Remington 870 - America's Most Popular Shotgun
Learn Why Remington 870 Is the Most Popular Pump Action Shotgun ?
The Remington Model 870 is known as the king of American shotguns, counted in the list of popular pump-action shotguns. Widely used shotguns for hunting, shooting sports, self-defense, law enforcement, and military organizations.
Remington has a rich history in manufacturing the 870 series of shotguns and 700 series rifles. The 870 is a classic pump-action shotgun with different variants with 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge & 410 Bores.
Every gun owner must give a try to this popular shotgun.
In this buying guide, we will help you to understand why the Remington is known as one of the most popular firearms in the USA.
Quick Look Of Remington 870
| Designer |
L. Ray Crittendon, Phillip Haskell, Ellis Hailston, G.E. Princkney |
| Effective range |
40 m |
| Weight |
7.0 lb (3.2 kg) to 8.0 lb (3.6 kg) |
| Price |
About $400 |
| Cartridge |
12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, or .410 bore |
| Muzzle velocity |
1550 ft/s |
| Length |
37.25 in (946 mm) to 50.5 in (1,280 mm) |
| Barrel length |
18 in (460 mm) to 30 in (760 mm) |
| Place of origin |
United States |
| Effective range |
40 m |
| In service |
1951–Present |
| Manufacturer |
Remington Arms |
| Action |
Pump-action |
| Feed system |
3- to 8 Round internal tube magazine |
| Sights |
Bead, twin bead, adjustable open sights, or ghost ring (all iron sights). Also cantilever and receiver-mounts for scopes |
| Variants |
Wingmaster, Express, Marine, SPS, SPS-T, XCS, TAC, Super Mag,MCS |
Brief Overview of Remington 870
The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun that has been in production since 1950. It is one of the most popular and widely used shotguns in the world, known for its reliability, versatility, and durability. Here's a brief overview of the Remington 870:
- Design: The Remington 870 features a robust and simple pump-action design. It has a tubular magazine located under the barrel and a forend that is manually pumped to cycle the action, extracting and ejecting spent shells while loading fresh ones.
- Gauge Options: The Remington 870 is available in several gauge options, including 12, 16, 20, and .410 bore. The 12-gauge variant is the most common and offers a wide range of ammunition choices.
- Barrel Lengths: The shotgun is offered with various barrel lengths to suit different purposes. It can have short barrels for tactical or home defense applications or longer barrels for hunting or sport shooting.
- Versatility: The Remington 870 is renowned for its versatility. It can be used for various purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, home defense, and law enforcement. The wide range of configurations and accessories available make it adaptable to different shooting needs.
- Magazine Capacity: The magazine capacity of the Remington 870 typically ranges from four to six rounds, depending on the specific model and configuration. Extended magazine tubes are also available to increase the capacity.
- Aftermarket Support: The Remington 870 enjoys extensive aftermarket support, with a wide range of accessories and modifications available. This allows users to customize their shotgun with different stocks, forends, sights, magazine extensions, and other enhancements.
- Popularity: The Remington 870 has gained immense popularity and widespread adoption over the years. It is commonly used by hunters, recreational shooters, law enforcement agencies, and the military. Its reputation for reliability and durability has contributed to its enduring success.
- Legacy: The Remington 870 has established itself as an iconic shotgun with a rich history. Its timeless design and continued production have made it a staple firearm for generations of shooters.
Overall, the Remington 870 is celebrated for its reliability, versatility, and adaptability. It has earned its place as one of the most respected and widely used shotguns in the world.
Remington 870 Features
- Pump action
- Durability
- Silky-smooth bind-free action
- Sleek classical lines
- Bottom Loading, side ejecting receiver
- Plug for migratory bird hunting
- Dual action bars
- Internal hammer
Remington 870 Specifications
- Caliber: 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, or .410 bore
- Length: 40″
- Barrel Length: 20″ (14 through 28″ also available)
- Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Capacity: 7 Rounds (4 to 6 also available)
- Action: Pump Action
- Feed system : 3+1, 4+1, 5+1, 6+1, or 7+1 round internal tube magazine, or an external 6+1 box magazine
- Sights : Bead, twin bead, adjustable open sights, or ghost ring (all iron sights). Also cantilever and receiver-mounts for scopes
- Mass : 7.0 lb (3.2 kg) to 8.0 lb (3.6 kg)
- Length: 26.3 in (670 mm) to 50.5 in (1,280 mm)
Why is the Remington 870 So Popular?
The Remington 870 shotgun has gained popularity for several reasons:
- Durability: The Remington 870 is known for its rugged construction and durability. It is built to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions, making it a reliable firearm that can last for generations.
- Versatility: The Remington 870 is highly versatile, allowing it to be used for various purposes. It can be configured for hunting, sport shooting, home defense, and law enforcement applications. Its ability to accommodate different barrel lengths, chokes, and accessories makes it adaptable to different shooting needs.
- Affordable and Available: The Remington 870 is widely available and offered at a relatively affordable price compared to other shotguns on the market. Its popularity has led to a robust market with numerous models, variants, and accessories, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
- Lightweight: The Remington 870 is known for its manageable weight, especially in comparison to some other shotgun models. This makes it easier to handle and carry for extended periods, enhancing its usability for various shooting activities.
