One of the most recognizable shotguns in the world, the Remington 870

I regularly have to answer letters and calls, and sometimes I happen to share such a joyful moment with new owners as buying their first weapon. I would like to note that interest in the Remington 870 is constantly growing, and this is good news. This article will help you figure out which Remington 870 is right for you. We'll take a closer look at each version of this world's most popular pump-action shotgun. You were not mistaken in choosing the Remington 870, and the choice of modification is all about the details. Before writing this article, I specially went to the shooting range to once again hold and shoot all modifications of the Remington 870 available on the Ukrainian market - Express, Deer, Tactical, Marine, Police, Combo. All of these guns have the same design, which has remained virtually unchanged since 1950, when the Remington 870 was born, but they differ in configuration, barrel configuration, and some parts and accessories. What all guns have in common is predictability, reliability, precise operation, convenient controls and sights. The basic design of the Remington 870 provides smooth handguard movement, clean round feeding, and reliable case ejection. And it doesn’t matter whether it was a standard cartridge with a 70 mm sleeve or a 76 mm magnum.

One platform

It should be noted right away that all parts and barrels of different versions of the Remington 870 are interchangeable: you can change the stock, forend, barrel, and also install many accessories - the possibilities for tuning and fine-tuning this gun are simply endless. The only exception is the Tactical version with a one-piece extended magazine - to install a barrel from the regular versions on this gun, you need a special adapter. This is the price for a more reliable store design. Also different from the tactical and police versions of the Remington 870 is the presence of a stamping at the end of the magazine: these two protrusions are needed to hold the magazine spring retainer. To install a magazine extension on regular versions, the stamping must be removed - this is done in the workshop in 10 minutes and subsequently does not affect the characteristics of the gun in any way.

Remington 870 with Magpul forend and stock and Mesa Tactical side bandoleer

Some configurations come with an original Remington magazine extension. This extension cord has several features. Firstly, there is a groove on it into which the tie screw goes. Thus, the coupler is fixed and does not move due to strong recoil - which means that the barrel and extension are not scratched. The second function of the groove is to block excessive movement of the feeder along the extension pipe in order to protect the magazine spring from too much compression and, accordingly, wear. You may also notice a protrusion on the extension - it is needed to install a standard bayonet. This is a legacy from the military past of the Remington 870. If you wish, by purchasing an additional adapter, you can install an American army bayonet-knife on your gun - in case of, say, a zombie apocalypse. All standard Remington 870s are finished in a matte, non-reflective bluing finish. It does its job of protecting the metal, but it also requires maintenance. Before going to the shooting range or hunting, it is advisable to wipe all metal parts with oil so that a thin protective film remains, or treat them with Shooter's Choice Rust Prevent. This way you will protect your gun from rust - even if you get caught in fog, rain or snow, or if condensation appears on the metal parts.

Magazine extension lock available on tactical and police versions

Basic versions

We will begin to consider guns in ascending order of price. Three basic, low-cost versions are available: - Remington 870 Express with a long 71 cm (28") barrel and wooden forend and butt. I would like to note that the material used for the butt and fore-end is not laminated wood, but high-quality beech. — Remington 870 Express with a long 71 cm barrel and a plastic butt and long forend. — Remington 870 Express with a short 47 cm (18.5”) barrel and a plastic butt and short forend.

Diopter rear sight on Remington 870 Express Tactical

These guns (both long and short barrels) use a classic ball front sight as sighting devices. The standard magazine capacity is four rounds; it can be increased using an extension cord. The two-round magazine extension will be just flush with the short barrel. Long barrels have a ventilated rib and internal threads for installing interchangeable choke constrictions (the basic package includes one - “polochok”; the rest are available optionally). The short barrel is made with a constant “cylinder” type narrowing. As you can see, even in the basic configuration there is plenty to choose from: two versions with a long barrel are suitable for hunters or practical shooters (a longer barrel provides an increased range of effective shooting with shot, and the ability to change the choke allows you to adjust the characteristics of the shot depending on the situation, which for hunting it is simply irreplaceable). The short-barrel version is an excellent option for self-defense, since a short barrel without narrowing is best suited for shooting large shot or buckshot at close ranges and at the same time provides a wide dispersion of the striking elements (that is, the chances of hitting the target increase). At the same time, the length of the short barrel approaches the minimum allowed by Ukrainian legislation.

