Buying wingmaster 870

[Ltmick123]

Hi I will be buying a early 12gauge wingmaster 870. Buying from a trusted source. Shotgun is in good condition serial number is 12709v. Has early choke on it. Thoughts on leaving it original or reconditioning it. Only shotguns I have had the pleasure to fire were police riot shot guns

[Synchronizor]

What exactly do you mean by "reconditioning"?

An 870 with that serial number would be an early non-magnum model from the 1950s or 1960s, but if it's in good condition as you say, you probably just need to go through and make sure the springs and other wear parts are all in decent shape, and it'll be a perfectly good sporting piece. If you want, the gun can be updated with modern features like screw-in choke tubes, a high-visibility shell follower, a modern recoil pad, or the ability to handle 3" magnum shells. That kind of depends on your situation, though.

Now, if this is going to be a home defense or personal protection gun, I would definitely recommend some updates to an 870 of that age. Newer flex-tab action parts for sure, as well as a modern recoil pad to start with.

[Ltmick123]

Thanks for your helpful reply. May just leave it as it is. Buying from a gun dealer who is also retired cop and range instructor. We go to him for our twice yearly qualifiers. It will be most likely used for home protection and possibly a little trap shooting. When I get it I will post some pictures.

[Synchronizor]

No need to modify it to shoot 3" shells for HD & clays, but I would recommend putting in some flex-tab action parts for defensive use.