Remington 870 Wingmaster 410: A Comprehensive Review of the Classic Small-Gauge Shotgun
The Remington 870 Wingmaster is a legendary shotgun, renowned for its reliability, smooth action, and classic design. While the 12-gauge and 20-gauge models are arguably more popular, the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 offers a unique shooting experience, particularly suited for novice shooters, small game hunting, and recreational clay target shooting. This article provides a comprehensive review of the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410, covering its features, performance, pros and cons, and overall value.
A Brief History of the Remington 870
The Remington 870 pump-action shotgun was first introduced in 1950 as a replacement for the aging Remington Model 31. It quickly gained popularity due to its robust construction, smooth action, and relatively affordable price. Over the decades, the 870 has become one of the best-selling shotguns in history, trusted by hunters, law enforcement agencies, and recreational shooters alike. The Wingmaster variant, known for its higher level of fit and finish compared to the Express models, holds a special place in the hearts of many shotgun enthusiasts. The availability of the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 increased its appeal to a wider audience.
Key Features of the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410
The Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 shares many of the core features of its larger-gauge siblings, but with modifications tailored to the smaller 410 bore. These features contribute to its unique appeal and functionality:
- Pump-Action Mechanism: The reliable pump-action system allows for quick follow-up shots and ensures consistent cycling of ammunition.
- Steel Receiver: The solid steel receiver provides exceptional strength and durability, ensuring a long service life.
- American Walnut Stock and Forend: The Wingmaster is distinguished by its traditionally styled American walnut stock and forend, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing shooting experience. The wood is typically finished with a high-gloss coating.
- Vent Rib Barrel: The vent rib barrel helps dissipate heat and provides a clear sight picture, enhancing accuracy.
- Choke System: Most Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 models come with a fixed choke, typically a full choke, optimized for longer-range shots. Some newer models may offer interchangeable choke tubes.
- Cross-Bolt Safety: A simple and reliable cross-bolt safety is located at the rear of the trigger guard for easy access.
- 410 Bore: The 410 bore is the smallest commercially available shotgun gauge, offering low recoil and making it ideal for beginners and those sensitive to recoil.
- Shell Capacity: Typically holds 4+1 shells in the magazine tube and chamber.
Performance and Handling
The Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 excels in several areas, making it a desirable choice for specific applications:
Low Recoil
The most significant advantage of the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 is its incredibly low recoil. This makes it an excellent choice for young shooters, individuals with physical limitations, or anyone who simply prefers a gentler shooting experience. The light recoil allows for faster follow-up shots and reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
Ideal for Small Game Hunting
The 410 bore is well-suited for hunting small game such as squirrels, rabbits, and quail, especially at close ranges. The lighter shot charge minimizes the risk of damaging the meat, and the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 provides sufficient power for ethical kills within its effective range.
Recreational Clay Target Shooting
While the 410 bore presents a greater challenge for clay target shooting compared to larger gauges, the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 can still be used for recreational purposes. Its low recoil makes it enjoyable for casual shooting, and it can help improve shooting fundamentals due to the need for precise aiming and timing.
Smooth Action
The Wingmaster designation indicates a higher level of polishing and refinement compared to the Express models. The pump action is noticeably smoother, contributing to a more pleasant shooting experience. Proper lubrication and maintenance will further enhance the smoothness of the action over time.
Pros and Cons of the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410
Like any firearm, the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these pros and cons can help you determine if it’s the right shotgun for your needs:
Pros:
- Extremely low recoil
- Classic design and aesthetics
- Smooth pump action
- Reliable and durable construction
- Suitable for small game hunting and recreational shooting
- Excellent for introducing new shooters to shotguns
Cons:
- Limited range and power compared to larger gauges
- Ammunition can be more expensive and harder to find than 12-gauge or 20-gauge
- May not be suitable for all hunting situations
- Fixed choke on older models can limit versatility
Alternatives to the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410
If the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 doesn’t quite meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Mossberg 500 410: A more affordable pump-action 410 shotgun with a similar feature set. [See also: Mossberg 500 Review]
- Savage Arms Stevens 301 Single Shot 410: A simple and lightweight single-shot 410 shotgun, ideal for beginners. [See also: Savage Arms Stevens 301 Review]
- Henry Repeating Arms Lever Action 410: A unique lever-action 410 shotgun with a classic Western design. [See also: Henry Lever Action 410 Review]
- Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge: For slightly more power and versatility, the 20-gauge version of the 870 is a good option. [See also: Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Review]
Conclusion
The Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 is a classic and well-respected shotgun that offers a unique shooting experience. Its low recoil, smooth action, and traditional design make it an excellent choice for novice shooters, small game hunters, and recreational clay target enthusiasts. While it may not be the most versatile shotgun on the market, its strengths in specific areas make it a valuable addition to any gun collection. If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-shoot, and aesthetically pleasing 410 shotgun, the Remington 870 Wingmaster 410 is definitely worth considering. Remember to practice safe gun handling and always follow local laws and regulations.