Lock picker for Remington 870 Express Tactical

Of course, it will be useful to install additional accessories and tuning elements, depending on the purposes for which you are purchasing the gun.

Remington 870 Express Deer

The next version is the Remington 870 Express Deer. The English word deer means "deer". I would like to note that in North America, not all deer living there are called this way, but only white-tailed and black-tailed deer (also known as “mule deer”), which in terms of weight and size characteristics are significantly inferior to our red deer. As for the elk deer, which is a North American subspecies of red deer, in the USA they are usually called elk - that is, literally “elk” (or American elk). But let's get back to weapons. As the name suggests, this gun is “sharpened” for hunting ungulates, that is, for shooting with a bullet and/or buckshot (remember that in Ukraine shooting at ungulates with a segmental charge is prohibited). It is logical that the Deer version is equipped with a short 51 cm (20”) barrel with rifle sights consisting of a front sight and an adjustable rear sight, and a fixed “pressure cylinder” constriction. The front and rear sights provide very comfortable aiming, and if desired, they can be replaced with light-collecting or even tritium sights. Installing them in their standard places will not cause problems even for a person who is far from weapons.

The wooden stock and forend give this gun a classic look. There is no magazine extension; the magazine capacity is standard - four rounds in the barrel tube and one in the chamber. This gun is suitable for hunters: as already noted, it is very convenient to shoot bullets and buckshot from it. In addition (which many people forget), a short barrel with virtually no constriction is very good for shooting with small shot at feathered game that flies up almost from under your feet - that is, for hunting quail and partridge. Also, the Express Deer version will be a good basis for a self-defense shotgun: the short barrel ensures compactness and turning ability, and if desired, you can add a magazine extension and other accessories. To ensure that the tip of a tubular magazine is flush with the muzzle of a barrel of this length, you will need a three-round extension. This will make the gun more suitable for tactical and self-defense use.

What can be concluded?

The Remington 870 shotgun is a reliable weapon in its class, which is in high demand all over the world. It is purchased to arm security forces, supply the hunting industry, etc. The high popularity is due to the following advantages:

• A simple recharging system that can be easily maintained at home. Its design cannot withstand low-quality ammunition;
• The build quality is high, since all production is concentrated in the USA;
• Rich equipment allows the buyer to become the owner of a gun with several spare barrels and attachments;
• The shotgun does not require much maintenance. Basic cleaning and lubrication after use is sufficient;
• The high weight of the barrel reduces recoil during shooting: efficiency and accuracy increase;
• The versatility of the gun allows it to be used for hunting various animals and for self-defense in urban environments;
• Gun stores offer many accessories for the Remington 870 that can be easily installed at home without the need for special tools.

Before buying a Remington 870, every person should know about its disadvantages:

• The price tag is high, the average Russian citizen will not be able to afford such a weapon;
• The package does not include small additional spare parts (for example, swivels), so they will have to be purchased separately;
• The quality of the protective coating on civilian versions is low;
• The design does not have a magazine cut-off, which complicates reloading;
• Instances of recent years are equipped with parts made of low quality metal. After purchase, it is recommended to replace them with improved ones.

Overall, the American shotgun is a reliable weapon that is a pleasure to use.

Remington 870 Express 7-Round

Next we'll look at the Remington 870 Express 7-Round version. This gun features a short 47 cm barrel without a taper (cylinder bore), a plastic stock and a short fore-end, as well as an enlarged magazine. The magazine tube is long and solid, without joints or extensions, which makes it more reliable than composite structures. Thus, the supply of cartridges becomes smoother, and even the slightest chance of misalignment of the spring or feeder at the junction of the tubular magazine and the extension disappears. The short barrel makes the gun more maneuverable, making it more convenient to use in rooms, narrow corridors, cars and other confined spaces. Plastic stock and forend are lighter than wood, they are more wear-resistant, and are difficult to scratch or damage. The ribbed texture on the fore-end makes it more grippy and ensures precise reloading.

Premium Remington SuperCell recoil pad

Among the sights, the Remington 870 Express 7-Round has only a front sight. It is often replaced with tritium, which glows in the dark, making the gun even more suitable for self-defense, especially in the dark. For these purposes, the Remington 870 Express 7-Round configuration itself is ideal: right out of the box it is ready to carry home defense.

