Serial number marked on 870 Wingmaster barrel

[Virginian]

Does the serial number on the barrel match the gun? If so, the receiver isn't from 1972 without a prefix. Since the barrels are so easily changed, it could be anything unless you know you bought it from Remington, in which case the number may very well have been for tracking/testing/evaluation purposes. They did do a lot of that. Remington did not start putting 3" chambers in all barrels, field and target, until much later. I don't remember much hoopla about overbored barrels back that far, but I bet it is a very good shooter if the wads seal good. I couldn't get consistent performance over .742" myself.
Be interested to see if anyone else can provide any more input.

[Virginian]

Well, if nothing else, in my opinion you got one of the best Wingmasters with the chrome follower. I had a '74 I sold in a moment of blinding stupidity, and went thru 5 more until I got the '76 I currently have, which will have to be close enough. If you like the feel of that barrel, I would consider choke tubes with a quality installation. Much cheaper than a replacement Light Contour barrel, and i have not seen any negatives to choke tubes when done right.