A Storied Past
The story of the Remington Wingmaster Model 870 is intertwined with the evolution of shotgun design. Before the 870, pump-action shotguns were gaining popularity, offering a significant upgrade in speed and capacity over their single-shot predecessors. Remington, a company with a long and distinguished history in firearms manufacturing, recognized the need for an updated and improved pump-action shotgun to compete in this growing market. The development was driven by a desire to create a reliable, robust, and cost-effective alternative to the older designs available at the time.
The result of that endeavor was the Remington Model 870, introduced in the early part of the twentieth century. From its inception, it was designed to be a workhorse, capable of withstanding the rigors of both field and factory. The original design team emphasized simplicity and efficiency, aiming to minimize the number of parts while maximizing its performance. The Wingmaster name was given to the higher-quality versions, with a polished finish and often, more finely finished wood.
The design quickly gained favor. Early adopters were drawn to its smooth operation, solid construction, and the ease with which it could be maintained. The 870’s receiver, crafted from steel, contributed greatly to its ruggedness, making it capable of handling a wide range of ammunition and sustained use.
Over the years, the Remington Wingmaster Model 870 has evolved, with numerous variations and improvements. While the core principles of its design remain intact, Remington refined the 870 to meet the changing needs of its customers. This constant evolution, coupled with its inherent strengths, has been a key factor in the shotgun’s enduring popularity. It wasn’t just a piece of machinery; it became a symbol of dependability and utility.
Examining the Heart of the Wingmaster
The Remington Wingmaster Model 870 is more than just a collection of parts; it’s a symphony of engineering designed for effective and reliable performance. Understanding the various key components is essential to appreciating its functionality and longevity.
The receiver, the backbone of the shotgun, houses the action and provides the structural support for all of the internal components. It’s typically crafted from solid steel, selected for its strength and ability to withstand the repeated forces generated by the firing cycle. The receiver is precisely machined to ensure smooth operation and tight tolerances, contributing to the Wingmaster’s famous reliability.
The heart of the Wingmaster is its pump-action mechanism. This system relies on a sliding forend that the shooter moves backward and forward to cycle the action. When the forend is pulled rearward, the spent shell is ejected, and the action is cocked. Pushing the forend forward chambers a fresh round from the magazine tube. This system’s simplicity makes it easy to maintain and inherently reliable.
The barrel is another key component, directly impacting accuracy and pattern. Wingmasters come in a variety of barrel lengths and configurations, catering to different applications. From short barrels ideal for home defense, to longer barrels for hunting, the variety makes the Wingmaster very versatile. The choke constriction, located at the muzzle end of the barrel, controls the spread of the shot pattern, allowing shooters to tailor their shotgun to the specific task at hand.
The stock and forend contribute significantly to the shooter’s comfort and control. Wingmasters were often outfitted with beautifully crafted wood stocks, known for their grain patterns and comfortable feel. The forend is a crucial point of contact, and its design allows for quick and intuitive manipulation of the action. Ergonomics have always been a consideration in the design of the Wingmaster to facilitate its use for different needs.
The magazine tube is a critical factor in the shotgun’s capacity, determining how many rounds it can hold before reloading. The standard capacity will vary according to the model. The ease with which the magazine tube can be loaded and unloaded is an important consideration, as is its overall capacity for the specific job at hand.
Safety features on the Wingmaster are designed to prevent accidental discharges. The crossbolt safety, often located behind the trigger, allows the shooter to quickly and easily engage or disengage the safety mechanism. Other safety features are also incorporated to prevent the gun from firing unless the action is fully closed.
The overall weight and dimensions of the Wingmaster contribute to its balance and handling characteristics. These measurements can influence how easily the shotgun can be shouldered, swung, and controlled in various shooting situations. The relatively moderate weight of the Wingmaster contributes to its all-around manageability and adaptability to different users.
Exploring the Wingmaster Landscape: Variants and Customization
Over the decades, the Remington Wingmaster Model 870 has been produced in a wide variety of configurations to cater to different needs and preferences. Understanding the various models and options helps one appreciate the versatility of this platform.
