870 Wingmaster serial number question?

[Mmkk111]

Good day folks,

New to the forum and to shotguns, so I have been learning a lot lately! Have a friend selling a Wingmaster and we started doing some research on when it was manufactured.

Barrel stamp is E MM and it has the receiver serial number (which matches) stamped on the barrel as well, which tells me it’s definitely an older gun. Also, there is no letter prefix before the serial number. According to the charts I’ve found on here, that puts it at an October 1942 build date (MM being ‘42)? I thought that was pretty awesome and a rare find, so I reached out to Remington to confirm it and they are saying that my serial number puts it as a 1950 model...but then the guy said only the first two letters on the barrel determine the actual manufacture date, but this barrel clearly has an E, than a space, and then MM together...which according to the chart is 1942? So I have three letters...not two?

I’m confused?! Any thoughts from those of you with more experience? I forgot to take a picture of the barrel...next time I’m over at my buddies, I’ll have to do that. I’m buying the gun from him regardless, can’t pass it up...but the only bad thing is whoever owned it before him sawed the barrel down and did a crappy job. Kind of a bummer because this gun is in great shape other than that and a few small blemishes.

Thanks Guys!

-Mark

[JOG]

It could not be made in 1942.The Remington 870 Wingmaster was not made until 1950.
That is a first year manufacture, That's a great year for a 870.
I have a 1957 and I love it! I just picked up my 2nd Wingmaster today.
A 1972 model. Tomorrow I'll put a few shells thru it. Then I'll break it down
for a good cleaning. My 1957 is a 16 gauge and my 1972 is a 12 gauge.
Enjoy your fine shotgun!

[Mmkk111]

Thanks JOG! That checks out with what Remington is saying then...and I’m just confusing myself

Looks like I’ll be adding it to the collection.

[Mmkk111]

Looks like they stamped the WW’s upside down on this one which is what was confusing me? Cause that would make sense as a 1950 gun. Also has a 5 digit serial number, so it’s an oldie. Thanks again guys..

[Germansheperd]

Nice find! Its always cool to find first year guns.

[Scorpion8]

Nice find! Its always cool to find first year guns.

Sure is, and that one looks pretty clean from the small snippet we see.