- Legal Protection: The Remington 870, like other firearms, is protected by laws that uphold the rights of individuals to own and use firearms for lawful purposes. This legal protection provides peace of mind to individuals who choose the Remington 870 for their personal or professional needs.
These factors, combined with the Remington 870's reputation for reliability and its extensive aftermarket support, have contributed to its enduring popularity among shooters, hunters, law enforcement agencies, and the military.
The Remington 870's combination of durability, versatility, affordability, and legal protection has solidified its position as one of the most popular shotguns in the world.
Remington 870 Pros & Cons
If you are in the market for home defense or hunting shotgun, then pick up a Remington 870! As the Remington 870 is one of the most popular shotgun in America, it still has some disadvantages. Lets know about the pros & cons of Remington 870:
Pros of the Remington 870
- Reliability: The Remington 870 is renowned for its reliability. It has a proven track record of functioning consistently, even in adverse conditions. This reliability makes it a trusted firearm for critical situations.
- Versatility: The Remington 870 is highly versatile and can be adapted for various applications. With different barrel lengths, chokes, and accessories available, it can be tailored to meet the specific needs of hunting, sport shooting, home defense, and law enforcement.
- Aftermarket Support: The Remington 870 enjoys extensive aftermarket support, offering a wide range of accessories and modifications. This allows users to customize their shotgun according to their preferences, enhancing its functionality and performance.
- Wide Availability: The Remington 870 is widely available, making it easily accessible to shooters in many regions. Its popularity has led to a broad market presence, ensuring that spare parts and accessories are readily obtainable.
- Durability: The Remington 870 is known for its durable construction. It is built to withstand heavy use and demanding conditions, making it a long-lasting firearm that can endure years of reliable service.
Cons of the Remington 870
- Heavy Recoil: The recoil of the Remington 870 can be substantial, especially when firing heavier loads. This can affect shooting comfort and may require users to adapt their shooting technique or use recoil-reducing accessories.
- Limited Capacity: The Remington 870, in its standard configuration, typically has a limited magazine capacity compared to some other shotgun designs. While extended magazine tubes are available, the base capacity may be a consideration for users who require higher round counts.
- Pump-Action Limitations: As a pump-action shotgun, the Remington 870 requires manual operation to cycle the action. This can limit its rate of fire compared to semi-automatic shotguns, especially in rapid-fire scenarios.
- Potential for Short Stroking: The pump-action mechanism of the Remington 870 requires a full and deliberate stroke to cycle reliably. Short stroking, where the action is not fully cycled, can lead to malfunctions, emphasizing the importance of proper technique and training.
- Limited Sighting Options: The Remington 870, in its basic configuration, typically features a front bead sight, which may not provide the same level of precision as more advanced sighting systems. While aftermarket sights and optics can be added, they come at an additional cost.
It's important to note that individual experiences and preferences may vary, and these pros and cons are generalized observations.
Different Variants Of Remington 870
| Model |
Gauge |
Barrel Length |
Barrel Type |
Description |
| FieldMaster Deer |
12 gauge |
20 |
Fully rifled |
20-inch fully rifled barrel with adjustable rifle sights. Satin black finish with walnut stock and fore-end with rubber recoil pad. |
| 410 Turkey TSS |
.410 bore |
25 |
Vent Rib, Rem Choke |
Extended full choke, TRUGLO rail system. Receiver milled for maximum strength and reliability. |
| Turkey Camo |
12 gauge |
21 |
Vent Rib, Rem Choke |
Pump action with full Rem Choke. Matte black finish on barrel and receiver. Synthetic stock. Shoots both 2 3/4" and 3". |
| SPS Superslug |
12 gauge |
25 1/2 |
Fully rifled extra heavy (fluted) |
Drilled and tapped sights, Matte black finish. Synthetic stock. |
| Fieldmaster |
12, 20 gauge |
28, 26, 21, 18.75, 26" & 20 |
Vent rib Rem Choke and fully rifled |
Bead and rifle sights, satin black carbon steel receiver finish, American walnut satin stock finish. |
| Fieldmaster Synthetic |
12, 20 gauge |
28, 26, 21, 21 & 20 |
Vent rib Rem Choke and fully rifled |
Bead and rifle sights, satin blue receiver finish, matte black synthetic stock finish. |
| Special Purpose Marine Magnum |
12 gauge |
18 1/2 |
Cylinder Choke |
Corrosion resistant utility gun with synthetic stock. |
| SPS Super Mag Turkey Predator |
12-gauge, 2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/2" |
20 |
Rem Choke |
Slide action with pistol grip stock and black overmolded grip panels. |
| Super Magnum Flyaway |
2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/2" 12-gauge |
28 |
Vent rib, Rem Choke |
Slide action with innovative bolt design keeps cycle stroke equal for all 3 lengths of shotshells. |
| Super Magnum Turkey/Waterfowl Camo |
2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/2" 12-gauge |
26 |
Vent rib, Rem Choke |
Pump shotgun with camo coverage. |
| Wingmaster |
12 gauge 2 3/4" and 3", and 20 gauge, and .410 bore |
25-28 |
Vent Rib, Rem Choke |
Satin finish on stock and fore-end. American walnut woodwork. Receiver and barrel are polished blue. |
| Fieldmaster Fully Rifled Cantilever |
12 gauge |
20 |
Fully rifled |
Fully rifled barrel with black satin finish and walnut stock with fore-end rubber recoil pads. |
The Remington 870 comes in many variations chambered in 12, 16, 20, 28 gauges and .410 bore. From the original 15 models, Remington now produces dozens more to meet the diverse needs of civilian, law enforcement and military. Variations of the original Model 870 collection include:
Top 5 Most Popular Remington 870 Variants
The Remington 870 pump-action shotgun comes with a wide range of variants. Every type of variant has its own advantages . Below we are picking the top 5 most popular variants of the Remington 870.
