The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Remington 870

There are few shotguns that can match the versatility of the Remington 870. From its first iteration in 1950 to today’s modern variations, shooters have found new uses for it time and time again. Its reputation as a reliable, affordable, and accessible shotgun is well-earned. Fortunately, there are also few other shotguns that are as easy to get your hands on as the Remington 870. With so many variations available from multiple manufacturers and third-party aftermarket support, you would be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed at just how many options there are out there. Which one is right for you? Read on to find out…


What is a Remington 870?

The Remington 870 is a 12-gauge, pump action shotgun that has been in production for over 70 years. It’s widely considered to be one of the most reliable shotguns ever made, and for good reason: it’s simple, rugged, and has a proven track record. The Remington 870 is a workhorse that’s built to perform in all conditions, in all situations, and for all kinds of shooters. It’s inexpensive and readily available, making it a great option for anyone who wants to own a shotgun but might not have the budget for a higher-end model. And with so many variations available, there’s a Remington 870 for just about any purpose. From trap shooting to hunting to home defense, the 870 has you covered.


What to look for when buying a Remington 870

There are a few key things to look for when shopping for a Remington 870: - Action type: You’ve got a few options here, but the most popular is a single-barrel shotgun with a pump action. These are versatile, easy to operate, and have a long track record of reliable performance. - Barrel length: The standard barrel length for a Remington 870 is 26 inches. This is a good, all-around length that’s suitable for most applications, but you can opt for different barrel lengths if you prefer. - Stock material: Most 870s come with a synthetic stock, but wood and synthetic stocks are both available as aftermarket parts. - Stock length: 870s usually come in one length, but some models are available in longer or shorter variants if you prefer.


Best Remington 870 Variants

There are a wide range of 870 variants available, each with their own features, benefits, and drawbacks. Here are the most popular 870 variants: - Express: This is the long-running “starter” model of the 870 line. It comes in at a very affordable price point, but it sacrifices a few advanced features in favor of a lower cost of production. You can’t go wrong with this model if you’re looking for a budget-friendly shotgun. - Wingmaster: The Wingmaster is the 870’s classic “all-around” model. It has a longer barrel than the Express, along with a synthetic stock, an extended magazine tube, and a classic walnut-finished stock. This is a solid choice if you’re a beginner or don’t have a specific use in mind. - Police: The 870 Police is a heavier-duty model designed for law enforcement and security use. It’s heavier, more durable, and more accurate than the Express, but it comes at a significantly higher price point.


Recommended Remington 870 Accessories

Here are a few accessories we recommend for the 870: - Stock: The standard synthetic 870 stock won’t break, but it’s not the most comfortable thing in the world. Aftermarket wood stocks are excellent, but they do come with a significant price increase. - Forend: A replacement forend offers an excellent way to improve control and accuracy. They are easy to install and come in a variety of materials and designs. - Magazine extension: This is a simple way to expand the capacity of your 870 without any major modifications or alterations. You’ll still be able to use the standard extended tube with a full-length magazine. - Sights: 870s come with bead sights, which are serviceable, but not ideal. Aftermarket sights are inexpensive, easy to install, and can help improve accuracy.


Conclusion

There are few shotguns that can match the versatility of the Remington 870. From its first iteration in 1950 to today’s modern variations, shooters have found new uses for it time and time again. The 870’s reputation as a reliable, affordable, and accessible shotgun is well-earned. Fortunately, there are also few other shotguns that are as easy to get your hands on as the 870. With so many variations available from multiple manufacturers, there’s a Remington 870 for just about any purpose. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly “starter” model or a heavy-duty law enforcement model, there’s an 870 variant for you.