A successful package is not when there is nothing to add, but when there is nothing to take away. And the Remington 870 Express 7-Round is just such a simple and extremely effective shotgun.

Remington 870 Combo

Next comes probably the most popular version of the Remington 870 shotgun - the Combo. It is equipped with two barrels - long and short (they are also sometimes called shot and bullet). This kit is suitable for both hunting and home protection. The Remington 870 Combo impresses with its versatility; it can be used for almost any type of hunting, for self-defense, and even for practical shooting. Therefore, if you are a beginner and have not yet decided exactly what you want to do in the future, then this kit is for you: for a small additional payment, for one permit, you get a gun with two barrels.

Remington 870 Milled Extractor

There are two versions of the Combo kit - in plastic and wood (the version with plastic forend and buttstock is cheaper). They also differ in their trunks. The option with a plastic stock and fore-end, or Synthetic Combo, is equipped with a short 47-cm (18.5”) barrel with a constant “cylinder” constriction and a long 66-cm (26”) barrel with threads for interchangeable choke constrictions (DS). Basically, a “payday” is installed there, other DS are available optionally). Both barrels of the “plastic” version have ball front sights; the long barrel is also equipped with a ventilated rib.

The “wooden” version of the Combo comes with 51 cm (20”) and 71 cm (28”) barrels. The short, drilled “cylinder with pressure” has rifle sights - a front sight and an adjustable rear sight. The long one is equipped with a ventilated rib and a ball front sight; it also has a thread for interchangeable barrels (the basic package, like the long Synthetic Combo barrel, includes one of them - “polochok”).

Remington 870 Police front sight. Remington 870 Police rear sight

The Combo version in both versions is simply adored by shooters and is the first to be sold out. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to take a set with two barrels, take it without hesitation.

Remington 870 Express Tactical

Let's move on to the aggressive tactical version - Remington 870 Express Tactical. The features of this gun immediately catch the eye: a Picatinny rail mounted on the receiver, combined with a diopter-adjustable rear sight; and a high front sight (the rear sight and front sight for this gun were developed by XS Sights from

Fort Worth, Texas); and a special “breacher” choke—a “guest choke,” as our second editor calls this thing. Simply put, this is an attachment for knocking out door locks and hinges. It has teeth that can be used to rest against the door frame so that the barrel does not slip, as well as many holes for the removal of powder gases so that it does not burst when fired at point-blank range. Of course, the likelihood that a civilian user will need to kick out a door lock is extremely small - and it is unlikely that he will want to use this feature of his gun even if he forgot the keys somewhere. However, instead of this nozzle, you can install any other choke, which is an extremely useful option and expands the possibilities of using the gun. This version also has a magazine extension installed, which increases the total magazine capacity to six rounds. A special feature of the design is the magazine extension retainer - this is a metal ball pressed into the barrel guide ring. This is installed only on some models for greater reliability.

The tactical version is perfect for home defense, it has everything you need, you don’t have to buy anything in addition, and the ability to replace the choke will allow you to use this gun for hunting - although, of course, the barrel is only 47 cm long when shooting with shotguns is only applicable for limited purposes range of distances.

Comparison of Combo version barrels: both barrels of a gun in plastic are slightly shorter

The diopter rear sight (its version with a diopter of a sufficiently large diameter is usually called a ghost ring) is not entirely familiar at first, but is intuitive. Once you get the hang of aiming techniques, shooting bullets will be a pleasure. Diopter sights of the ghost ring type are installed on many types of weapons. But for tactical weapons this is generally the main option. It is believed (and this is true) that they are simpler and more convenient than the open rear sight with a semicircular recess familiar to post-Soviet shooters - in the case of a ghost ring, aiming is faster, and the ring of increased diameter overlaps the target less.

With a gun like the Remington 870 Express Tactical, you'll be the center of attention on the range.

Advantages and disadvantages

Naturally, such a popular shotgun as the Remington 870 has many advantages:

• The very first advantage of a weapon is its legendary nature. The desire for a pump-action shotgun, which was used during the Vietnam War and is still used by police today, is often the determining factor when choosing a shotgun;
• The design of the Remington 870 shotgun is simple and reliable. Since this shotgun is a simplified version of the Remington model 17, it is very easy to maintain. The use of thick steel in production helped achieve such reliability parameters;
• The versatility of the shotgun. The Remington-870 is useful not only for self-defense and home security, but also for hunting. Due to the fact that there are a lot of modifications to the shotgun, everyone can choose a weapon based on their needs.

