16 Gauge 870

[frontlander]

Howdy. A gunsmith friend of mine recently offered me a 16 gauge Wingmaster 870 for $150. It has a 28" full ribbed barrel choked full. It has seen used but not abuse and seems to be nice and tight. Now I've already got a 12 gauge 870 and a 20 gauge youth model, would a 16 be a good addition or would it be redundant? Is the 16 gauge receiver different than a 12 gauge model? Could a 12 gauge barrel be installed on this receiver? Thanks all.

 

[Dave McCracken]

It could be converted, but it's not worth it, IMO.

I like the gauge, started out with one and have seen good work done on many occasions with it. But, it's not going to do much you can't cover with a 12 or 20. And, since it's the same frame, the old advantage of a lighter field gun doesn't apply.

Get it if the thing speaks to you, $150 is a darn good price for any 870 past beater condition...

 

[Mike Irwin]

And if it doesn't speak to you, give me the gunsmiths' name and I'll give him $150 for it no problem.

I've been looking for a 16 gauge 870 for some time, but never seem to find one when I have the money.