I just bought my first shotgun to hopefully get into hunting. It's a used 870 Wingmaster, that I bought for $125. It seemed to be in great shape, it racked and the trigger felt good on the snap cap. It also looked high quality. When I got home, I did some research and called Remington to find out the age. They said 1960.

 

If you were me, would you have it checked out before firing it? The barrel looks ok on the inside, and everything feels smooth.

 

And any ideas if it's worth what I paid for it? Some guys I talked to think I should have just bought a new one for a bit more.

A new Wingmaster could easily cost you $600. The wingmaster is the top of the line 870. They are pretty solid, as long as you don't see any visible damage and all the mechanical parts are in good condition I don't think you need to have it checked out.

You got a bargain, be glad! New barrels are easy to buy, there are PLENTY of used barrels available too.

 

Not too much to go wrong inside an 870 either. I had to replace one part on the wifes 870 after we put a thousand rounds through it, and the guy I bought it from shot the qwap outta it. Cost me $65 from Brownells and a few minutes to make that baby brand-new again.

If you don't like it, I'll surely buy it from you for $150, and I'll pick it up from your house. That's an instant $25 profit, and you don't have to do anything but sign your name and accept my money.

If it's even in halfway decent shape, you got a great deal. New ones are easily 3 or 4 times what you paid, if not more.

 

As for checking it out, just take the barrel off and give everything a quick glance. Unless there's something visibly noticeable, put a couple in the tube, rack it, and have at it!

 

And if you don't like it, i'd be happy to give you $150 to take it off your hands. Lol.

I just bought my first shotgun to hopefully get into hunting. It's a used 870 Wingmaster, that I bought for $125. It seemed to be in great shape, it racked and the trigger felt good on the snap cap. It also looked high quality. When I got home, I did some research and called Remington to find out the age. They said 1960.

 

If you were me, would you have it checked out before firing it? The barrel looks ok on the inside, and everything feels smooth.

 

And any ideas if it's worth what I paid for it? Some guys I talked to think I should have just bought a new one for a bit more.

 

As others have said, you got a great deal on a very good shotgun. Early ones have a lot more care and attention to small details.

I just bought my first shotgun to hopefully get into hunting. It's a used 870 Wingmaster, that I bought for $125. It seemed to be in great shape, it racked and the trigger felt good on the snap cap. It also looked high quality. When I got home, I did some research and called Remington to find out the age. They said 1960.

 

If you were me, would you have it checked out before firing it? The barrel looks ok on the inside, and everything feels smooth.

 

And any ideas if it's worth what I paid for it? Some guys I talked to think I should have just bought a new one for a bit more.

 

If yours is in the condition you describe, I would take it over a new Remington 870 Wingmaster any day.

And if I were looking for one that age in top condition, I would have paid three times as much for it and not felt like I was getting taken.

pics

Early ones have a lot more care and attention to small details.

This. My father owns an earlier 870, probably pushing 30-40 years. That shotgun is just dreamy.

_{Nice pickup!}

 

_{I inherited a Wingmaster from my grandpa when he passed. I didnt know they were that much better than the other 870s}

Wingmaster = top of the line for Remington Shotguns. It is true for Model 1100 autoloader too I believe (although I don't think they use that designation any more for the 1100).

Thanks for all of the feedback. I am very happy with the shotgun. I'll post pictures soon, probably over the weekend when I give it a cleaning.

I agree, it is a modern shotgun and I would have no fear of shooting it, if it seems in good order.

Here are some pictures of the 870:

 

 

 

 

Nice

I have a few 870 barrels, side saddle shell carrier, Plastic stocks, if you need accessories.

 

One barrel is an 18" or 20" defense barrel.

 

The actions on Wingmasters are slick as snott. Nice!

I could be interested in one of those barrels. Price? Condition? Sights? Rifling or smooth bore?

Put a good recoil pad on that gun, night and day difference. I changed it on my wifes 870 and she feels it is so much easier on her shoulder now.

I just bought my first shotgun to hopefully get into hunting. It's a used 870 Wingmaster, that I bought for $125. It seemed to be in great shape, it racked and the trigger felt good on the snap cap. It also looked high quality. When I got home, I did some research and called Remington to find out the age. They said 1960.

 

If you were me, would you have it checked out before firing it? The barrel looks ok on the inside, and everything feels smooth.

 

And any ideas if it's worth what I paid for it? Some guys I talked to think I should have just bought a new one for a bit more.

Trust us, youve got nothing to worry about. A 60 year old American made shotgun has got about another 200 years worth of life in it. Enjoy, and happy hunting.

I cant emphasize the importance of hunting enough as a public service to mother nature. Those pics look like honest wear, so you should be good.

Frank, if that 870 wingmaster barrel needs a new home. Send me a text.