Received a 16 guage

[cjjohn]

My Father in law gave me his fathers 870 today. The gun is pretty rusty (surface), but will clean up fine I believe. I'm trying to date it, and it's not real clear. The gun is an 870 "Wingmaster", code on barrel is CGT........
and it is a 16 gauge, but NOT vent rib. There is a serial number 687XXX.

I fell honored that he gave it to me and I want to make it whole again after years of sitting. The stock and fore end both need re-finished and the bluing is basically gone from the receiver. I don;t see any mods to this one other than internally to improve function. IF it even needs it.
Any help anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you...........

[Synchronizor]

That's a cool gift.

A serial number with no letter prefix indicates that this is an early 870, 1968 or older. Though there are three letters stamped on the barrel, "CG" should be the actual date stamp, as the month letter always comes first, and "C" is the only letter of the three that is a valid month letter (C = April). A "G" date stamp can mean a number of years, but the only "G" year consistent with that 1968 or earlier serial number would be 1960.

I agree with your plan. Re-finish the wood & metal, but keep it in original spec. Go through (or have a gunsmith go through) the internals to make sure it's all in proper working condition. You may want to replace a spring or other small wear part here or there, but you shouldn't need to change or modify anything to make it run. Then, just track down some 16ga shells and enjoy!

[cjjohn]

Thanks for helping out! As for the gun we are on the same page. I am going to go through it and will only change springs. And to be honest, I'm not even sure if I am going to re-finish it. Wife was admiring the scars last night and we talked about each one being a memory so I may keep it as is and enjoy the wear.

[cjjohn]

Quick update on this old Wingmaster. I decided to simply clean it up and ensure it functions well. I took it out opening day of dove season and my Father in law got a kick out of seeing me use it. I decided I love the gun, and the gauge. It swings well, and I wasted MUCH less ammo than with a semi auto. We have gone out for quail a couple of times as well. Last time out 9 shells shot, 7 birds in the bag, but I lost one in a canal. I am loving this old gun!

[John A.]

I like what I just read. You and your wifes comments just won the internet today.

My kind of people.

As for dating it, I think that Mossberg stopped making any 500B's (B=16 gauge) in the late 60's or early 70's, just for reference. Not sure about Remington, but maybe that will get you in the right ballpark. About the only places you'll find the 16 still being made is mostly in Europe. They're called the gentlemans gun for a reason.

My first gun was a 16 gauge single shot stevens that my Dad gave to me when I was 13. Needless to say, I have taken more game with it than I have everything else in my gun safe combined. I couldn't tell you how many hours that I have walked through the woods with that gun in hand.

Last year, I happened across an old Western Field (Montgomery Ward old house brand) 16 gauge pump from a gunbroker auction for $100. It was made by Noble shotgun company pre-68 due to the lack of serial number. I don't think it had EVER been cleaned and took a lot of work to get it serviceable again. The plastic fouling in the barrel (especially the adjustable choke) was so thick that I had to use a copper brush on a cleaning rod chucked up in my cordless drill to clean it all out. And don't even get me started at all the fouling in the trigger group. It was so thick the parts were nearly seized in place. Shoots good now though. Maybe not as good of a pattern as my old Stevens with #6 shot, but good enough to put meat on the table.

I personally like the 16 gauge shell. The 1 oz and 1-1/8 oz loads worked great in my woods. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, turkeys, or whatever I was hunting for.

Sorry if my reply sounded like a hijack. I just never get tired mentioning mine when I get a chance to take about my 16's. I'm a big fan of 16 gauge.

[cjjohn]

Thanks John. There is definitely something about an old gun like this and it's a treasure..... at least to me. And not a hi jack at all.......
My Dad gave me a JC Higgens 20 guage bolt action when I turned 13. I still have it (many) years later. Like your first shotgun it's put food on the table, and got called into defensive use once when I was young. It is my next "project" to get running correctly after years of collecting dust.

I also really like the 16 gauge. I've dated this Wingmaster to 1960 from everything I can find............

[John A.]

I have some pieces of a bolt action 12 ga. JC Higgins.

Sears had recalled them years ago.

An old friend of mine had given it to me many years ago. I think it's missing the extractor and spring and pin.

I'm not sure if any of the parts are interchangeable to the 20, but if there is something on it that may be you could use, hit me up. I much prefer to give them to someone that could use it than it sitting there unused in my basement.

[cjjohn]

That's very nice John! I appreciate that. I do remember the 12s getting recalled for the bolt supposedly coming out when fired.
I am having problems with the shell lifter / carrier on this one. It broke years ago and my Father had it repaired, but the angle is off just enough that it causes problems. I don't think the lifter is compatible between the 12 and 20 and there are none to be found, unless I buy another gun. I'm not sure I am ready to head down that path just yet.

[John A.]

That's OK, I wanted to offer. Again, I'm not sure what parts would or would not work, but the offer still holds if it'll help.

Many years ago, I bought my oldest son a Stevens model 79 when he was born in hopes that I could give it to him when he turned 18.

A few years later, I was cleaning and oiling the gun with an old washcloth and a single string got hooked underneath of one of the screw heads on the side of the gun. That screw head was the only thing that held the slide lock in place and prevented the action from being cycled until the lever was pressed.

The head of the screw popped off like the little piece of string was a laser cutter.

And the loose parts eventually were misplaced shortly after too. A lot went on, a couple of moves, etc.

It took literally 10 years to find the replacement parts I needed to fix the gun.

When a friend of mine did point me to a company that had the replacement parts, they were about $29.

I couldn't send them the money fast enough and I finally was able to get that gun going again.

So, I can admit to understanding the aggravation and obstacles of repairing a long out of production gun. And why I offered.

[cjjohn]

Very kind Sir! And appreciated! That screw popping off had to raise some eyebrows!!! I am going to do a little research and see if the some of those parts are compatible, if they are I will let you know for sure.