Wingmaster wood question

[RayBob]

My first post here, found the board by accident (maybe).

I have a 16 gauge Wingmaster (fixed choke) that I bought in 1968 (I think) with money I earned mowing yards. I'm 70 now. I graduated up to a 12g Magnum in my early 20's and seldom hunted with my 16g. It is a safe queen now but lately requested to go squirrel hunting again . The stock was chipped on the butt end over the years and I want to replace the furniture with the original high gloss wood type. I've looked at EBAY and they have some pretty good stocks but all in 12g. Aren't these essentially the same frames and a stock in 12g will fit my 16g? What about a Magnum 12g stock?

[barkerxavierr]

The 12-gauge and 16-gauge Remington 870 Wingmasters have very similar frames, so a 12-gauge stock will fit your 16-gauge model without any problems. A 12-gauge Magnum stock will also fit, as the receiver dimensions are generally the same across these variants. However, you should double-check the fit when you receive the stock, as minor manufacturing changes over the years can sometimes cause slight differences.

[JennaGross]

In most cases—especially with standard (non-Magnum) 12g stocks. The receiver size for 12g and 16g 870s is nearly identical, especially for Wingmasters made around your era (1960s-70s).

Stocks for 12g standard Wingmasters typically fit 16g Wingmasters without much or any modification. However, stocks from Magnum 12g models may require some fitting, particularly around the rear tang and fit to the receiver.

[Lian1992]

My first post here, found the board by accident (maybe).

I have a 16 gauge Wingmaster (fixed choke) that I bought in 1968 (I think) with money I earned mowing yards. I'm 70 now. I graduated up to a 12g Magnum in my early 20's and seldom hunted with my 16g. It is a safe queen now but lately requested to go squirrel hunting again . The stock was chipped on the butt end over the years and I want to replace the furniture with the original high gloss wood type. I've looked at EBAY and they have some pretty good stocks but all in 12g. Aren't these essentially the same frames and a stock in 12g will fit my 16g? What about a Magnum 12g stock?

I have also researched the stock replacement for my old 16 gauge, and it is true that most 12 gauge stocks will fit the 16 gauge frame since they share the same receiver size (especially on older models like the Wingmaster). However, you should pay attention to the slight difference in thickness or fit in the tang. If it is a Magnum stock, it may need some adjustment due to the slightly different recoil spring tube length. Hope you get it back in the woods soon!

[JJMarsh]

My first post here, found the board by accident (maybe).

I have a 16 gauge Wingmaster (fixed choke) that I bought in 1968 (I think) with money I earned mowing yards. I'm 70 now. I graduated up to a 12g Magnum in my early 20's and seldom hunted with my 16g. It is a safe queen now but lately requested to go squirrel hunting again . The stock was chipped on the butt end over the years and I want to replace the furniture with the original high gloss wood type. I've looked at EBAY and they have some pretty good stocks but all in 12g. Aren't these essentially the same frames and a stock in 12g will fit my 16g? What about a Magnum 12g stock?

That 16 gauge Wingmaster definitely deserves some woods time again!

You're right that 12g and 16g Wingmasters often share the same receiver size, especially for guns made around the late '60s. In most cases, a 12g stock will fit your 16g just fine, especially if it's from a standard (non-Lightweight) model. That said, small fitting might be needed, especially at the tang or around the trigger plate.

As for Magnum 12g stocks, they’re usually a bit beefier and may not be an exact drop-in—especially if your 16g isn’t a Magnum frame. It’s doable, but double-check inletting and fit before buying if possible. If you find a nice high-gloss 12g stock, chances are good it’ll work with minor fitting.

Glad to see your old Wingmaster heading back to the squirrel woods!