Rem 870 20ga questions

G

guitar1580

New member
I'm looking into a used 20 ga 870 Wingmaster, due to shoulder problems, and in case I want to let the girlfriend shoot it.
I know 20s arent as popular as 12 ga, but will availability of accessories such as mag extensions, short barrels, barrels of different chokes, etc. be as easily available at decent prices for the 20 ga as for the 12?
Any info appreciated.

Josh P
 
You mention shoulder problems and recoil issues, but then go on to mention shorter barrels, etc.

A HEAVY gun with LIGHT loads will give you the best results as far as lowest recoil. Pumps are typically, (next to single shots), the lightest of the 5 basic action types and therefore will have, on an equal shot for shot basis, MORE recoil than other types, especially a semi or O/U.

Please do not assume that a girlfriend cannot handle a 12 gauge easily. That is one of, if not THE, most widely spread bits of falsehood out there. One lady I shoot with is all of MAYBE 5' tall and 100 pounds and uses a 8-1/2# 12 gauge for sporting clays with great success.

Determine your primary usage. From your post, it sounds like HD if you're wanting to add extensions and use short barrels. There are better choices than a 20 gauge pump
 
The 12 gauge is the better choice for your questions...

More accessories, more ammo variety (including reduced recoil versions), a tad heavier gun to also mitigate recoil a bit.

Brent
 
Yes, I like the 12 also, and will eventually probably get one, but I think I may get a deal on this used 20 ga. that I can't pass up, so thats why I was wondering about the availability of accessories for it. Thx,

Josh P
 
Rem 870 20 gauge

I have a 870 in 20 ga as well as an 1100 in 20 gauge - the 1100 is one of the older built on a 12ga frame- (same loads)
the 870 has perhaps a little sharper recoil bite than the 1100 which is a heavier.

The 870 might be OK for the lady as overall it is a lighter gun bot won't solve the recoil problem
 
Josh,

Older 20 ga. 870s were built on 12 gauge size frames- those are going to be harder to get spare barrels etc. for these days. You can tell which frame an 870 is built on by the receiver code, which is the last letter in the serial number.

X- 20 ga. on 12 ga. frame, 2 3/4" chamber
N- 20 ga. on 12 ga. frame, 3" chamber

K- 20 ga. on 20 ga. frame, 2 3/4" chamber
U- 20 ga. on 20 ga. frame, 3" chamber

For the newer 20 ga. guns there are certain accessories, etc available, not as many as for the 12 gauge, but probably enough to get you by.

hth,

lpl
 
Guitar, if you are really concerned about recoil you should pass on that 870 and start looking for a gas-operated 20ga. It will feel not much worse than a .410.
 
I just got a 20 gauge 870 Express Synthetic 7 round shotgun for my son to grow into. Granted there are not that many accessories for the smaller framed 20 gauge when compared to the 12 gauge but I really don't see that as a concern. His came with the +2 magazine extension so that's one option. In order to keep weight down, I just ordered up an Uncle Mike's magazine cap to replace the extended magazine until he's older and able to better handle the extra weight up front so that's another option as well. I also ordered up a Wilson big-head safety that should fit without any problems so that's another accessory. Because he's also 4 and has yet to grow into it, I today also ordered an Express Compact Jr. buttstock from Remington that has a 12" LOP with a spacer system to lengthen it out to 13" as he grows so that's another accessory for it that's available as well. As far as longer length barrels, they're out there in longer lengths and some can be had with screw-in chokes as well. It's just a matter of doing a search on Brownell's or Midway's web sites to see what's out there.
 
Thx for the info, folks, thats exactly the kind of info I needed ... and thx for the chart, Lee, that will be very helpful. I'm waiting for my friend to get back in town and get the serial #, so I can determine the age and frame, etc.

I think its possibly late 70's, early 80's, and in pretty sweet cond.

Recoil isn't a real big deal right now, but it may be in 10 or 15 yrs. I thought the 20 may be good for a lady, but it sounds like it doesn't matter so much. Anyone know if the low recoil 12ga ammo is less noisy too?

For HD, my .357 mag is always nearby in the headboard, and is what I'd probably grab in most emergency situations, but I like the idea of having a tried & true dependable pump in the corner.

I'm mostly a part time target shooter / collector. I like finely crafted guns and musical instruments, and tend to appreciate older used ones with a history, as opposed to new. I'll update if the 870 turns out to be a good deal. thx again.

Josh P
 
Just found out the serial # ends in X, so it is the 20ga on 12ga frame, and yes, barrels are harder to find.

It looks nice in the pics. I found out it is a 1973, imp cyl, vented rib.
Anyone know if $250 + shipping sounds like a good deal? I may get it for $200.

Thx,
JP
 
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