Understanding the 20 Gauge 870 Wingmaster
The Remington 870 Wingmaster. For generations, this pump-action shotgun has been synonymous with reliability, ruggedness, and an unwavering reputation for performance. It’s a firearm trusted by hunters, law enforcement, and home defenders alike. Its versatility is legendary, a quality that continues to make it a favorite even in an era of increasingly sophisticated firearms. And at the heart of this enduring success lies the barrel. Choosing the right barrel is not merely a matter of preference; it’s a critical decision that directly impacts your shotgun’s effectiveness, whether you’re pursuing upland birds, engaging in clay shooting, or prioritizing home defense. This article dives deep into the world of Remington 870 Wingmaster 20 gauge barrels, providing you with the knowledge and insight necessary to select the perfect upgrade for your needs.
While the Remington 870 enjoys immense popularity across various gauges, the 20 gauge version offers a unique blend of advantages. Often considered the sweet spot for many shooters, the 20 gauge delivers a lighter recoil than its 12-gauge counterpart, making it significantly more comfortable to shoot, especially for newer shooters, women, and those of smaller stature. This reduced recoil doesn’t come at a significant performance cost. The 20 gauge remains a highly effective round for a wide array of applications.
The applications for the 20 gauge 870 Wingmaster are remarkably diverse. It shines in the fields and forests, proving itself to be a capable companion for hunting everything from small game such as rabbits and squirrels to upland birds like quail, grouse, and woodcock. Its manageable size and weight, combined with the effectiveness of the 20 gauge shell, make it an ideal choice for hunting in tight cover and for extended carrying.
Beyond the hunting field, the 20 gauge 870 Wingmaster is a solid performer in target shooting sports. Its versatility makes it applicable to sporting clays, skeet, or trap, allowing enthusiasts of all skill levels to enjoy the sport.
Finally, the 20 gauge 870 Wingmaster can also be a legitimate choice for home defense. While the 12 gauge is often the first choice in this role, the 20 gauge provides a potent and manageable option. With the right ammunition and barrel configuration, it provides a significant deterrent against potential threats.
The Beauty of Simplicity: Compatibility and Customization
One of the key strengths of the 870 platform is its inherent modularity. The design allows for easy barrel swaps, making it simple to tailor your shotgun to the specific task at hand. Whether you’re transitioning from hunting to target shooting or simply upgrading your home defense setup, swapping the barrel is a straightforward process that allows you to adapt your Wingmaster to evolving needs. This versatility extends to the 20 gauge models, where barrel selection plays a central role in optimizing your shotgun’s performance.
Anatomy of a Shotgun Barrel: Essential Components
Before delving into barrel selection, a fundamental understanding of the components and their function is essential.
At the core of every shotgun is the barrel. This crucial piece of the firearm determines the direction, velocity, and spread of the shot. Let’s explore the essential parts:
The Chamber
This is the rear portion of the barrel, specifically designed to house the shotgun shell. The chamber dimensions are crucial for safely and effectively firing the ammunition.
The Bore
This refers to the internal diameter of the barrel. This diameter is standardized for a given gauge, influencing the internal ballistics and pattern of the shot.
The Choke
This is the constricted portion at the muzzle end of the barrel. Chokes regulate the shot pattern’s spread. This is what allows for the 870 Wingmaster to be suitable in varying shooting situations. The choke is the tool of precision on a shotgun.
The Muzzle
The very end of the barrel from which the shot emerges.
Bead Sight
Typically a small bead located at the front of the barrel, used for aiming. On the 870 Wingmaster, the bead sight provides an effective, albeit simple, aiming point.
The length of the barrel, along with the choke type, directly influences the range, pattern density, and handling characteristics of the shotgun.
Barrel Length Considerations for the 870 Wingmaster 20 Gauge
Barrel length is a pivotal factor in determining how your 870 Wingmaster 20 gauge performs. The decision should align with your intended uses.
Shorter Barrels
Barrels in the shorter range, generally around 18.5 to 20 inches, are favored for specific roles. Home defense, where maneuverability is critical in close quarters, is a prime example. The reduced length makes it easier to navigate hallways and tight spaces. Hunting scenarios involving close-range shooting, like brush hunting for rabbits or small game, can also benefit from a shorter barrel.
The advantages are clear: quick handling and faster target acquisition. The shorter barrel swings more rapidly, enabling swifter responses. The potential trade-off is a decrease in effective range and a pattern that might spread out more quickly.
Mid-Length Barrels
Barrels in the mid-range, typically 26 to 28 inches, represent a great balance of the virtues of both a shorter and longer barrel. This length is ideally suited to a versatile array of activities, making them perfect for hunters or sporting clays enthusiasts.
This configuration provides excellent handling characteristics, a wider range for successful shots, and good pattern control. It offers a versatile option for the majority of shooters and use cases.
