The Remington 870 is one of the most widely recognized and respected pump-action shotguns in the world. Since its introduction in 1950, the 870 has become a favorite among hunters, home defenders, law enforcement, and military personnel. Known for its durability, reliability, and versatility, the 870 has stood the test of time, evolving into a comprehensive series of shotguns with multiple models for various applications. This guide will explore the history, evolution, and key models of the Remington 870 series.
The History of the Remington 870
The Remington 870 was introduced in 1950 as a replacement for the Remington Model 31. Designed by L. Ray Crittendon, the 870 was built with a focus on simplicity, durability, and affordability. Its innovative dual action bars provided smooth, reliable cycling of the action, setting it apart from competing models. Over the decades, the 870 has sold more than 11 million units, making it one of the most popular shotguns of all time.
Military and Law Enforcement Use
The Remington 870 has been used by law enforcement and military units across the globe, thanks to its rugged construction and dependability. The 870 Police Magnum and 870 Tactical variants are particularly popular in law enforcement, while the 870 MCS (Modular Combat Shotgun) is favored by military personnel for its versatility in combat scenarios.
Key Models of the Remington 870 Series
Over the years, the Remington 870 has evolved into a variety of models, each designed for specific purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular and notable variants:
Remington 870 Wingmaster
Overview: The Wingmaster is the original and most iconic model of the 870 series. With its polished blue finish and high-gloss walnut stock, the Wingmaster is often considered the pinnacle of traditional pump-action shotguns.
Best Use: Hunting, particularly for upland birds, waterfowl, and small game.
Key Features: Smooth cycling action, durable walnut stock, and polished blue steel finish.
Remington 870 Express
Overview: The 870 Express is a more affordable version of the Wingmaster, designed with a matte finish and synthetic stock to lower production costs while maintaining the core functionality of the 870.
Best Use: Hunting, target shooting, and home defense.
Key Features: Matte finish, synthetic stock, and durable construction for outdoor use.
Remington 870 Express Tactical
Overview: The Express Tactical model is specifically designed for home defense and law enforcement. It comes with a shorter barrel, often equipped with a breaching choke and rail system for mounting accessories.
Best Use: Home defense, law enforcement, and tactical scenarios.
Key Features: Shorter barrel, breaching choke, and Picatinny rail for optics and accessories.
Remington 870 Police Magnum
Overview: Built to higher specifications than the Express models, the 870 Police Magnum is designed for law enforcement use. It features upgraded metal parts, heavier springs, and a durable parkerized finish to withstand harsh conditions.
Best Use: Law enforcement and military applications.
Key Features: Heavier duty springs, parkerized finish, and metal trigger guard for durability.
Remington 870 Marine Magnum
Overview: The Marine Magnum is designed for harsh environments, such as marine use, with a nickel-plated finish that resists rust and corrosion. It’s popular with boaters, campers, and those who need a shotgun that can withstand extreme conditions.
Best Use: Marine use, outdoor environments, and home defense.
Key Features: Nickel-plated finish, synthetic stock, and corrosion-resistant design.
Remington 870 MCS (Modular Combat Shotgun)
Overview: The 870 MCS is a modular system that allows for quick changes between various configurations, including breaching, close-quarters combat, and full-length shotgun setups.
Best Use: Military and tactical operations.
Key Features: Quick-change barrel system, modular accessories, and compact design for breaching.
Key Features of the Remington 870 Series
The Remington 870 series shares several defining features that have contributed to its longevity and success:
Dual Action Bars
One of the standout features of the 870 is its dual action bar design. This system ensures smooth and reliable cycling, reducing the chances of binding or jamming, even after extended use.
Modularity
The 870 is known for its modularity, allowing users to easily swap out barrels, stocks, and other components to suit different purposes. Whether you need a longer barrel for hunting or a shorter one for home defense, the 870’s versatility makes it easy to customize.
Durability
The 870 is built to last, with models like the Police Magnum and Marine Magnum designed specifically to endure harsh conditions. Whether you're using it in extreme weather or for heavy-duty tactical applications, the 870 series is known for its rugged construction.
Aftermarket Support
The Remington 870 has one of the largest aftermarket communities, with countless options for upgrades and customization. From different stocks and forends to optics and extended magazine tubes, there’s no shortage of ways to personalize your 870.
Remington 870 vs. Mossberg 500: A Classic Rivalry
The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are often compared as two of the most iconic pump-action shotguns. While both are excellent options, there are a few key differences:
Build Quality: The Remington 870 is known for its all-steel receiver, providing a solid and durable platform. In contrast, the Mossberg 500 has an aluminum receiver, making it slightly lighter but less robust.
Safety Location: The Remington 870 uses a cross-bolt safety located behind the trigger, while the Mossberg 500 has a tang-mounted safety, which is easier to use for left-handed shooters.
Aftermarket Options: Both shotguns have extensive aftermarket support, but the 870 generally offers more customization options due to its popularity with law enforcement and tactical users.
Special Awards and Recognitions
The Remington 870 has garnered numerous awards and recognition for its performance and innovation:
National Rifle Association (NRA) Golden Bullseye Award: The 870 series has been recognized for its durability, performance, and versatility over the years.
American Rifleman Editor's Choice Award: The Remington 870 has consistently been praised by firearm experts for its reliability and user-friendly design.
Recommended Current Models of the Remington 870
Here are some of the most popular and innovative models of the Remington 870 still available today:
Remington 870 Express Tactical
Best Use: Home defense and tactical scenarios.
Key Features: Shorter barrel, breaching choke, and rail system for mounting optics or accessories.
Remington 870 Wingmaster
Best Use: Hunting and sporting.
Key Features: Classic walnut stock, smooth cycling action, and polished blue steel finish.
Remington 870 Marine Magnum
Best Use: Marine use and outdoor environments.
Key Features: Corrosion-resistant nickel-plated finish, synthetic stock, and durable construction for harsh conditions.
The Remington 870 series has earned its place as one of the most reliable and versatile pump-action shotguns in history. From its traditional Wingmaster models to its tactical Police Magnum variants, the 870 has served millions of users for over 70 years. Its enduring popularity among hunters, law enforcement, and home defenders is a testament to its reliability and performance.
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