At the same time, the Remington 870 also has a number of disadvantages, which, however, can be accepted:

• Since the shotgun is a mass product, the quality of its manufacture is not distinguished by filigree. Of course, compared to domestic versions of pump-action shotguns, it is an example of high-quality assembly, but if you compare an American shotgun with a shotgun, the comparison will clearly not be in favor of Remington;
• The weight of the weapon is quite significant, so good physical training is required for its hunting use. On the other hand, it is the archaic construction of thick steel that gives the gun incredible reliability;
• On models that began to be produced in the 2000s, a plastic magazine plug appeared. Its reliability is significantly inferior to the steel plug that was installed on earlier models. Some users complain that the new latch catches on the gun belt;
• The shotgun does not have a magazine cut-off;
• Although the weapon is capable of processing cartridges from any manufacturer, it is very sensitive to their quality. If the cartridges swell when fired, they may become stuck when reloading;
• Terrible anti-corrosion coating on base models;
• The shotgun does not have swivels, which are designed to attach to a gun sling for carrying.

Although the Remington 870 design is very outdated, its reliability has been proven for decades. Remington's sales remain consistently high every year. This only proves that users are satisfied with their shotguns and recommend it to their friends and acquaintances.

Remington 870 Police

As you know, the Remington 870 is the most popular pump-action shotgun in the world, and the Police version is simply the essence of reliability and the standard of tactical shotguns. This gun has served in American police patrol cars for many decades and is a powerful argument when the situation goes too far. The Remington 870 Police continues to be regularly purchased by law enforcement agencies both in the United States and abroad. And if the previous versions of the 870 we reviewed did not differ too significantly, then the police modification is worth dwelling on in more detail.

Firstly, a “police” gun is tested much more thoroughly - it goes through 23 levels of control, and all its elements are checked manually to exclude the presence of even the slightest flaws. The Remington 870 Police is assembled in a separate, dedicated workshop.

Remington 870 Express 7-Round One-Piece Extended Magazine

A number of parts differ from the components of civilian versions - this is done in order to ensure even more reliable operation. For example, the Remington 870 Police magazine spring is extended, which may make loading a little more difficult, but will ensure reliable feeding. Police rifles also have a ball that retains the extension/magazine cap, which is already familiar to us from the Tactical version. The trigger pull has been increased to reduce the risk of accidental discharge. The forend is shortened, which provides greater convenience when transporting the gun in a patrol car, as well as access to the loading window even with the forend fully moved back and the ability to install side bandoliers on the receiver. A magazine extension is installed, which allows you to load more cartridges. Instead of traditional coating of metal parts, more durable and wear-resistant phosphating is used. The trigger body and trigger guard of the Remington 870 Police are made of metal, and not of polymer, as in the previous versions reviewed. The extractor is made from a milled forging, which provides it with greater strength and durability.

Because of these significant design changes and the benefits they provide, the police version of the Remington 870 costs significantly more than regular Remingtons. The Remington 870 Police is available in several versions, differing in barrel length (18" or 20") and stock configuration. There are currently two versions of the Remington 870 Police on sale, each with a 46cm (18”) barrel and plastic forends and buttstocks, which is why we'll be describing them here.

The Remington 870 Police shotgun with a classic plastic stock differs from the basic versions in the premium SuperCell recoil pad, which significantly better absorbs recoil and reduces barrel bounce, allowing you to shoot faster. The classic stock configuration transfers all the recoil to the shooter's shoulder, so you can shoot a lot with it without fatigue or bruises - unless, of course, you use reinforced ammunition. This version of the police gun has the already familiar rifle sights with an adjustable rear sight. Also, with the help of a corresponding extension, the magazine capacity has been increased by two rounds. The coating on the extension is phosphating, exactly matching the coating on the gun itself.

The second option comes without a magazine extension (if you want to increase the magazine capacity, you will have to buy an extension), but it is equipped with a telescopic stock with a pistol grip from the BLACKHAWK company! A pistol grip stock has advantages when shooting from awkward positions, and also does not require retraining or adaptation if you are simultaneously training with a tactical carbine. In addition, the telescopic butt can be adjusted to suit the shooter with any anthropometric data and to suit any type of clothing or equipment used (for example, when wearing body armor, butts of reduced length are more convenient, which is easily achieved in the case of a telescopic butt). Another useful option is the many variations of sling attachments to this stock. However, when shooting, due to the configuration, part of the recoil is transferred to the shooting hand, which may require getting used to.

