870 Wingmaster 20g Dilemma

[Malo1ke]

New to this forum and first post so bear with me. I just purchased a 870 20g Wingmaster 28", 2-3/4, full choke. Serial # dates it to 1969. Beautiful condition. I plan to use it for waterfowl on days that are pleasant. My challenge is finding non toxic shot--I know not to shoot steel out of this classic. Boss shells are about all i can find in 2-3/4 that's not steel. Also thought about reloading my own bismuth. That's all fine but i want more options.

So...are newer 870 20 guage barrels in 3" chamber compatible with a Wingmaster reciever dated 1969? For example will an Express barrel work with my Wingmaster receiver? Furthermore would a 12 guage barrel fit said receiver? I have 2 12 guage barrels for my modern era 870.

[Scorpion8]

I don't think the 12-ga barrels will work as a direct-replacement, otherwise the gun would be marketed as that option. The bolt is different. SInce you have the barrels on hand, you could easily try a test fit.

As for modern 20-ga barrels with a vintage Wingmaster, I think yours dates to before the receiver-size-change, and that would make it not possible.

[George Foster]

You could put a 12ga barrel into the receiver, but the bolt face and bolt are different along with the forend and magazine tube. You might be able to find a barrel for your shotgun at www.corsonsbarrels.com They switched to the new smaller receiver for the 20ga in I believe it was 1974. Before that the 12, 16 and 20ga all used the same receiver.