Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire How Old is Your Model 870

Easy question for me 54 years ago I got it new Christmas 1966.

For 870 the correct name is Model 1931-style. The "corncob" is reserved for Ithaca Model 37s which are modification of Remington Model 17. The newer Wingmasters with Light Contour choke-tubed barrels are actually pretty good shotguns. From the old stock 20ga ones with mahogany wood from the 1970s were also excellent.

I do have a slug barrel for it with sights. Probably get a cantilever for a scope soon. Parts are cheaper than dirt for the 870.

Bought my first 870 12 ga RemChoke in 1991. It was Remington's first issue of Special Purpose (Synthetic) when nobody wanted one. It had sat on the shelf unsold for two years. The more I looked at it, the more I liked it. It has accounted for much table fare, more Squirrels than I can count.

I also have two late 60's era Wingmasters. They are fine specimens. Both are retrofitted with 26" RemChoke barrels.

I had a 1953 Magnum that had the Vari-weight and 30 inch Full Choke plain barrel. I traded it to a friend who collected 870's for a 1983 Wingmaster Magnum with 28 inch RC/VR barrel and 20 inch iron sighted IC choked slug barrel, which I still have and use.

I don't remember if my 1953 was a Wingmaster or not. It had a gorgeous, factory oil finished stock. The original, factory blue was a duller and lighter shade than it's 1983 cousin; almost looked like rust bluing. I also don't remember if it had a pad. It was all original, un-modified. I think that 1953 was the 2d year production 870 but first year Magnum.

All metal 870's are a great shotgun. The newer ones may be just as good, but I don't like composite material where metal once was. I am a dinosaur, I know it, and am proud of it!

I had one 40 years ago, don’t own one now. I went Browning pump, because hulls come out the bottom at your feet.

The 16 is an early 50's checkered model. The 12 is from 1970.

Bought a brand new wingmaster 12ga from Smitty's big town for 169.00, I think 1978. I've put well over 10,000 shells through it and killed 5000+ dove, quail, duck easy. My hearing loss is directly related to that gun, when I carry it it's like an extension of my body and functions without conscious thought. It's been beat to hell hunting quail in the desert, bumping around in the truck, but keeps on keeping on.

Kent

1973 = 47 years, K K Ks of rounds. Squirrels, rabbits, doves, crows, ducks, 1 coyote, 1 deer, skunks. Various uses & kills I can’t remember.


Not one malfunction. Not one repair. Looks GOOD for all the miles & use.

I will say in my experience that is Typical! I am a Winchester man but never had, saw, or heard of a Rem 870 malfunctioning or needing repairs!

I got mine used in 1963.

That’s good shooting! 50%

Bought the sweetest 870 back in '73....

20 gauge with a 26" skeet choked barre,....vent rib.....no pics.......

Gave it to my G/kids in AZ......man it sure was/is a sweet 20 gauge

Same thought....still have this 1100 Rem..also bought in '73

12 gauge 28" mod w/vent rib.....even have the original sales receipt...$174 OTD.....

The one I like the most was born in 1952.

28", full, 20ga.

Well over 10,000 as stated, though you may be safe from me shooting at you with a handgun, I grew up with a long gun in my hands most every day, in the fields and citrus groves. When I was 8 my dad bought a savage bolt 410 for my brother and I, we went from dove retrievers to hunters that season, he bought us each a box of shells and we alternated every three shots, I killed 7 doves with that first box of 25... I can shoot a shotgun.

Kent

My father bought one in about 1956. Later he went mule deer hunting and met Wayne Leek (I think the name was) of Remington. Leek customized it--new wood, rib, etc., into a good trap gun for free. I inherited it and gave it to my sister.

I also bousght an 1100 in 1972. Later I boutht a slug barrel and killed a deer with it. Sold it in 2019 while "thinniing the herd."

IMHO both of those guns were better than Winchester equivalents.

Not sure about mine. It's an old police gun I bought in the 80's. I'm pretty sure I saw it on an episode of ADAM 12 once.........

I've owned several, but now only have 4 20's and 2 16's, all purchased since 2005.

Just one at our house, 16ga, Modified and VR, my Grandfather bought it in the 50s and left it to me. I haven't had it out in a while, its a slick little gun for sure.

First one was a present for high school graduation from my parents - 1969. 12 ga vent rib magnum wing master. I still have this one and use it only occasionally now as the extractor is well worn. 2nd was a 16 gage very nice gun and mistake to have sold it in the mid 80's. Third is another 12 ga as a gift from a friend that I helped out (who recently passed away). I have this one loaned out to another very good friend that likes to hunt birds but was at one point short on cash and his gun broke. I keep reminding him that he is now working and the gun is on loan --- he smiles and says I know but it shoots so well --- will you sell it to me. Reply is a smile and a no --- His reply is a smile and well can I borrow it then ----- and so another duck season starts.