Tactical 16 Gauge

[Mad AR15]

Pulled my Dad's Remington 870 16 gauge out the closet where it's been for at least 25 years. Don't know how long my Dad had it. Could have been his Dad's don't know. Was in an old cloth type gun bag. It is in great condition. I will consider any advice other than wacking the barrel off and giving it away. Kinda thought about a tactical gun but that might not be possible. Never heard of a tactical 16 gauge with a 28.5" barrel. Did notice Federal has a new to me 16 gauge #1 buckshot, but really want a 12. Are 12 and 16 gauge barrels inter-changeable. will a 12 gauge 18.5" Rem 870 barrel fit. May the Guru Gods speak to me. Thank you

[BKinzey]

My advice is to leave the 16ga alone. They are worth a pretty penny as is. Better to pick up a 12ga and mod that.

Not sure what parts, if any, are interchangeable.

If you want an idea of it's age check this site:

http://oldguns.net/sn_php/remdates.htm

That will tell you when the barrel was made and most haven't had the barrel swapped. You can also call Remington with the serial number.

[gWebber]

I agree, while I’m no expert I’ve heard often the 16 ga is something to keep original due to its value.

A basic HD 870 is fairly cheap compared to swapping out nearly every part on a 50 year 16ga classic.

Admittedly it may take a bit of hunting to find one for sale right now, but they are out there

[Germansheperd]

Do whatever you like with it. Unless its a Browning Sweet Sixteen its virtually worthless. Its unfortunate because a 16ga Wingmaster is just perfect all the way around. Value wise? A 20ga Express sells for more and faster. Make a HD if you want to.

[Scorpion8]

Unless its a Browning Sweet Sixteen its virtually worthless. Its unfortunate because a 16ga Wingmaster is just perfect all the way around.

Those two statements contradict. The value of a 16-ga Wingmaster is much, much more than any HD you could build out of it.

[BKinzey]

Right now on Gunbroker there are 4 16ga Wingmasters, bidding is at $480, $505, and $750. The 4th one has a Buy Now price of $595. That averages out to a couple of hundred more than the average used 20ga 870.

I'd certainly look into what HD parts and accessories I would want and if they are available for the 16ga. It's hard enough to find things for a 20ga.

[Germansheperd]

I could care less what anybody asks on GB. Show me what they SOLD for if they sold. At gun shows and gun stores unless its a Browning Sweet Sixteen they are $200-$375 shotguns all day long.

[Germansheperd]

Unless its a Browning Sweet Sixteen its virtually worthless. Its unfortunate because a 16ga Wingmaster is just perfect all the way around.

Those two statements contradict. The value of a 16-ga Wingmaster is much, much more than any HD you could build out of it.

I don’t understand that statement.

[BKinzey]

If you want to know the price something sold for on Gunbroker then AFAIK you'll need to create a watchlist because once the listing ends it's removed from the current listings and will no longer come up in a search.

What one can do though is look at what has been bid on to get a better idea on what people are willing to pay. Again, on Gunbroker, the two 16ga 870s that have bids on them are sitting at $601 and $750.

That's my limited experience with the 870 16ga. Of course, somebody else's driving conditions and milage may vary.

[JamesH49]

I took my dad's old 16 ga 870 that had a Timney release trigger installed and made a HD gun out of it. Got a trigger assembly ($120) from Brownell's since Timney had no interest in putting it back to a pull trigger. Got the barrel shortened to 18 1/2 inches, added an extended magazine and flashlight holder. Works like a champ. BTW Federal seems to be the best bet on 16ga ammo.