I’ve been looking for a vintage Police type 870 for awhile and found this guy on Gunbroker. Looks like an old LE gun, but lacks any unit markings as far as I can tell- but does have a bunch of markings on the barrel including “CI” (which would indicate it was made in either 1976 or 1988), but also “K” on the left side and “M” and “REP” on the right with proof marks. It’s parkerized, yet pretty much everywhere I look online says Wingmasters only came blued back then. It’s been upgraded with the Flexitab bolt / lifter, but obviously much more recently than when it was made. Also has a Choate +2 extension, but finish wear looks like it’s been on it for awhile. Also it doesn’t say Magnum, yet it takes 3" shells- the barrel says to only use those in Magnum marked receivers, so I’m assuming the barrel isn’t original.
Condition seems pretty good aside from some light rust/pitting on the left side of the receiver and some on the tube.
Can you guys tell me a little more about this guy?
That non-blued/parkerized finish is okay for a circa 1988 era 870.
Not sure if all 3 inch receivers were always marked Magnum. The receivers would be the same dimensions, the only difference being a 3 inch ejector and spring for the Magnum, and of course the barrel chambered for 3 inch.
The process to change the ejector involves removing the two rivets holding the ejector in place and then reinstalling two new rivets, a new ejector and spring and milling/filing the rivet heads flush with the receiver. Unless the receiver is refinished the rivet heads will be visible. Your shotgun shows no evidence of the rivets on the left side of the receiver.
There are several reasons why the shotgun might have a 3 inch chambered barrel on a 23/4 inch receiver - mass cleaning sometimes gets parts mixed up. Perhaps the original barrel was damaged, or maybe someone swapped a slug sighted barrel for the barrel on the shotgun.
Your shotgun shows wear on the magazine tube consistent with a long career in an upright shotgun rack.
If it isn’t two much trouble, could you post a picture of the receiver with the action to the rear so I could see the ejector?
That finger that is slipping into that slot on the barrel extension is pretty important - it keeps the barrel aligned properly. Make sure you check to ensure it is there when you clean.
I’ve probably replaced close to a dozen 870 ejectors, all of them because that end broke off.
It looks like you picture is pretty square on. From the looks of the ejector spring bump I’d say you do not have a 3 inch/Magnum ejector. You can check for sure by getting a fired 3 inch case, putting it in the chamber, closing the action and seeing if it will eject the fired case.
I’d leave it like it is unless for some reason you want to fire 3 inchers. I would take a scotch-brite pad and knock down the rust on the mag tube to ensure it doesn’t bind/stick when you cycle the action. I just go ahead and use Slip EWL on the surfaces of mine.
The nice thing about that finish is it doesn’t take much to prep it for coating if you want to do that.
It was advertised as a 2 3/4 and that’s all I plan on shooting, so works for me. I appreciate all the info…
I only plan on getting rid of some of the rust with some 0000 steel wool, otherwise probably keep it as is. Love the parkerized and wood classic look. Now I just need some aviator sunglasses and a huge mustache…
