870 wingmaster with Lymann Cutts Compensator

[Pizzapinochle]

I am trying to find a 12 gauge that I like for shooting trap/skeet.

I found an older (not sure how old, didn't get the serial number) 870 Wingmaster with a cutts compensator installed for about $300.

Things I noticed:

Barrel is not vent ribbed (I actually don't know what the vent ribbing does? Does it help with sighting?)
Has some scratches and such, but everything seems very smooth.
Ribbed forend and no checkering on the stock, if that helps date it.

I don't know much about the compensators, but what i GoogleFu'd indicates that they make nice patterns, reduce recoil, and make the gun extra loud.

Does the compensator add or reduce value?

Any reason not to go for such a gun for that price?

Thanks for the help, not real knowledgeable about such things.

 

[rcmodel]

Does it (vent rib) help with sighting?)

Yes, it does.
Especially when shooting trap & Skeet.

Does the compensator add or reduce value?

Yes!
It reduces value of the gun by about $75 to $100 bucks.

Any reason not to go for such a gun for that price?

Yes!
You will be paying $300 for a $200 - $250 dollar used gun with a Cutt's on it.

Then you will need to spend another $200 or so for a vent-rib 26" or 28" Rem-Choke barrel without an obsolete Cutt's Comp on it to learn trap or skeet.



You can no longer buy choke tubes, or other parts for a Cutt's Comp.
Lyman stopped making them years ago because they were so unpopular.

And more importantly?
Others shooting beside you at trap or skeet will pee in your water bottle when you are not looking for blowing their ears out with one on the shooting line!!

That's my story, and I'm sticking too it!!

rc

 

[PapaG]

Biggest problem with a cutts is the noise. People won't want to be on adjoining stations for trap shooting with you. Double up your ear protection. I have one. I know. Better to put on a good pad and use Remchokes.

 

[btg3]

Such 870's are typically from mid to late 1950s. IMO the cutts compensator is not desirable, but the barrel can be salvaged or replaced. One option is to cut the barrel and thread for chokes or just size it to the choke you desire. For casual skeet/trap you'll likely want different chokes. If you get serious, you'll want a different gun.

 

[Pizzapinochle]

Whoa... Three responses and everyone agrees?? It is a sign!

Well... :-( b/c i really like the stock and such and want a wingmaster, but i guess i'll keep looking.

 

[Virginian]

Also, lots of people will not let you hunt over their dogs with a Cutts. I'm one of them.

 

[Pizzapinochle]

Still thinking about this.

The compensator is out, but it seems like a a 1950s wingmaster should be a solid gun otherwise.

Will modern 870 barrels fit this gun?

I think i can find a used barrel off the ubiquitous 870 Express, switching them out should be easy. If i can talk the price down a bit to compensate for needing a new barrel, might still be worth it.

 

[Virginian]

Within gauge and series - LW, standard, Special Fields, the new extended one piece magazine - all 870 barrels will interchange.

 

[btg3]

...it seems like a a 1950s wingmaster should be a solid gun otherwise.

I think i can find a used barrel off the ubiquitous 870 Express...

These are among my favorites and I have 2 with the corn-cob forend, stock w/o checkering, plain barrel.

Be aware that there are 2 lengths of corn-cob forends. The longer forend is preferred by my shorter arms and helps prevent a pinch point between forend and receiver when cycling the action.

If aesthetics are of any concern, a matte finish Express barrel on a blued Wingmaster may be a harsh contrast. Used barrels are available and Mossberg makes some barrels for the 870 -- just be aware of pricing so you know the numbers when talking down the price on the cutts.

 

[rcmodel]

Be aware that if the barrel was not excessively shortened when the Cutt's was installed?

You can send the barrel in to have the barrel cut off behind the Cutt's and choke tubes installed for $125.

http://www.choketube.com/choke-tube-installation.php

rc