Remington Model 878 Automaster Skeet 878SC 12 GA 25.5″ Shotgun 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1801
LSB#: 220112VH021
Make: Remington
Model: 878 Automaster Skeet
Serial Number: 60866L
Year of Manufacture: 1961 (KH Date Code)
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 3/4” or Shorter Shells
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “Remington / Automaster-878 / SC”, the serial number, with scroll engraving, and game scenes. The right side of the receiver is marked with a game scene. The left side of the barrel is marked “12 GA. FOR 2 ¾ OR SHORTER SHELLS”, “SKEET”, and “UKH8″ at the receiver. The right side of the barrel is marked “REMINGTON ARMS CO. INC., ILION, N.Y. MADE IN U.S.A.” above a series of patent numbers and has a series of proof, inspection, and magnaflux marks. The bottom of the receiver is marked “CLOSE” and with a large arrow.
Barrel Length: 22″ Vent Rib, 25 1/2″ to Cutts Compensator Choke
Choke: A Cutts Compensator Choke has been installed, it is currently installed with a Spreader choke.
Sights / Optics: The shotgun is mounted with a metal bead set on the Cutts compensator. There is a smaller alignment bead set on the rib. The rib and top of the receiver are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, straight comb, and brown aftermarket buttpad. The buttstock has some minor rotational movement and the screw likely just needs to be tightened. The bottom rear edge of the forend is proud to the receiver and the forend is canted slightly downwards, the lip that holds the forend into the receiver has likely broken off. There are some scattered draglines, compressions, and a few little marks through the finish. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering has handling wear but is mostly intact. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 13 1/8″ to the wood. The pad has some scattered light wear. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 89% of its metal finish. There are some patches of finish loss from previous oxidation and light erosion on the receiver. There are a few little marks through the finish and there is finish loss on the edges. There are a few little scuffs on the receiver. The barrel has some spots of oxidation scattered over it and there are a few little marks through the finish. There is finish loss on the trigger guard. There are some draglines and light handling marks. There is standard operational wear. The markings are clear. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Model 878 introduced an improved “self-adjusting” gas system compared to the Model 58. The Model 58 and Model 878 are virtually the same, with only differences in the gas piston and cosmetics. Both of these shotguns were essentially gas operated versions of the pump-action Model 870. When Remington’s Model 1100 came out with an updated gas system allowing for a higher-capacity magazine, these shotguns became obsolete. Due to the success of the 1100, these were only made for about three years but are still great shotguns. This one is their 878SC Skeet variant with a vent ribbed barrel and upgraded markings on the receiver. This one has some scattered light wear but the bore is bright and the mechanics are solid. Fitted with a compensator choke, this will be a versatile shotgun that will excel at a number of shooting activities. Please see our photos and good luck!