[Lefty]

I just came across a 870 Wingmaster LH 12 gauge on consignment at a local shop. I was very excited to see this.. because I was under the impression that the left handed 870 only came in the cheaper Express version. I know that is true if I was buying new.. but apparently they made them at one time. Does anybody have any details on this? What year(s) did Remington produce the 870 Wingmaster LH?

As for the gun, it was in pretty good condition. The stock was pretty good (few minor dings/scratches) as was the bluing. I did notice some rust on the inside of the chamber.. so I was a little disappointed in that. It came with the bird barrel only (26''?) and I believe the tag said 3 chokes were included. The person was asking $375. Is this a good deal? Is this a better buy than a New 870 Express LH which I believe I can get for $325. I have already purchased a rifled barrel for my 37... so I am not really looking for a new pump.. but it may be something I don't want to pass up (because it seems like a rare find for a lefty like myself).

thoughts?

 

[pigeonhunter]

BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tom Barry]

Remington used to make the left-handed 870 in trap configuration (and I think skeet, too). I had one. Cut the barrel to 26" and had screw-ins installed. Shot it on doves in Mexico a lot. Got talked out of it. Foolish me.

 

[870TB]

My brother is left handed and has a LH Wingmaster he bought new a few years ago.

As an owner both a Wingmaster and an Express, I'd say buy the Wingmaster. There isn't anything wrong with the Express, but the Wingmaster with the shiny blueing and walnut just feels "right". (as in correct )

 

[Lefty]

My brother is left handed and has a LH Wingmaster he bought new a few years ago.

Do you know the year and how much he paid? Do you know if this was a limited production run that they did.. or was the LH Wingmaster a standard at that time?

The one I found did not appear to be too old..

As an owner both a Wingmaster and an Express, I'd say buy the Wingmaster. There isn't anything wrong with the Express, but the Wingmaster with the shiny blueing and walnut just feels "right". (as in correct )

I don't completely hate the Express.. and I was actually close to buying it at one time. I just would rather be able to buy the 'better' wingmaster because I can finally afford to splurge a little on myself. Factoring in that I would also have to buy a $50 b-square (which I don't particulary care for in the first place), I decided to buy a new barrel for my 37 instead.

 

[870TB]

Sorry, Lefty, I don't remember exactly when he bought it. Maybe 10-12 years ago. He had a local dealer order it for him.

 

[Lefty]

just an update...

It looks like I was off a bit in my description. There were no chokes being offered because the barrel is not tapped for chokes (completely smooth). This would apparently imply that the gun is older than I thought (or looks). I don't know my history on Remington and when they may have switched to using their choke system... but this may narrow down the year of the gun a little better...

 

[Lefty]

I put in an offer for $300 and it was accepted. I am now a proud owner of my 2nd shotgun and my 1st Remington!

Now I have to buy another rifled barrel

I know Hastings makes one (1377H40M-870LH, 2 3/4" & 3", 24", Scope Mount).. and Ithaca might make one but their website doesn't give any details.

I would like to buy Remington if possible... since it is for a Remington. From what I can tell, this is the only LH barrel offered by Remington: 24547 Wingmaster 20'' Left-Hand Deer Barrel w/ Rifle Sights Rem Choke. Am I correct?

Did they make one in the past, or will I be wasting my time trying to find a used one?

I know this isn't Fully Rifled like I want, but is it possible to replace the rifle site with a cantilever mount? According to their used parts guide (http://www.remington.com/pdfs/rempartslist.pdf), you can buy a cantilever base, bar, and screws. Would a gunsmith be able to weld this to the existing barrel? Is this uncommon?

I hope they don't close for good.. but maybe the execs over there can try and get in touch with their consumers during their time off in Dec.

 

[Guest]

Lefty:

A couple of answers to your questions:

Remington made the fixed choke 870 shotguns until 1985, then the RemChoke barrels were standard (I have one of the last old-style)

Remington never has made any fully rifled deer barrels for the LH guns (870, 1100, or 1187). They only made improved cylinder deer barrels until the early 90s and then after that the current RemChoke barrels.

The Hastings barrel is of high quality and matches the Wingmaster bluing perfectly. I highly recommend it.

Hope this helps,

Jimmy P

 

[Lefty]

Lefty:

Remington made the fixed choke 870 shotguns until 1985, then the RemChoke barrels were standard (I have one of the last old-style)

Remington never has made any fully rifled deer barrels for the LH guns (870, 1100, or 1187). They only made improved cylinder deer barrels until the early 90s and then after that the current RemChoke barrels.

The Hastings barrel is of high quality and matches the Wingmaster bluing perfectly. I highly recommend it.

Jimmy P

Thanks for the info. I think the Hastings barrel is my only option. The only difference I see is that it is 3 inches longer and a different rate of twist. I would have liked the shorter barrel.. but since Remington doesn't offer it, there isn't much I can do.

Even Hastings doesn't offer one for the 11-87.. which is why I didn't buy one. I really wanted an auto too....

 

[Guest]

remington made the left handed 870 starting in 1971, the serial number code is i believe s for 12 ga. and ending in v for left hand on the 870's.

 

[BBQPIG]

I have a real nice 870LH with a scope if anyone would prefer it.....might trade since Im a righty. thanks

 

[papillonkirby]

I have a 34" Hastings wadlock left hand 870 barrel with 3 chokes & wrench for sale. NIB

 

[BBQPIG]

I would trade for a similar RIght handed 870....that would be easy.

 

[JD3184]

[quote="papillonkirby"I have a 34" Hastings wadlock left hand 870 barrel with 3 chokes & wrench for sale. NIB

DO YOU STILL HAVE THE BARREL FOR SALE? WHAT CHOKES COME WITH IT? THANK YOU

 

[papillonkirby]

Barrel has been sold. Thanks