Advice needed.

[velocette]

I have my dad's Remington M 870 shotgun, its fitted with a polychoke from about the mid 60's It's in good condition, probably less than 200 rounds fired. I'm not a shotgun person & have little need for it. Are these shotguns in any demand or have much value?
Its not a fancy model with engraving, just a standard mid 60's hunting shotgun.
Your advice would be appreciated.

 

[Riomouse911]

They sell very well, and barrels are easily swapped if the buyer doesn’t want the adjustable choke. Without pics or gauge it’s tough to give a fair estimate, but if it’s a 12 gauge in good shape (no rust, stock dings, etc.) you can expect about $475-$625 (market varies by area) if you sell it yourself. (Gun store or pawn shop will give you $275-$325… maybe.)

Stay safe.

 

[Beach Bum]

the best advice I could give is not to sell dad's gun , my bet is you will kick yourself later....

 

[MAKster]

While old Remington Wingmasters are desirable I don't see much demand for poly choke barrels. It's a long gone product that most shooters today have never heard of and would think is odd. But swapping the barrel takes seconds so it's not a big deal.

 

[Barnfixer]

I’d take your dads old 870 before a new one. Then swap the barrel or cut off the polychoke and have choke tubes installed if it wouldn’t end up to short. It should be good for a couple lifetimes.

 

[bearman49709]

I’d take your dads old 870 before a new one. Then swap the barrel or cut off the polychoke and have choke tubes installed if it wouldn’t end up to short. It should be good for a couple lifetimes.

I'd also take his dads old 870 before a new one. However I'd keep the Polychoke barrel, much better than screw chokes.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Do NOT CUT off that polychoke.

Just get another barrel. They are a dime a dozen at gun shows and yard sale for 870's.

 

[tactikel]

I have my Grandfather’s Rem. Mod 17 with a poly choke. I like the poly choke!
If the birds are flushing “wild” I dial down a click or two, over a good dog I dial up.
For sporting clays, each station I can dial my choke, choke tubes are great but who changes tubes in the field?

 

[Cvans]

I'd also take his dads old 870 before a new one. However I'd keep the Polychoke barrel, much better than screw chokes.
I agree. After shooting with and without Poly Chokes there is no doubt I'd keep the adjustable choke. Can't think of a handier accessory to have on a shotgun.

 

[243winxb]

The older 870s with 2 3/4" receivers, can't shoot or work with 3" ammo. If you put on a 3" chamber barrel, it won't eject 3" shells.
Newer 870s have different steel to make the barrels. Class action lawsuit.

polychoke

Perfect for hunters clays.

 

[Barnfixer]

Hunted with a friend that had a poly choke when I was a kid. Never thought that much about them but after the reply’s I’m seeing, I’m getting interested in them. Kinda want to take one to the pattern board.

 

[rust collector]

I have an old Ithaca model 37 pump 20ga with the deluxe Polychoke (compensator on the end). The Polychoke was very effective, but at some point became "old fashioned" and many are put off by the aesthetics. I join the others in noting that the older 870s taught many wingshots, worked well and were much more nicely finished than the Express. There are many older shotguns out there, but not nearly as many on used gun racks as there once were. Value in these parts runs $350 to $600 on the dealer's shelf if in excellent condition. Because dealers make money, you are likely to receive less than that. It might be worthwhile to use the trading post section here to see if there is anyone near you who would like to buy face to face.

 

[jmr40]

Keep dad's shotgun or sell/give it to another relative who will appreciate it. But keep it in the family.