Remington Model 870 Wingmaster 16 Gauge – 1960s Vent-Rib Classic
This Wingmaster Field Grade brings together everything collectors admire about early-1960s Remington craft: a slick 870 action, deep high-polish blue, and hand-fitted walnut with the short-lived impressed fleur-de-lis checkering. Chambered in the now-discontinued 16 gauge and wearing an optional 28" vent-rib barrel, it is a tough configuration to find—especially in clean, fully functional condition.
Condition
Overall rated Good. The metal and wood show honest field use—scattered handling scuffs and light scratches—but no abuse, pitting, or alterations. High-polish blue retains strong coverage with edge wear at typical carry points. The walnut stock and slide handle have shallow marks in the gloss finish yet remain structurally sound with crisp checkering. Bore condition is Excellent: bright, mirror smooth, and free of erosion from chamber to muzzle.
Action cycles smoothly; safety and carrier latch function correctly.
What's Included
• Remington Model 870 Wingmaster 16 Gauge shotgun as pictured • Factory 28" vent-rib barrel with fixed Modified choke (2¾" chamber) • Original black plastic Remington butt-plate
First catalogued in 1950 and still the best-selling pump ever made, the Model 870 earned its reputation for unfailing reliability through twin action bars, a robust steel receiver, and intuitive controls. This particular gun—a pre-1968 serial-numbered “W” receiver—was built on the full-size 12-gauge frame that Remington used for 16s, giving it extra heft to tame recoil without feeling bulky. Production of 16-gauge Wingmasters ended in 1980, and examples with the vent rib and fixed Modified choke were always limited.
The factory 28" barrel offers a versatile balance for upland birds or clays, while the fixed Modified choke patterns beautifully with modern 1 oz lead or bismuth loads. A steel mid-rib and polished posts keep the rib straight and true, and the single brass bead presents a clean sight picture. Length of pull measures 14", capped by the original Remington butt-plate. The cross-bolt safety sits just behind the trigger for straightforward operation and locks the sear when engaged.
Whether you appreciate 16 gauge ballistics, collect transitional-era Wingmasters, or simply want a field-ready classic with decades of life left, this shotgun offers authentic 1960s character in a configuration that seldom surfaces. If you’ve been waiting for the right vintage 870, this one merits a spot in the rack.