The Legacy of Remington Arms and the Start of a Legend
The crisp click on of the pump, the reassuring weight in hand, the acquainted scent of gun oil and seasoned wooden – for generations of sportsmen and firearm lovers, these are the hallmarks of a real basic. The Remington 870 Wingmaster has earned its place as an American icon, a shotgun synonymous with reliability, versatility, and enduring high quality. Among the many numerous iterations of this legendary firearm, the 1979 mannequin holds a particular enchantment, representing a interval of remarkable craftsmanship and a design that has stood the check of time. This text delves into the guts of the 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster, exploring its historical past, options, efficiency, and why it stays a coveted piece for collectors and capturing lovers alike.
The Rise of a Traditional
To grasp the importance of the 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster, we should first admire the wealthy historical past of the corporate behind it. Remington Arms, one of many oldest firearms producers in the USA, has performed a pivotal function in shaping the American firearms panorama. Based in 1816, the corporate’s legacy is intertwined with innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of the wants of hunters, sport shooters, and navy forces. Remington’s dedication to high quality and its steady evolution in firearm design laid the muse for the creation of probably the most profitable shotguns ever made: the Remington 870.
The 870 was launched in 1950, shortly gaining recognition for its sturdy design, easy operation, and affordability. It was meant to exchange the getting old Remington Mannequin 31, and the 870 shortly achieved its objective. From the outset, the 870 was designed as a flexible and adaptable platform. It was accessible in numerous gauges and barrel lengths, making it appropriate for a variety of functions, from looking and sport capturing to legislation enforcement and navy use. The Remington 870 shortly turned a business success, its reliability and affordable price interesting to a large viewers. The early fashions established a benchmark of excellence, and every subsequent iteration constructed on that basis of high quality. The continual evolution of the 870 mannequin all through the next many years noticed enhancements in supplies, manufacturing processes, and design, nevertheless it all the time held on to its core rules of simplicity, sturdiness, and effectiveness.
Unveiling the 1979 Wingmaster: A Yr of Distinction
The yr 1979 marks a very attention-grabbing chapter within the historical past of the Remington 870 Wingmaster. Whereas the underlying design remained according to the established 870 rules, the 1979 mannequin benefited from the refinements developed through the years of manufacturing. It’s a snapshot of a time when manufacturing methods and materials availability coalesced to provide a shotgun of remarkable high quality. Many firearms aficionados think about this era to be a “candy spot” for the 870 Wingmaster, a yr the place the standard of supplies and manufacturing processes aligned. The 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster nonetheless embodied the basic options that had made the 870 a hit, together with the sleek pump-action operation and the long-lasting blued end that provided a basic look, however the 1979 fashions typically showcased a meticulous consideration to element. This consideration typically interprets into excessive worth to collectors and customers alike.
The 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster was primarily geared toward hunters and sport shooters. Its reliability and flexibility made it equally appropriate for upland fowl looking, waterfowl looking, and entice or skeet capturing. The Wingmaster was additionally a well-liked alternative for house protection and legislation enforcement functions, a testomony to its robustness and ease of use.
Analyzing the Effective Particulars: Options and Specs
The 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster was provided in a number of configurations, permitting patrons to pick the options that greatest suited their wants.
Gauge and Chambering Choices
The 870 Wingmaster was mostly accessible in 12-gauge, providing a strong and versatile platform for numerous capturing actions. Nevertheless, different gauges comparable to 16-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 bore have been additionally provided, catering to a broader vary of customers. The chamber size was normally 2 ¾ inches, applicable for a wide array of shells on the time.
Barrel Size Choices
Barrel lengths have been a major issue within the 870’s versatility. Frequent lengths included 26-inch, 28-inch, and 30-inch, and have been usually meant for looking functions. Shorter barrels, typically 18.5-inch, have been in style for house protection or tactical functions. Completely different barrel chokes have been additionally accessible, like modified, improved cylinder, or full choke.
End and Supplies
The receiver and barrel of the 1979 Wingmaster usually featured a deep, lustrous blued end, attribute of Remington firearms of that period. This bluing not solely enhanced the shotgun’s look but additionally supplied safety in opposition to corrosion. The receiver was normally comprised of solid metal, guaranteeing energy and sturdiness. The inventory and forend have been usually crafted from fantastically completed American walnut, recognized for its wealthy grain and heat.
Inventory and Forend Particulars
The inventory normally featured a pistol grip or a straight grip, permitting for a cushty and safe maintain. The forend, or handguard, was typically checkered to offer a safe grip in numerous climate situations. These options contributed to the general dealing with and management of the shotgun.
Motion and Mechanism
The 1979 Wingmaster, like all 870 fashions, utilized a pump-action design. This design concerned the shooter manually biking the motion by shifting the forend back and forth. The pump-action mechanism was exceptionally dependable and easy, making it comparatively straightforward to keep up and function. The journal capability, normally holding as much as 4 shells, plus one within the chamber, added to the shotgun’s versatility and effectiveness.
