How old is my wingmaster?

[Appalachiannative]

I bought it 10 years ago used. It was my first shotgun and I've used it a good bit but most of the wear was there when I got it. Anyway to determine about when it was made?

 

[Bazoo]

Serial number lookup if you call Remington. I don't know about now, but I'd guess they still can do that.

Nice looking old gun too.

http://www.remingtonowners.com/topic997.html

Looks like 74-78 range for a T prefix.

 

[Appalachiannative]

Just did some looking and found a site that gave me 2015, 1988, or 1976 but this was based on the letters on the barrel not the receiver. I thought to myself the barrel can be replaced but based on what you've told me about receiver numbers leads me to think 1976 is probably correct. I've shot about 8 to 10 squirrels with it plus a few clays and it makes a heck of a slug gun. I just like thinking it was made back when people cared about what they were making

 

[Bazoo]

The chrome bolt, the stock color and checkering, 2 3/4" chamber =late 70s.

 

[Bazoo]

All the 870s I've seen from that era were buttery smooth.

My buddy had one that one of the shell stops came out of, and I restaked it for him. Other than that the ones I've been around have run without a hiccup.

 

[jmr40]

Assuming factory barrel, 1976. And it is most likely factory

 

[Appalachiannative]

All the 870s I've seen from that era were buttery smooth.

My buddy had one that one of the shell stops came out of, and I restaked it for him. Other than that the ones I've been around have run without a hiccup.

I've shot many different types of shells threw it flawlessly. That's why I have kept it. Don't use it much anymore just because squirrel hunting with dogs is bout the only sportsman type activity I engage in last few years and the fixed improved cylinder of that gun just doesn't get one shot kills in the high tree tops most if the time. I'm talking 40 to 50 yard shots in the most extreme cases. Reason why I've switched to my modified and full choke guns. However if I was to go skeet shooting or deer hunting in thick brush the ol wingmaster is still my best girl

 

[Appalachiannative]

Assuming factory barrel, 1976. And it is most likely factory

I agree. The metal wear on barrel and receiver seem too even to have not been made together

 

[Appalachiannative]

Oh and what about that but plate? Did they come from the factory with pachmyre buts on them back then? I love figuring out the history of old irons. Newest thing I own is from the 1980's far as I can tell

 

[Bazoo]

If I'm not mistaken, it would have had a perforated red rubber recoil pad. I'm not sure though.

 

[Cemetery21]

Mine is a little older- traded for it used in '72. Found a Remington *Target* marked barrel for it many years later with three choke tubes.

 

[herrwalther]

There should be a 2 letter code on the barrel. Plug that into here and it should spit out a date code you can go by.

https://www.rem870.com/gun-manufacture-date/remington-serial-number-lookup/

 

[Appalachiannative]

There should be a 2 letter code on the barrel. Plug that into here and it should spit out a date code you can go by.

https://www.rem870.com/gun-manufacture-date/remington-serial-number-lookup/

. i already did that. It how I came up with 1976 and I assume that number is correct but to be fair the barrels are easily swapped out. However since both barrel and receiver seem to have even wear I'm guessing that number is correct. Just posted on here to give more experienced eyes a chance to take a look in case I missed something

 

[Barnfixer]

A vented rib fixed improved cylinder 870. That’s a keeper! Nice combo!