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Wingmaster Ser # not preceded by Letter(s)

PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 7:31 pm
by sunnyuno
I inherited a Wingmaster 870 Express 2&3/4 shells only. I tried to determine age by conventions at
Reminton.com that indicated I needed a 2 letter code in front of the numbers on the barrel. My barrel and receiver have the same numbers 54447V so can someone assist me in deciphering the age - and perhaps relative value for insurance purposes. It seems in excellent working order and appearances.

Re: Wingmaster Ser # not preceded by Letter(s)

PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2018 8:23 pm
by John A.
I would like to start by saying that I'm sorry for your loss.

If there aren't two letters on the left side of the barrel up near the receiver, you'll have to call Remington and ask them to run the serial number. And even then, the barrel may not be original to the gun.

I found that emailing them didn't get an answer when I recently asked when my old 870 was made.

But had an answer within 3 minutes of picking up the phone with a month and year.

Retail value is a lot harder to guess about. It depends a lot on what kind of condition that it's in. Also the 2-3/4" barrel chambering is somewhat less desirable from a shooters perspective. The newer ones have a 3 inch chamber.

Also depends a lot on the barrel/choke, bolt, what kind of furniture the gun has, etc

There's no real way to guess, but a brand new wingmaster express can typically be found for under $400 rather handily just to give you a starting point. There are some wingmaster versions that can get upwards of $1000. But the express is generally the more "mass produced" variant.

Here is the info that Remington requests you have available if you call:

In order to assist you with identification of your firearm, we need the following information:
•Is it a rifle or a shotgun?
•What is the action type, rolling block, slide or pump action, auto-loading, bolt action, or lever action?
•Can you determine the caliber or gauge?
•What are the patent dates on the gun?
•What are the exact markings referring to Remington?
•Does it have a serial number and if so, what is that number?

Please provide us with the above information along with a brief description of the gun and we will furnish to you the information that we have available. You can send this information to the following:

Remington Arms Co., Inc.
PO Box 700
Madison, NC 27025
Fax : 336-548-7801

Contact Us or call our historians at 1-800-243-9700, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST.

Re: Wingmaster Ser # not preceded by Letter(s)

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 11:17 am
by sunnyuno
Thank you so much - it was my Dad's favorite! I will contact them. A condition is I guess clean - not banged up at all and functions well and wood parts nice. The serial number on the barrel is the same as on the receiver area. Your information is very useful so thank you again.

Re: Wingmaster Ser # not preceded by Letter(s)

PostPosted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 11:22 am
by John A.
You're welcome. I hope it helped.

I'd be interested when it was made if you don't mind sharing when you get an answer.

Re: Wingmaster Ser # not preceded by Letter(s)

PostPosted: Wed Apr 18, 2018 3:10 pm
by Virginian
It is an early gun, first or second year production. Value depends on finding the right person - early production means a lot to some people. The type barrel, plain or vent rib, and the tyle of the wood will also have an impact. Pictures help a lot.
There is no such thing as a Wingmaster Express. It is either a Wingmaster OR an Express. Before 1986 they were all Wingmasters (they did also market a Sportsman pump in the 80s) .