrel extensions are not the same and are not interchangeable.

IndyHunter83 · 11-07-2007, 06:55 AM

I thought all 870s were interchangible. I would call the people at Remington. Whatever you do don't shoot anything but 2.75" shells through it. The machine isn't made for that.

bassn81 · 11-07-2007, 07:41 AM

Thanks for the suggestions and replys. I didnt realize until yesterday that there were other Non-toxic shot options other than steel that are ok for my barrel. I am just going to purchase some of those for the goose/duck season. I know they cost more, but I dont do enough of this kind of hunting to justify another gun or a new barrel.