The Remington 870 Wingmaster: A Legendary Shotgun's History Revealed

As a young boy, I was given my first shotgun by my uncle, a 12-gauge Remington 870. It was a gift that would change my life forever, but not before it had a complicated past. My uncle, who stood at around 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed approximately 150 pounds, was an unlikely gun enthusiast. Yet, he owned several firearms, including the iconic Remington 870 Wingmaster.

The story of how I came to own this shotgun is fascinating. In 1959, when I was just 14 years old, my uncle gave me his 12-gauge 870 after a particularly frustrating duck hunting trip. He had thrown the gun away in the marsh, angry that he ran out of shells without bagging any ducks.

Fast forward to today, and the Remington 870 Wingmaster remains one of the most popular shotguns in the world. Available in various gauges, including 12, 16, 20, and 28, this pump-action shotgun is renowned for its durability, reliability, accuracy, and ease of use.

But what about my uncle's gun? I had always wondered when it was made, but the answer eluded me until recently. Thanks to a phone call with Pete Arden, a Remington technical consumer rep, I finally solved a 60-year-old mystery. It turns out that my Remington 870 Wingmaster was manufactured in 1954, the same year the shotgun first entered production.

With over 11 million units produced to date, the Remington 870 is an iconic firearm that has traveled far and wide. From Brazil to Bangladesh, hunters, shooters, police, SWAT teams, home defenders, and military personnel have relied on this trusty shotgun. It's no surprise that my uncle's gun was passed down to me – it's a symbol of tradition, reliability, and the joy of hunting.

If you're in the market for a new Remington 870 Wingmaster, you can find one at Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s starting at $350. Alternatively, you can opt for a knockoff for half that price. Whatever your choice, rest assured that this legendary shotgun will continue to serve generations of hunters and shooters alike.

Serial numbers remington 870 wingmaster