20 gauge 870

[coyotes72]

I have a 20 gauge 870 with barrels that say 2 3/4 inch or 3 inch shells in magnum recievers only, how do i tell if i have a magnum or standard actions?

I want to know because i found some 3" loads that would be good for coyotes

 

[AI&P Tactical]

If your 20ga has a serial number that starts with the letters RS then it is a 3" receiver and as long as the barrel is chambered for up to 3" you can shoot 3" shells.

If it is an older heavy frame 20ga then the serial number would not start with RS but it would end in either an N or an X. If it ends in an X then you it is a 3" receiver and as long as the barrel is chambered for up to 3" shells then you can shoot 3" shells.

 

[Virginian]

The RS prefix is a rather new addition, but the rest of the serial number prefixes and suffixes have been around since 1968.

M/870 LETTER PREFIX
1950 TO APPROX 1968:NO SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX
1968 TO PRESENT: LETTERS USED (IN SEQUENCE)
S-68, T-74, V-78, W-84, X-90, A-91, B-94, C-97, D-01, AB-05
LETTER SUFFIX (DESIGNATES GAUGE)
V 12 GA. (2 3/4”)
M 12 GA. MAGNUM (3”)
A 12 GA. “SUPER” MAGNUM (3 ½”)
W 16 GA. ( 2 ¾” )
X 20 GA. “HEAVY FRAME” (DISCONTINUED)
N 20 GA. “HEAVY FRAME MAGNUM” (DISCONTINUED)
K 20 GA. “LIGHT WEIGHT” (“LW”) (ALSO INCLUDES M/1100 “LT”)
U 20 GA. LW MAGNUM (ALSO INCLUDES M/1100 “LT”)
J 28 GA.
H .410 BORE (2 ½” OR 3”)

Model 1100 LETTER PREFIX
1964 TO APPROX. 1968: NO SERIAL NUMBER PREFIX
1968 TO PRESENT: LETTERS USED (IN SEQUENCE)
L-68, M-74, N-78, P-85, R-90
LETTER SUFFIX
SAME STRUCTURE AS THE M/870

Model 1187 LETTER PREFIX
1987 TO PRESENT: “PC” 12 GA., 1999 “TL“ 20 GA.,
2000 “SM” SUPER MAG.
LETTER SUFFIX
NO LETTER SUFFIX ON THIS MODEL

 

[AI&P Tactical]

All that is history. There is now only the Pre-fix of RS and the serial number ends with a letter but that only signifies order manufactured.

Freedom group changed the serial numbering since have so many brands now. I can not tell you what the RS stands for as that is a trade secret but here is a hint - R emington S hotgun.

 

[coyotes72]

Thanks guys, it is a magnum with a U suffix

 

[witchhunter]

I hope they are #4 Buck and you are using a turkey choke!

 

[coyotes72]

What is the best choke for #4 buck