One of the key differentiators is the finish. The original Wingmaster models were known for their polished blued finish, which gave them a refined and classic look. Other finishes, such as matte black and camouflage, were introduced to meet the demands of specific applications, like tactical use or hunting.
The wood used for the stock and forend also varied. The earliest Wingmasters were typically equipped with American walnut stocks, known for their rich grain patterns and durability. Over time, other wood types and synthetic stocks were offered, providing additional choices for the shooter.
The barrel length and choke options have always been a central part of customization. Shorter barrels are ideal for home defense or close-quarters situations, while longer barrels are preferred for hunting and target shooting. Different chokes, such as full, modified, and improved cylinder, allowed shooters to tailor their patterns to specific ranges and game.
The aftermarket industry has embraced the Wingmaster, with an extensive range of parts and accessories available. Shooters can customize their shotguns with different stocks, forends, sights, and magazine extensions. These modifications can enhance the shotgun’s ergonomics, performance, and appearance.
Common reasons to customize the Wingmaster include improving its handling, increasing its magazine capacity, and adapting it to a particular shooting discipline. Tactical modifications, such as adding a pistol grip or a tactical light, are popular for home defense or law enforcement applications. Hunting enthusiasts may opt for camouflage finishes and sling attachments to better suit their needs.
It’s important to be aware of local and federal regulations regarding firearms modifications. Some modifications may be restricted, or could change the legal standing of the shotgun. Always research and comply with all applicable laws before making any changes to your firearm.
The Many Faces of the Wingmaster: Usage and Applications
The Remington Wingmaster Model 870 is renowned for its versatility, finding a home in a broad range of applications. Its dependability and adaptability make it suitable for various fields.
For hunters, the Wingmaster is a time-tested companion in the field. Its reliability and ability to handle a wide variety of shotshells make it ideal for hunting waterfowl, upland game birds, and other game species. The Wingmaster’s range of barrel lengths and choke options allows hunters to tailor their shotgun to the specific game they are pursuing and the terrain they are hunting in.
In the world of sport shooting, the Wingmaster is also a prominent player. It’s often used in clay target sports, such as skeet, trap, and sporting clays. Shooters appreciate the Wingmaster’s ability to point naturally, its consistent performance, and the ease with which it can be loaded and unloaded. Its robust construction allows for extended periods of use.
For home defense, the Wingmaster offers a significant advantage. Its stopping power and ease of use, combined with its familiarity among shooters, make it a viable choice for protecting one’s home and family. Its manual action is viewed by some as a safety feature, minimizing the risk of accidental discharge.
Throughout history, the Wingmaster has also been a workhorse for law enforcement agencies. It was selected by police departments throughout the United States and around the world. Its dependability, combined with its ease of use, made it a natural fit for patrol work and other law enforcement duties. Many officers found the shotgun to be an effective tool for a variety of situations.
It even saw service in the military. Its robust nature, powerful cartridge, and simple design made it ideal for close-quarters combat and for tasks such as breaching doors. Its widespread availability and ease of maintenance made it particularly useful for training soldiers.
Weighing the Scales: Advantages and Disadvantages
The Remington Wingmaster Model 870 is a widely appreciated firearm, but it, like all things, has both strengths and weaknesses. A balanced perspective is essential to understanding its overall value.
The Wingmaster’s reliability is, perhaps, its most defining attribute. Its simple design and robust construction make it less prone to malfunctions compared to more complex semi-automatic shotguns. The Wingmaster can often function flawlessly in challenging conditions where other shotguns might struggle.
Durability is another key advantage. The Wingmaster is built to last, with a rugged steel receiver and high-quality components. This translates to a long service life. Many Wingmasters have been passed down through generations, and are still functioning well today.
The availability of parts and accessories for the Wingmaster is another notable benefit. Due to its popularity, a vast range of aftermarket parts and accessories are readily available, allowing shooters to customize their shotguns to their specific needs. This widespread support ensures that the Wingmaster can be maintained and upgraded.
