Rem 870 Advice

[Josmund]

Hi Guys,

The Rem 870 is my shotgun of choice. I still have and use the one I bought at Kmart with my paper route money as a 15 year old.

Now, 36 years later, I'm ready for an up grade. ( I think I got my moneys worth )

I would really like to get another one but with a choke system. I've " heard " the new Express Model isn't up to par with the older Wingmasters.

Can I troll the used market and find one with interchangeable chokes that has the classic finish and solid action? Any other advice?

Thanks in advance.

[homers brother]

I suggest you"troll" through Gunbroker. I see a number of Wingmasters there, to include a few new ones with choke tubes.

[Bernie P.]

The express models old and new were never on par with Wingmasters.I've heard some quality issue stories on Rems but honestly don't know if they're true or just net crap.Anyway if I were looking for a better pump I'd go with the Browning BPS.

[homers brother]

Originally Posted by Bernie P.

The express models old and new were never on par with Wingmasters.I've heard some quality issue stories on Rems but honestly don't know if they're true or just net crap.Anyway if I were looking for a better pump I'd go with the Browning BPS.

I have a Wingmaster, an Express, and a BPS. Of the three, the smoothest is the Wingmaster. The BPS is solid, but it just feels a little "clunky" to me outside of the goose pit. Both the Wingmaster and the BPS have always been rock-solid reliable.

The Express isn't the shotgun the Wingmaster is, nor did I purchase it with the intent that it be. Though it's noticeably rougher than either of the other two, it's not been prone to any of the net stuff I've heard about them. To the contrary, and while it's generally been a good shotgun, the Benelli Nova I also have has been more prone to failures to fire (much on the 'net about "too-strong" firing pin springs, thanks to the attorneys) than the Wingmaster, the Express, or the BPS.

I wouldn't hesitate buying another Wingmaster, and if it weren't available, would buy another BPS without flinching.

[Josmund]

While there are many fine shotguns available, I know and love the Wingmaster. My true question is:

Can I find interchangeable chokes in the older Wingmasters? I know back in the day they came fixed but I don't know when they changed over. I want to be able to put a Turkey Choke in it or switch to IC or Mod for bird hunting in the thickets.

[emtrescue6]

If it were me, I'd just buy a new barrel threaded for choke tubes for your 870...the older Wingmasters are hard to beat!!

[Josmund]

Hmmm? Not a bad idea at all.

Thanks for tip!

[Ghost of the hardwoods]

Originally Posted by emtrescue6

If it were me, I'd just buy a new barrel threaded for choke tubes for your 870...the older Wingmasters are hard to beat!!

I would have to agree 100% here, and I like this idea a lot.

Not really knowing how old of a Wingmaster you are looking to find with interchangeable choke tubes, the above option is likely the best if you enjoy the craftsmanship of the older Wingmaster. I'm not quite sure when Wingmaster came out with interchangeable chokes for their barrels, but I do know they have them. I own 5 Remington 870's. 2 of which are express magnums and they both have interchangeable chokes. I also own 3 older Wingmasters, none of them have interchangeable chokes. But they are all manufactured before 1962. My oldest Wingmaster is a second year (1951) production. All 3 of my Wingmasters have the tootsie roll forearm, they don't have the fancy checkering of Fleur De Li pattern or any ribbons. If thats what you mean by "old" Wingmaster, then I doubt you will find any Wingmaster from that era with factory interchangeable chokes.

[homers brother]

Originally Posted by Ghost of the hardwoods

...then I doubt you will find any Wingmaster from that era with factory interchangeable chokes.

I think the Rem-Choke debuted sometime in the mid-1980s? Mine is a 1979, it has the fleur-de-lis engraving and a fixed-choke (M) 28" barrel.

[Josmund]

Mine is a 1977 model, post totsie roll days and she's seen some hard duty. I know it's been to the bottom of the slough ( along with her owner ) a few times.

I have to admit that I haven't always respected my property as much as I do today.

I see some barrels listed as " Super Full ". Do ya'll think this would be a good turkey barrel or do I need a specific turkey choke?