My 2-3/4 Wingmaster tactical overhaul (formerly Wingmaster to Magnum conversion)

[TonyBen]

Rather than start a new thread for every step of my Wingmaster overhaul, I re-titled my thread and will be documenting my progress here.

I took a Dremel to my ejector and modified it to work with magnums. I also installed a new ejector spring.

Unmodified


Modified


I tested it by partially loading a magnum round into the chamber until the extractor caught it. I had the trigger group removed at this point. It ejected unfired magnums and 2-3/4" rounds perfectly. I then did the same with magnum hulls and they ejected the same as my new 870 magnum.

Now I need a new stock set, a magnum barrel and a mag extension.

Tony.

[Synchronizor]

Neat.

What tools did you use to install the new spring?

[TonyBen]

I actually used a security bit set and hammered the bit over the post to clean up the post. Then I placed the spring over the post and used the security bit to seat it on the post. Once it was seated, I used a cup tip pinch to mushroom the post head.





While I have your attention, why do I need to replace my shell carrier? I read somewhere that the new style is better. Why?



Tony.

[Synchronizor]

The newer shell carriers are of the "flex-tab" style. In older 870s, if a shell slipped out of the magazine while the bolt was closed, the shell would wedge between the shell carrier and the slide assembly, binding up the action. The U-shaped cut-out in new-style shell carriers creates a flap that can bend outward slightly, relieving pressure between the wedged shell and the slide assembly, and allowing the action to open with little to no added effort. The benefits for serious-use 870s - especially fighting shotguns - are obvious.

The slide assembly was also modified so that it could slide over a shell without catching, and the bolt was relieved to clear the shell's rim. The three modified parts are collectively the "flex-tab update" (the fore-end tube assembly was also updated and slightly improved, but the new carrier, bolt, & slide are meant to still work with old-style action bars, so it's optional). Old and new versions of the three parts can be mixed-and-matched, but to properly update the action so that it won't bind on a wedged shell, you want all three to be new-style.

This video has details about the carrier, and mentions the flex-tab update. I've been meaning to do a video specifically on the flex-tab conversion, but I still need to find an old-style fore-end tube assembly.

[TonyBen]

Wow! I'm already looking at spending $385 to upgrade my Wingmaster (flexi-tab parts, 3" mag barrel, fore end tube) before adding a stock set. I'm leaning toward the Mesa/Enidine buffer with a CTR stock and a Magpul fore end. Oh, and I still have to pick a shell carrier and a top rail, and a sling, and an extension tube and a...

Oh well, this doesn't hold a candle to my four M14's in cost, so it won't be a big deal.

I can't find the Flexi-tab kits anywhere so I'll have to piece them together from Midway.

You can borrow my old style fore-end tube for a while if you like. I think my 870 was made in 1974, or somewhere around there.

Lastly, I'd like it refinished, but I'm torn as to weather or not I should have it parkerized or painted. Anyone have a reputable shop to have my old receiver bead blasted and parked?

Tony.

[Synchronizor]

You don't need a new fore-end tube assembly, the flex-tab parts will work with your old action bars.

I don't know that Remington sells the complete conversion kits anymore. But whether it's a kit or the individual assemblies, instead of buying everything brand-new, you can look on the used market. New carrier & slide assemblies aren't too spendy, but you can really save money with a used breech bolt. The bolt in my gun was obtained from Ebay for $20-something; it just needed a good cleaning and the extractor parts. Even if it's a completely stripped bolt, you can swap all the other parts over from your old bolt with just a couple basic- or even improvised - tools, and you'll have a working breech bolt assembly that'll clear jammed shells.

You can borrow my old style fore-end tube for a while if you like. I think my 870 was made in 1974, or somewhere around there.

Eh, I appreciate it, but with the way life is going now, it could be years before that video would be complete even if I got the assembly today. I'll also probably be doing some not-so-nice things with it to illustrate some points. I'd be interested in buying it from you if the price is right, but you probably don't want me borrowing it. Though as I said, you don't need to get a new fore-end tube assembly when doing the flex-tab update.

Lastly, I'd like it refinished, but I'm torn as to weather or not I should have it parkerized or painted. Anyone have a reputable shop to have my old receiver bead blasted and parked?

J.D. at AI&P Tactical has a good reputation for his zinc Parkerizing work, but unless he forgot to update his website (which is possible), he's currently only offering refinishing for LE guns and his own builds. Hopefully he opens it back up in the future, because I'd like to send him my 870 someday.

[TonyBen]

I contacted JD and he hooked me up with a full Flexi-Tab upgrade kit. My Wingmaster now has a parkerized 870P bolt, a new slide and a new carrier.

I'll throw some pics up later today. I'm going to go with a SAGE International pistol grip with an AR-type stock. I'll eventually upgrade to the Enidine hydraulic buffer tube. I also need to select a barrel. I'd like to use slugs, so I assume that an improved cylinder bore barrel will work.

I'm thinking of using the Magpul forend as well.

Tony.

[Synchronizor]

If it's just lead rifled slugs, pretty much any fixed choke that comes in riot-length barrels these days will work fine; but IC is a pretty good all-around choice for both buckshot & slugs.

[TonyBen]

Alright, it's done. Here she is when I first got her.




I installed a new 870 Police bolt, bolt carrier, shell carrier, 18.5" improved cylinder barrel, factory +2 extension kit and a set of Magpul furniture. I didn't know this, but the +2 extension kit came with an orange follower, which I installed.



I'll eventually drill & tap the receiver for a top rail and install a light on the forearm somewhere.

Tony.

[wxl]

Great project. Is the ejector mod the only thing to allow 3" shells to be used if the barrel has a 3" chamber. My Wingmaster is a 1959.