Longer Barrels
Longer barrels, typically 30 inches or longer, offer distinct advantages for certain applications. Trap shooting, where long-distance shots are the norm, is one example. Hunting ducks or geese with the use of steel shot can also benefit from this length.
The benefits of longer barrels are an increased sight radius (leading to greater accuracy), and the potential for wider patterns at a given distance. However, a longer barrel can be more cumbersome to carry and less maneuverable in tight spaces. The increased weight can also affect overall balance.
Choke Decisions and Their Significance
Chokes are an integral part of how a shotgun works. They work to constrict the muzzle, influencing the spread of the shot pellets after they exit the barrel. The appropriate choke is fundamental to achieving the best performance in any given scenario.
Chokes are categorized in a variety of ways, all related to the degree of constriction. This constriction ultimately affects the pattern.
Common Choke Types
Cylinder
This choke has no constriction, producing the widest pattern. Cylinder chokes are ideal for close-range shooting and home defense situations.
Improved Cylinder
Slightly more constriction than cylinder, this choke is well-suited for close- to medium-range hunting.
Modified
This choke provides a tighter pattern than Improved Cylinder, suitable for medium-range shooting, and is versatile for hunting various game.
Full
This choke offers the tightest pattern, designed for longer-range shots, and often employed in trap shooting and hunting long-distance birds.
Selecting the right choke involves matching it to the type of shooting you’re doing and the distance to your target.
Specific Recommendations
For **hunting**, the choke selection depends greatly on the game being pursued. For rabbits or upland birds at closer ranges, Improved Cylinder might be a good choice. For longer-range shots at waterfowl or turkeys, Modified or Full chokes could be ideal.
In **home defense**, Cylinder or Improved Cylinder chokes are frequently recommended, allowing for wider patterns and decreasing the chance of over-penetration in a confined space.
For **target shooting** activities, the appropriate choke is again dictated by the discipline. For skeet, Improved Cylinder may be appropriate. For trap, Modified or Full chokes would allow for the longer shots.
Choosing the Correct Materials and Quality
The materials used in the barrel construction are crucial. Most Remington 870 Wingmaster barrels are made of steel, a robust material capable of handling the pressures generated by shotgun shells.
When shopping for an aftermarket barrel for your 870 Wingmaster, consider the materials that make up the barrels. Steel barrels offer reliability, and some feature finishes for increased durability.
Choosing the right barrel is not just about length and choke, it is also about quality and longevity. Investing in a well-made barrel guarantees dependable performance for many years to come.
Exploring Aftermarket Options
The Remington 870 Wingmaster’s popularity has led to a wide selection of aftermarket barrels. Several reputable manufacturers offer barrels specifically designed for the 870 platform, allowing for further customization and optimization.
Before purchasing an aftermarket barrel, carefully consider compatibility to ensure the new barrel fits your Wingmaster’s receiver properly. Verify the correct gauge and ensure the mounting and locking mechanisms are compatible.
Installation is usually relatively straightforward, often involving unscrewing the magazine cap, removing the old barrel, and sliding in the new one. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial.
Maintenance is an essential aspect of extending your barrel’s life. Clean your barrel regularly, removing any build-up of residue. Protect the barrel from rust and other corrosion.
Legal Considerations and Compliance
It is vital to be aware of any local, state, or federal regulations regarding shotgun barrel length or modifications. Failing to adhere to the law can have severe consequences.
Regulations often cover the minimum barrel length for shotguns.
Consulting with your local authorities or a legal professional is the best way to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Installation and Ongoing Care
Replacing or upgrading your Remington 870 Wingmaster barrel is relatively simple with some basic tools and following the directions.
Installation steps:
- Unload the shotgun, making certain the chamber is clear.
- Unscrew the magazine cap.
- Remove the old barrel by pulling it forward.
- Insert the new barrel, making sure it is securely seated.
- Reattach the magazine cap.
- Function-check the shotgun to confirm proper operation.
Regular care is important to maintaining the effectiveness of your 870 Wingmaster. Cleaning and inspecting your barrel after each use will extend its life and ensure that it functions reliably.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips:
- Use a cleaning rod and appropriate bore brush to remove any built-up residue.
- Wipe the barrel with a clean cloth and gun oil.
- Check the choke for any signs of damage or fouling.
Conclusion: Maximizing the Potential of Your 870 Wingmaster
Choosing the right barrel for your Remington 870 Wingmaster 20 gauge is a crucial decision that will significantly affect your shotgun’s performance. Evaluating barrel length, choke selection, and overall quality will empower you to transform your 870 into a firearm perfectly tailored to your specific needs. By understanding the concepts presented in this guide and conducting your research, you’ll be well-equipped to find the ideal barrel to enhance your shooting experience, whether it be for hunting, target shooting, or home defense.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge, you can select the barrel that best fits your shooting style.
