newb from ohio

[byrd]

First time looking at the forum and decided to join up. I got my first Wingmaster for Christmas when I was 14 and still have it. I currently own three, my original 12 gauge Wingmaster, a 20 gauge x frame Wingmaster and a 12 gauge WingmasterTB that I just picked up. I found the forum while trying to find out info on the TB, the serial number is S512709V. I used a link to email Remington and will wait for their response.

Thanks,
Byrd

[Synchronizor]

Welcome to the forum.

Was there something specific about your new 870 that you're looking to figure out? Just based on the serial number, I can tell you that your gun was manufactured somewhere between 1968 and 1974, and that it was a non-magnum model (with a chamber and ejector sized only for 2.75" and shorter shells). There's a possibility it may have been upgraded to be able to fire 3" shells by changing/modifying the barrel and installing a magnum ejector & ejector spring, but don't try to shoot 3" magnums if you can't confirm that your barrel has a 3" or longer chamber.

[byrd]

I was trying to find out what year it was made. I found out through emails to Remington the barrel is 78 and the gun is a 72. Do you think its possible to find a 72 barrel? Also, are the markings on a trap barrel different than a regular barrel? The gun is not perfect but in really good shape with a few scratches and I plan on just shooting clay birds with it. I say I but in reality my wife is trying to claim it as hers and therefore it will probably not be leaving the house anytime soon. She thinks the wood is to pretty to take it out and I told her they are made to shoot. She agreed they are made to be shot but that is what her 1100 is for.

Thanks

Jeff,

[Synchronizor]

I found out through emails to Remington the barrel is 78 and the gun is a 72. Do you think its possible to find a 72 barrel? Also, are the markings on a trap barrel different than a regular barrel?

Old 870 barrels pop up fairly frequently on the used market. I'm sure that, with enough looking & waiting, you could find one from 1972. Don't see much point to it though; even if you find a 1972 Wingmaster TB barrel, it's still not going to be the gun's original barrel, so I can't imagine the gun would be worth any more than it is now with the 1978 barrel.

As for markings, are you talking about the date stamps? Not all 870 barrels have date stamps, but those that do should use the same system.

[byrd]

I'm not worried about increasing value, I would just like the years match. I was wondering if the TB barrel had any markings designating it as a trap barrel or are they labeled like regular barrels.

[Synchronizor]

I couldn't say for sure. Remington's made a lot of different Trap models over the decades. I wouldn't be surprised if at least some of them had specially-marked barrels.