The Remington 870 is a famously proven gun design introduced in 1950. It's one of those rugged firearms that revolutionized the pump action with a price tag shooters can't resist.
Remington 870 Pump Action Shotgun
The Remington 870 is also known for its versatility in bird hunting, upland game, and deer hunting, and as a viable home defense tool. Its many capabilities made it a firearm adopted both by the US Military and police.
Extended mag capacity, barrel heat shields, and bayonet mounting are just a few features of this Remington making it a well-rounded firearm in the tactical department.
I've been told a dozen times this gun hasn't stopped evolving since it was introduced in 1950, and it could be right considering the many different configurations and gauges this gun has.
Gun Specs
This pump action Remington shotgun has 3, 4, and 6-shot magazines with barrel lengths available in 18, 18.5, 20, 21, 23, 25, 25.5, 26, 28, and 30 inches. Ammunition includes gauges 12, 20, 28, and .410 (3″, 3-1/2″ chambers).
Image via range365
The sights are available in fixed and adjustable. Wood and synthetic stocks also make up an overall weight of 5.75 to 8.13 pounds.
Ease of Use and Performance
They say nothing beats the feel and control of a Remington 870. If you don't like the fixed sights, it allows easy acquisition by switching to the adjustable ones. I got three of these guns and shot about a thousand times with it.
Image via hickok45
The accuracy is the same and it's just a workhorse. Follow-up shots will depend on how quick your pump action goes so it's just a matter of mastering your own rhythm while firing.
Pros and Cons
The versatility of this Remington makes it difficult to find any flaws with this gun. There are 3 models of this firearm to cover almost everything a shooter could ask for.
The 870 Express, 879 Wingmaster, and 870 Police are the three versions categorized from the most basic to the upgraded ones for reliability and ability to take a lot of abuse.
Image via thetruthaboutguns
I guess the only thing bugging me about this gun is all its features, why hasn't there been a semi-automatic version of it.
Overall Verdict and Price
At a price of $670, this shotgun is the ultimate deal. There's a fine reason why it's been used by the military and police worldwide.
Image via redbarnarmory
It's an excellent piece of tactical and home defense equipment, reliable, durable, and serves its purpose like no other. It's also the reason why I bought three of these firearms in the first place.
Watch this video of a Remington 870 torture test:
These guns are widely used not just in the military aspect. You can find used Remington 870s at pretty much any pawnshop in the country. If you do some searching, you can even find a lot of surplus police models out there.
Well, they're not always easy to find but if you're patient, it's almost impossible for you not to find one.
How do you find the Remington 870? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might be interested in more sophisticated guns. Look into these 11 gun types to keep you alive come doomsday!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in August 2015 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
I have an 870 with both bird/waterfowl and rifled slug barrels. Also have a Mossberg 500 with both barrels as well. In my opinion, I’ll take the 870 any day with one exception. Just my personal preference as to where the safety is mounted. I really like the safety positioning on the Mossberg. But, it’s hard to beat the 870. I like the rifled slug barrel for deer hunting. With my old tired eyes, a scoped slug gun really helps.
Maybe it’s because I’ve had my old 870 since High School (1964) that I’m so partial to it. Never gave me a bit of problem at all. Only had the 500 for about 10 years.
Got mine at 14 1962. Used it skeet shooting every weekend at Remington skeet range in conn got police version in 1972 when I entered law enforcement
Absolutely flawless skeet put over 10,000 rounds thru it never failed still here today.
Jim m ct
Carried one for years as a career police officer. It never failed. What more can I say. I still have it and it still works as good as the day I purchased it. I say purchased because back in the day on our department, we had to purchase our own firearms other than the issued side arm. It was used when I purchased it.
I have owned one of these for over 30 years. It is the only shotgun I currently use. It is used for birds, deer, squirrel and all kinds of hunting. It is the best shotgun available today in my opinion.
have an 870 wingmaster skeet gun
I own an 870 modified for home defense. I have owned this gun for over 30 years and found it nearly perfect for hunting deer, birds, or just shooting skeet.
I have 2 and an 1100 and they have not and will not let you down.
I personally own two 870’s But one of mine is not listed here. Because it is no longer being made. It is the 870 in 16 gauge. My other one is a 20 gauge. One day I hope to add the rest of them to my collection. (fingers crossed)
I carried an 870 12 gauge for over 30 years as a federal agent. We carried rifle slugs and 00 buck. This is the only shotgun that I use and trust for defense. I purchased one when I retired. This is the best shotgun ever made!
I bought my 870 12ga in the mid 60’s it will shoot the 3in magnum shells with the 30 in.full choke barrel that came with it, I added a 28in modified for quail and dove season! Excellent gun!!! I also have a 20ga model 1100 that is excellent!!!