1969 Wingmaster Questions

[Bobcat]

Just acquired my first 870 today and have a few questions.
According to the serial number, Remington confirms this Wingmaster Magnum was made in 1969 as was its full choke barrel.
It has the OEM stamped steel press-in type mag spring retainer and steel follower. I'll probably try an S&J green type 3 follower.

Questions:
The mag tube nut has a hole in the center. Was the hole added at the factory or by someone else? If the former, what's the hole for? If the latter, why?
The plastic grip cap with the duck on it has an oversized button head screw in it and looks horrible. The single nub under the grip cap to keep it from spinning has been broken off into the walnut grip. I'm guessing the oversized screw was added to keep the grip from rotating. I'd like to fill this hole, acquire a new grip cap/screw and correct this mess. Tips from anyone who's already done this would be welcome and appreciated.
There is a slight blemish/scuff on the side of the walnut stock. What's suggested to rub this out?

Thanks in advance from this new old dog.

[jstanfield103]

Congratulations on the 870. Can't help with the question but would love to see a picture of it. Please post a picture when or if possible.

[Banshee]

The hole in the magazine cap is for a sling swivel. Some of the caps came with a swivel installed, some didn't, and some were not drilled.

[Bobcat]

Yeah, looks like I'm going to have to find an image host. Which one can I trust?

[Bobcat]

S&J Hdwr has been out of their type 2 followers for a while.
Difficult to find them for sale online.
Where's the go-to for these?

Still trying to figure out the image hosting deal.

[John A.]

There is a slight blemish/scuff on the side of the walnut stock. What's suggested to rub this out?

Depends a lot on the blemish.

If it's well below the surface, not much will fix it other than refinishing it. If it's a minor scratch, you can try hand buffing it with some wax and a rag.

If it's a small ding/dent, you can put the stock in your dishwasher and run it through a cycle (seriously, hot water will often pop out minor surface dings).

[Synchronizor]

S&J Hdwr has been out of their type 2 followers for a while.
Difficult to find them for sale online.
Where's the go-to for these?

Still trying to figure out the image hosting deal.

If you're in the US, S&J has a state-side distributor that may have what you want in stock:

https://sjhardware.us/home/

Their stuff also shows up on Ebay sometimes.

[Bobcat]

S&J Hdwr has been out of their type 2 followers for a while.
Difficult to find them for sale online.
Where's the go-to for these?

Still trying to figure out the image hosting deal.

If you're in the US, S&J has a state-side distributor that may have what you want in stock:

https://sjhardware.us/home/

Their stuff also shows up on Ebay sometimes.

SUPER helpful link. Ordered. Saved me $6 and a bunch of time over ordering from them in Canada.

Ebay did not have the type 2.

Thank you!

[Bobcat]

There is a slight blemish/scuff on the side of the walnut stock. What's suggested to rub this out?

Depends a lot on the blemish.

If it's well below the surface, not much will fix it other than refinishing it. If it's a minor scratch, you can try hand buffing it with some wax and a rag.

If it's a small ding/dent, you can put the stock in your dishwasher and run it through a cycle (seriously, hot water will often pop out minor surface dings).

Turned out to be just a scratch in the finish so easily buffed out. Thank you!

[John A.]

You're very welcome. I'm glad that it helped.