Also, instead of the standard ones, this version of the Remington 870 Police has an adjustable diopter sight from Scattergun Technologies installed on the receiver. Milled from a block of steel, this rear sight is as reliable as the Remington 870 Police itself. You get used to it very easily and quickly - and aiming becomes very fast, and shooting becomes very accurate.

History of creation

The Remington 870 is the fourth popular pump-action shotgun model developed by Remington. John Pedersen developed the Remington Model 10 (later improved as the Model 29). John Browning developed the Model 17 (a design later used in the Ithaca 37 shotgun).

It was these decisions that became the basis for the Remington 31. The Model 31 became quite widespread, but still gave way to the Winchester 1200 on the market. The Remington company sought to correct the situation and in 1949 introduced an improved, reliable and relatively affordable Remington 870.

The 870 showed more stable sales than its predecessors. In 1973, sales reached 2 million units, which is 10 times more than the Model 31. Thanks to the introduction of the Express model, a cheaper analogue of the original Wingmaster due to the use of carbon steel and other materials in the construction, sales reached 7 000,000 units.

On April 13, 2009, the ten millionth Remington Model 870 shotgun was sold, setting a new sales record. To date, the number of officially sold guns of this model exceeds 12 million units.

Military samples were produced with magazines for 7 or 8 rounds. Police versions were available with fixed or folding stocks, or shortened models without them, but with pistol grips.

Civilian models are supplied with a legally permitted configuration, a folding or full-bodied fixed stock, a short magazine with or without the ability to install an extension.

Remington 870 Special Purpose Marine Magnum

We should also talk about the “seaworthy” version of the Remington 870 - the Special Purpose Marine Magnum shotgun. All metal surfaces of this gun, including the inside of the receiver and the bore, have a protective nickel plating - with this coating the gun is not afraid of any moisture. This gun will not corrode even with constant exposure to salt water or sea fog - which is why the Remington 870 Special Purpose Marine Magnum is often seen on US Coast Guard crews. The versatility and omnivorousness of a smooth-bore pump-action shotgun has long been appreciated by the guards of the American sea coast: such a weapon is perfect for signal shots, and if this does not work, then more serious cartridges are used - for example, with copper-plated caliber or sub-caliber steel bullets, capable of not only to break through the side of any smugglers' boat, but also to turn its engine into a pile of useless scrap metal.

The Remington 870 Special Purpose Marine Magnum is equipped with a 47 cm (18.5”) barrel with a constant cylinder choke. The classic round front sight, also nickel-plated, is used as an aiming device.

The stock has a standard configuration, but is equipped with a soft SuperCell recoil pad, which more effectively absorbs recoil.

It's hard to find a more beautiful gun than the Remington 870 Special Purpose Marine Magnum - you just won't want to let it go. The only downside is that it is shiny and conspicuous. Take this into account if stealth of movement is important to you.

The Remington 870 Special Purpose Marine Magnum is suitable for those who plan to use the gun in difficult conditions or simply like high-quality, unpretentious things. It is difficult to think of a situation in which Special Purpose Marine Magnum would not do its job. Another bonus of nickel-plating surfaces is that the entire mechanism operates as smoothly as possible.

Features of use

First you need to pay attention to the quality of the cartridges. It is better not to use ammunition with a soft case, since when fired, the case may become deformed, which will cause problems with reloading. Other cartridges are suitable without restrictions. You can use ammunition with an increased amount of gunpowder.

When hunting in winter, it can be difficult to remove the gun from the safety, but this can be avoided by installing a larger button that is convenient for working with gloves.

Conveniently, you can carry a gun without chambering a cartridge; this prevents spontaneous firing, and if necessary, you can bring it into firing position almost instantly. Reloading can also be done in the position at the shoulder, but we must remember that jerking the fore-end in the absence of experience will lead the barrel away from the directrix (trajectory) of the shot.

The weapon is convenient to maintain, but requires regular, timely cleaning and lubrication of not only the barrel and trigger, but all surfaces, both internal and external.

In general, the Remington 870 is a truly universal weapon for hunting any game. This model, taking into account the above recommendations, is perfect for both novice hunters and experienced professionals.