Is it safe to use 3" shells in a non magnum receiver?

[skeeter]

I sent my old (1973) Remington 870 Wing Master to Wilson Combat for the rebuild service that includes refinishing gun, replacing all worn parts, replacing stocks, and rechambing barrel for 3" shells for $199. Tonight I read in Cabela's catalog where they say not to use a factory 3" Remington barrel on a non magnum frame.

Is it safe to shoot 3" shells regularly in a non magnum 870 receiver when using a 3" chambered barrel??
Thanks for you help on this.

 

[9mmMike]

The receivers are the same. The only difference is the ejector on the magnum's is a wee bit longer.
Change the barrel, change the ejector and you have a 3" magnum.
Mike

PS. I am not sure about "rechambering" a barrel though. This must involve removing metal and I doubt very much these barrels get re-proofed after this is done.

 

[Bigfatts]

Why not just ask Wilson? They do loads of these conversions. I am sure they wouldn't still be in business if the finished product was unsafe.

 

[Lee Lapin]

They did the ejector mod also, if they extended the chamber. You should be good to go with the 3" stuff now (if you're a glutton for punishment that is).

lpl/nc