870 Light Contour Barrels

[weideworld]

Do 870 Wingmaster models come with "light contour" barrels, or is the light contour barrel a special option? I am looking to buy a used Wingmaster with a 26" I/C barrel. I want to know if it is light contour or not. The seller does not know. Am I safe to assume that I can buy a L/C barrel for any 2 3/4 receiver? Thanks for any insights.

[Virginian]

If it is a Remington Light Contour or a Target Contour barrel, it will say so right on it. All 870 receivers will take the newer barrels, but if it is a 3" chambered model barrel you may have ejection issues with 3" shells on a 2-3/4" receiver. It is not unsafe. 3-1/2" chambered barrels or Special Field Model barrels are different, but I do not think either of those have ever been offered in a Light or Target labelled configuration.

[weideworld]

Thanks, Virginian! That is good information. So, if I am buying an 870 Wingmaster built in the 1970's - 1980's, the only way I will know if it is a light contour model is by identifying it on the barrel? Otherwise, Wingmaster's do not come with a contour barrel, it is an after purchase / extra barrel option... would that be right?

Thanks again. I am looking on-line at a fine 12 GA Wingmaster with a 26" I/C fixed choke barrel. This will complement my other Wingmaster for which I have 4 barrels - less barrel and stock chang-outs. The fixed modified barrel that came with my Wingmaster back in the late '70's is lighter and has a finer vent rib, than a standard 28" rem-choke barrel I got about 3 years ago. But, it does not say light countour on it. That is what made me wonder of all Wingmasters come with a light countour barrel.

I will ask the seller if the barrel shows light contour. If not, I will assume it is a standard barrel.

Thanks again. Big help!
Bill

[Virginian]

I do not think any light contour barrel existed before the mid 1990s at least. The light contour barrels and the older fixed choke barrels are very similar in feel in my opinion. The target contour barrels may be even lighter than the 3" chambered light contour barrels. The first light contour barrels evolved as a response to a lot of people thinking the early RemChoke barrels felt too heavy. In my opinion they solved the problem. The target contour barrels are and even newer development.

[weideworld]

Thanks again, Virginian. My older VR 28" original fixed Mod barrel is lighter than a rem-choke 28" VR barrel I bought 3 years ago. Great explanation.

Bill