How old is my new (used) 870?

[Joe A]

I just picked up a police trade-in 870. It's beautiful in an ugly sort of way. The exterior is dinged up a little and the stock has a few scrapes but the bore and inside receiver look shiny new with little or now wear. And the action is so smooth. I love this thing!

It's an 870 Wingmaster with an 18.5 barrel with front bead. The serial # is 1245XXXV and it has the letters "ARM" stamped vertically on the left side of the receiver, just behind the barrel.

I always wanted an 870 but couldn't justify the $$ after buying an 1100 Competiton Master last year. Best part about this deal is it works great and only cost $169.

Have any thoughts on hold old it is or what the "ARM" stands for. Two of my friends got the same deal and theirs had the same stamp.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[HSMITH]

Joe, best bet is going to be to call Remington after the holidays and ask them.

I am not aware of any other way to date an 870, anyone else know of a source?

 

[Kestrel]

Joe,

HSMITH is right. I've called Remington and given them serial numbers and they will look it up while you wait.

Steve

 

[Bob F.]

WOW! What a buy!!! Best I've been able to do locally is a 870 Express for $200 used! PG Wingmaster is $350 "on sale", police trade-in! Actually, pre-inventory used 870 Express for $175 is best so far. Think I'll check the model 37 at the pawn shop.

 

[RON in PA]

Just bought a police trade-in 870 Wingmaster with a s/n very close to yours and also marked "ARM". Paid $154. Was told that these had come from South Carolina. Some of the group had sight mounts on the left side of the receiver, probably for sights used in gas grenade launching.

Got mine just outside Philadelphia.

 

[45Badger]

Ron, Did you pick it up a Valley Forge show?

There was a dealer there that is at almost all Pa and MD shows. I think their name is Northeast Firearms (shop in NE Maryland). They always seem to have 6-18 police department turn in shotguns, mostly 870s. Prices run $140-170 out the door. I've bought two so far.

Bob F- Not sure If you ever go to Maryland shows, but they are usuaully at Timonium, Frederick, and Howard county shows.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Congrats and Mazletov! You have a tool that will feed, protect, and provide recreation to your family for decades,even generations.

A couple things...

I can't date your 870 (I'm married) but if you call 800-243-9700 Remington can.

The V suffix means it's a 2 3/4" chamber.

ARM may be inspector's marks, date codes, or the whimsy of the guys on the line, for all I know. If date codes, they date the barrel, not the receiver.

$169? Great deal, enjoy while BA/UU/R and having fun.

 

[C. H. Luke]

Joe,

Hmmmmm? Why does your 870 sound just like mine right down to the serial number!

 

[Jack R]

police trade in 870's

Hi guy's..anyone know of a source of police trade in 870's in the central NJ area? I just happen to have some extra WAM (walking around money) and would like another 870..thanks Jack

 

[Joe A]

Thanks for the info folks. I'll give Remington a call on Monday.

C.H. Luke, I don't recognize your handle but your signature line looks familiar. Is there any chance my 870 seems just like yours because we picked them up at the same place on the same night?

This gun came from a dealer out of Gun List, I believe. He is located in PA. If anyone wants the phone number, let me know. I think I still have it on my desk at work and will be there on Monday.


Thanks for the kind words Dave. Still thinking about printing that book?

 

[Badger Arms]

http://www.remingtonsociety.com/questions/BLACKPOWDERX.htm

 

[Horsesense]

Badger Arms, thanks for the link! I my WM 870 was made in November 1955.

I knew it was old but I didn’t know it was that old.

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're welcome, Joe. And yes. Waiting on warmer weather to take some pics and a little rewriting...

 

[HSMITH]

Thanks Badger! My 1100 is from August of 1971.

 

[C. H. Luke]

"This gun came from a dealer out of Gun List, I believe. He is located in PA. If anyone wants the phone number, let me know."

Joe is refferrring to Phoenix Dist. in Feasterville, PA.
215/953-8602, fax: 953-1492

$155ea. or $169 "Select".




"...we picked them up at the same place on the same night?"

Joe, Yes! Remember there were three good lookin' guys and one Ugly one.

I was the..........

 

[Joe A]

And the answer is:

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I called Remington today and they said my 870 was manufactured in 1969.

The "ARM" references the manufacturing line it was made on.