Hello all. I have been unable to locate any authoritative info online regarding frame sizes of the 870 through history. My specific questions are
1. Were all gauges of the early 870s built on the 12 ga frame?
2. When and in what way did this change?
Very appreciative if you can set this straight for me.
870 frame sizes
Re: 870 frame sizes
Originally the 12, 16, and 20 gauge guns were all built on the 12 ga. size receiver.
In 1969 the .410 and 28 gauge guns were introduced on the smaller receiver size.
In 1972 Remington introduced the LW 20 gauge 870 shotguns on the same receiver size as the 28 gauge. They continued to produce 20 gauges on the 12 gauge receiver also. I do not remember exactly when they stopped, somewhere around 1980. Since 1972 Remington has been making 20 gauge 870s on the smaller receiver, and all current production 20 gauge guns are still on the smaller receiver.
The Model 1100s followed the same path, but in 1977 the LT-20 replaced the LW 20 in the 1100 line.
In 1969 the .410 and 28 gauge guns were introduced on the smaller receiver size.
In 1972 Remington introduced the LW 20 gauge 870 shotguns on the same receiver size as the 28 gauge. They continued to produce 20 gauges on the 12 gauge receiver also. I do not remember exactly when they stopped, somewhere around 1980. Since 1972 Remington has been making 20 gauge 870s on the smaller receiver, and all current production 20 gauge guns are still on the smaller receiver.
The Model 1100s followed the same path, but in 1977 the LT-20 replaced the LW 20 in the 1100 line.
What could have happened... did.