Sighting Techniques
The 1979 Wingmaster usually got here outfitted with a easy bead sight, ultimate for fast goal acquisition in looking eventualities. Some fashions additionally featured a vent rib, which improved sighting and helped dissipate warmth from the barrel.
Weight and Dimensions
The burden of a 1979 Wingmaster different relying on the gauge, barrel size, and wooden density, however was usually within the vary of seven to eight kilos. The general dimensions, together with size and width, have been proportionate to the barrel size.
Figuring out Your 1979 Gem: Decoding the Particulars
Figuring out a real 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster could be a rewarding expertise for any fanatic. This is how to make sure what you are dealing with is certainly a product of this period.
Serial Quantity Info
The serial quantity is essential for confirming the yr of manufacture. Find the serial quantity on the receiver, normally on the underside or aspect. Utilizing on-line sources or contacting Remington (or their help), you possibly can typically cross-reference the serial quantity with recognized manufacturing data. Nevertheless, serial numbers typically assist slim down the window of manufacturing, reasonably than particularly pinpointing the precise yr.
Barrel Markings and Particulars
The barrel can also be marked with important info, together with the gauge, chamber size, and choke designation. The barrel markings additionally typically embody the yr of manufacture, which confirms the interval. The stamping and font of those markings can present useful perception.
Visible Inspection for Key Options
Look at the end and supplies rigorously. The blued end on the receiver and barrel ought to be deep and even. Examine the wooden inventory and forend for high quality of the checkering (if current) and general grain sample. Delicate variations within the inventory’s end or design particulars can present helpful clues.
Confirmed Efficiency: Reliability, Accuracy, and Consumer Expertise
The 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster inherited its popularity for reliability, which is a trademark of the 870 design. The sturdy pump-action mechanism, mixed with high-quality supplies, resulted in a shotgun that might face up to heavy use and function reliably in numerous situations. The 1979 Wingmaster’s easy design made it straightforward to keep up and clear, which contributed to its longevity. The shotgun’s means to fireside all kinds of ammunition makes it exceptionally versatile.
Accuracy, in fact, relies on a number of elements, together with the choke, the ammunition used, and the shooter’s talent. Nevertheless, the 1979 Wingmaster, when mixed with the correct hundreds, was simply able to delivering constant patterns at affordable ranges. The bead sight, whereas easy, proved satisfactory for fast goal acquisition in looking eventualities.
The 1979 Wingmaster’s ease of use and easy upkeep made it a favourite amongst shooters of all talent ranges. The pump-action design was intuitive to function, and disassembly and cleansing have been comparatively easy processes. This ease of use contributed to the shotgun’s enduring reputation and enchantment.
Worth, Collectibility, and the Market As we speak
The 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster holds vital worth, each by way of its perform and its collectibility. The worth is decided by a variety of elements.
Elements Influencing Worth
The bodily situation is probably the most important issue. Shotguns in wonderful, unique situation, with minimal put on and tear, command the very best costs. Sure configurations, like these with uncommon barrel lengths, particular finishes, or manufacturing facility choices, might have elevated worth. Shotguns that retain their unique components and finishes are usually extra useful than these which have been modified. The firearm market is consistently evolving. Values fluctuate primarily based on provide, demand, and collector curiosity.
What Makes the 1979 Mannequin Fascinating?
The 1979 mannequin is especially wanted by collectors as a consequence of its historic significance, its top quality, and its enduring reputation. The mixture of producing excellence and its affiliation with a particular period makes it a fascinating piece for a lot of. Whereas it’s all the time prudent to seek the advice of with professionals relating to investing, a well-preserved 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster, has the potential to carry its worth and even enhance in worth over time.
Protecting Your Wingmaster in High Situation: Upkeep and Care
Correct upkeep is crucial to protect the 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster’s efficiency and worth.
Cleansing Procedures
After every use, completely clear the shotgun. Use a top quality gun cleansing solvent to take away powder residue, grime, and different contaminants. Use a bore brush and patch to wash the barrel.
Lubrication Pointers
Apply a lightweight coat of gun oil to all shifting components, together with the motion bars, bolt, and set off mechanism.
Storage Greatest Practices
Retailer your Wingmaster in a dry, climate-controlled surroundings. Defend the wooden from extreme warmth or humidity. Resist the temptation to make drastic modifications that may detract from its originality.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster
The 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster stands as a testomony to American craftsmanship and the enduring enchantment of a very distinctive firearm. Its mixture of reliability, versatility, and basic design has cemented its place within the hearts of generations of sportsmen and collectors. From the sleek pump-action to the wealthy blued end and the elegant walnut inventory, each element of the 1979 Wingmaster speaks to a dedication to high quality. Whether or not you’re a seasoned hunter, a devoted sport shooter, or a collector in search of a bit of firearms historical past, the 1979 Remington 870 Wingmaster presents a compelling mix of kind, perform, and timeless enchantment. It’s greater than only a shotgun; it’s a bit of Americana, a legacy of excellence that continues to resonate with lovers all over the world.
