1952 870 Wingmaster 16 gauge - will new slug barrel fit?

[270_guy]

My father-in-law gave me his 870 Wingmaster 16 gauge he bought new sometime in the early 1950's. The barrel and receiver have matching serial numbers 169141W. The barrel (26" Imp Cyl) has a date code of AYY (keyhole mark). According to my research that date would make it an early 1952 gun. It is in NRA 95%+ condition. According to Pop he shot less than a box of shells through it.

I"m on kinda of a mission. Pop's 13 year old grandson and my nephew has expressed an interest in hunting. I'm the only relative that lives near my nephew that hunts so I'm gearing up for taking him first deer hunting then next spring turkey hunting. It would mean a lot to Pop and my nephew, when he is older, if my nephew killed his first deer and turkey with with Pop's shotgun. So I have a couple questions.

Remington is currently offering a 16 gauge 20" smooth bore slug barrel with rifle sights and Rem Choke.

24495 Wingmaster® Deer - with Rifle Sights 16 20" RS (Imp Cyl) $213.00

This barrel is available from MidwayUSA. The user review stated the barrel didn't fit an older 870 he had. According to Remington's FAQ the new barrel may fit.

Question: Are the parts for the new 16 gauge 870’s interchangeable with the old 16 gauge 870’s?

Answer: Yes. Most parts will be interchangeable. These new barrels will need to have a magazine cap detent ball and spring installed by your local Remington Authorized Repair Center or qualified gunsmith. If this is not installed, your old magazine cap will not stay tight.


Has anyone used the currently available barrel on a 1950's 870?


Also my nephew will need a LOP of 13". I plan to buy a second hand stock to cut down to fit him now. That way I can restore the shotgun to original later after he grows into the standard size. From my reading I understand the early 16 gauge 870's were made on a smaller receiver than the recent 870 16 guage Remington offered. As I recall the current 16 gauge ones based on the 12 gauge receiver.

Is the older 16 gauge receive the same size as a 20 guage? Or is it an in between size? If it's a 20 gauge size then I can get a stock for a 20. If it's in between then I could get a non checkered 12 gauge stock and with a little woodworking/finishing trim it down to fit.

Any advice and help would be appreciated.

[DavidFagan]

Gee I hope this isn't taken the wrong way but after I read this are you sure you just not better picking up a used gun that fits the ticket vs spending this much money on a barrel, stock, gunsmith?, and otherwise messing what sounds like a excellent vintage 870? I think for what you talking in dollars one certainly can be purchased...
I realize it has sentimental value but it'll still be there exactly as it was when he grows into it....

[270_guy]

David,

I know exactly what you mean and have thought of that myself. I don't plan on altering the gun in anyway that can't put it back into its exact condition, i.e. no camo, original barrel, stock, receiver, or finish alterations. I'm willing to spend the money to give my nephew a memory he'll cherish in his later years when he picks up that gun. I plan on giving him the gun when he's grown. My father-in-law give it to me with the stipulation that I use it. I can't think of a better way to respect my father-in-law's wishes than to see if I can help his grandson use it. Pop will be tickled to no end.

Yes I've looked at buying a 870 20 gauge youth combo or a used gun or altering my Win 1300 20 ga and those still are options if the new 16 gauge barrel won't fit. But somehow I don't think it would have the same meaning doing it what way if I could have seen to it he used his Papa's shotgun. I'll still have the unaltered original stock and barrel. Only thing I plan to do is replace the new deer barrel's rifle sights with Glo type sights and get a turkey choke for turkey season.

[DavidFagan]

I totally understand, just really distill into him the benefits of really caring for it's condition he'll appreciate that later when it's back to the way old granddad had it....

[270_guy]

That's exactly what I intend to do. He won't get it until he's grown and can appreciate what he has. He's a responsible kid though so that shouldn't be a problem.

I appreciate your advice and concern. It's not every day a cherry 1950's gun falls into your hands.

[DavidFagan]

If you haven't seen it, this is a featured article from the 1st qtr 2005 journal.
http://www.remingtonsociety.com/rsa/journals/870

[270_guy]

Thanks. I'll take a look.

[270_guy]

Yep. That's one of the first articles I looked at. The 870 Pop gave me is the Wingmaster 870 ADL "De Luxe" per the 1955 ad. Definitely a keeper. Pop can't remember the exact year he bought it but does remember paying $87 for it including a soft case and box of shells.

[tommyt]

all 16's are on 12ga. frame. only differnce is rem-choke barrels are heavier

[270_guy]

tommyt,

I believe you are correct. Been awhile since I read up on the 16 gauge 870 and got some information confused with other 16 gauge shotguns.