The Wingmaster is generally known for accuracy, as well. The solid construction of the receiver and barrel results in excellent performance for different shooting disciplines. When coupled with proper ammunition and shooter skill, the Wingmaster is capable of providing excellent groupings at varying distances.
Its versatility is an important factor. The availability of different barrel lengths, choke options, and aftermarket accessories allows the Wingmaster to be used for a wide range of applications, from hunting to home defense. The Wingmaster can be adapted to meet various shooting needs.
One of its greatest strengths is its cost-effectiveness. The Wingmaster offers excellent value for money, providing a robust and reliable shotgun at a reasonable price point. This affordability, combined with its inherent quality, makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
Despite its many advantages, the Wingmaster has a few inherent drawbacks. The magazine capacity is limited compared to semi-automatic shotguns, requiring more frequent reloads. The manual pump action, while contributing to reliability, means that the shooter must cycle the action after each shot. This can be slower than the semi-automatic design.
Compared to the semi-automatic, the manual action can mean increased felt recoil, since the shooter absorbs more of the recoil force. Also, the shotgun requires periodic maintenance to ensure reliable operation. With proper care, the Wingmaster will provide decades of reliable service.
Comparing the Champions
To fully grasp the significance of the Remington Wingmaster Model 870, a comparison with some of its main competitors is in order. The marketplace is full of worthy shotguns, but the 870 holds a prominent position.
The Mossberg 500 and its updated variants are often cited as direct competitors to the Wingmaster. Both are pump-action shotguns with similar features, making them popular choices. While the Mossberg 500 is also a robust and versatile shotgun, some shooters give the nod to the Wingmaster for its slightly smoother action and wider selection of customization options.
The Benelli Nova is another popular pump-action shotgun. It has a more modern design, with a composite stock and forend. The Nova is known for its reliability and its ability to handle various ammunition types. While both shotguns are highly regarded, the Wingmaster is often seen as the more classic, time-tested design.
Semi-automatic shotguns, such as the Benelli M4 and Remington 1100/11-87, offer a different shooting experience. These shotguns automatically cycle the action, allowing for faster follow-up shots. The semi-automatic design, however, typically comes at a higher price point. The Wingmaster, with its simplicity, remains a viable choice for those seeking reliability and affordability.
Maintaining the Wingmaster: A Duty of Care
Proper maintenance is key to the continued performance and longevity of the Remington Wingmaster Model 870. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and storage practices will guarantee its reliability.
The first step in cleaning the Wingmaster is disassembling it. This involves removing the barrel, forend, and bolt assembly, exposing the internal components for cleaning. A thorough cleaning should be done after each use, or after shooting it in harsh conditions.
Lubrication is another important part of the maintenance process. Applying a light coat of oil to the moving parts, such as the bolt, action bars, and trigger mechanism, will ensure smooth operation and prevent wear. The type of lubricant used is important; using too much may attract debris.
When the shotgun is not in use, it should be stored in a clean, dry environment. This will help prevent rust and corrosion. The shotgun should also be stored unloaded, with the action open.
Common problems can arise, but are typically easily addressed. Failures to eject or feed ammunition can often be resolved by cleaning the chamber and magazine tube. If the action becomes difficult to operate, it may indicate a need for lubrication.
Safety precautions should always be observed when handling any firearm. Always treat the gun as if it is loaded, and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Never put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to shoot.
The Enduring Legacy
The Remington Wingmaster Model 870 stands as a testament to the enduring value of thoughtful design and robust construction. From its humble beginnings to its current status as an iconic firearm, the Wingmaster has consistently delivered on its promise of reliability, durability, and versatility. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its simple elegance and timeless appeal.
The Remington Wingmaster Model 870’s legacy is assured. It is a shotgun that has earned its place in the hearts of shooters across the world, and it will continue to be a prized possession for generations to come. Its legacy is not just in its utility, but in the stories, the hunts, and the moments of camaraderie shared by those who have carried and used it.
The 870 remains a symbol of American ingenuity, a reminder of a time when quality and craftsmanship were the primary goals of firearms design. Its continued presence in the hands of shooters today is a testament to the lasting impact of this exceptional firearm.