Remington 870 Express
Remington started producing the 870 Express, a more cost-effective variation of the 1950-introduced Wingmaster, in 1987.
It's also known as the duck hunter's shotgun with its very first tour of duty at the side of waterfowl hunters in the marsh. It's also one of the most affordable top of the line pump action shotguns on the market.
Model 870 Express specs
- Gauge: 12-Gauge
- Action: Pump
- Capacity: 4+1
- Chamber: 3-inch
- Barrel type: Vent rib
- Barrel length: 26-inch, 28-inch (tested)
- Choke: Rem Choke (Modified)
- Sights: Single bead
- Finish: Black synthetic, hardwood/matte blue (test)
- Length: 48.5"
- LOP: 14 inches
- Trigger pull: 5.3 pounds
- Overall weight: 7.6 pounds
Remington 870 Wingmaster
In the upland fields and woodlands of America, the Model 870 Wingmaster wakes to greet yet another day.
More than 60 years after its debut, the Model 870 continues to serve as the benchmark against which all pump shotguns are judged due to its exceptional smoothness and dependability.
Specifications
- Gauge : 12 Gauge
- Chamber : 3in
- Capacity : 4+1
- Barrel Length : 26in
- Lop : 14.25in
- Finish : High Polish Blued
- Choke : Light Contour Vent Rib
- Weight : 6.75lbs
- Action : Pump
- Color : Brown
- Hand : Right
- Overall Length : 46.5in
- Product Line : Model 870
- Sights : Twin Bead
- State Compliance : California Compliant, Washington Compliant, Colorado Compliant, New York Compliant
- Stock Material : Wood
- Use : Hunting, Skeet
Remington 870 FieldMaster
Hunting enthusiasts can enjoy the best of all worlds with the brand-new 870 FieldMaster, an American pump gun. The Model 870 FieldMaster has a ready-for-work exterior and offers the same level of durability, craftsmanship, and accuracy as Remington's renowned Model 870 Wingmaster, but at a far lower cost.
Specifications
- Gauge : 12 Gauge
- Chamber : 3in
- Capacity : 4+1
- Barrel Length : 26in
- Lop : 14in
- Finish : Satin Black Carbon Steel
- Choke : IC,M,F
- Weight : 7.25lbs
- Action : Pump
- Color : Brown
- Overall Length : 46.5in
- Sights : Single Bead
- State Compliance : California Compliant, Washington Compliant, Colorado Compliant, New York Compliant
- Stock Material : Wood
Remington 870 410 Turkey TSS
New for 2020 is Remington's 870 .410 turkey gun and it is a dandy. It comes with a 25 inch vent rib barrel, threaded for screw chokes, and only one choke tube is supplied.
The twin action bars are incredibly smooth, preventing binding and twisting so that you can always fire a second shot.
Specifications
- Gauge : 410 Gauge
- Chamber : 3in
- Barrel Length : 25in
- Lop : 4+1
- Finish : Realtree Timber Camo
- Choke : F
- Action : Pump
- Color : Camo
- Hand : Right
- Product Line : Model 870 Turkey
- Sights : TruGlo
- State Compliance : California Compliant, Washington Compliant, Colorado Compliant, New York Compliant
- Stock Material : Composite
- Use : Hunting
Remington 870 SPS Superslug
This is a specialized machine: a shotgun designed for deer hunting. It’s a weird looking gun. The useful stock just can’t reconcile with the long front end of the rifle-like barrel.
This shotgun's barrel is of extra-heavy, 1in diameter configuration and measures a full 25 1/2in. It's also pinned to the receiver to control vibration for rifle-like, shot-to-shot consistency.
Specifications
- Gauge : 12 Gauge
- Chamber : 3in
- Capacity : 4+1
- Barrel Length : 25.5in
- Lop : 13.75in
- Finish : Matte Blue
- Weight : 7.875lbs
- Action : Pump
- Color : Black
- Hand : Right
- Overall Length : 47in
- Product Line : Model 870 SPS
- Sights : Drilled and Tapped
- State Compliance : California Compliant, Washington Compliant, Colorado Compliant, New York Compliant
- Stock Material : Composite
- Use : Hunting, Skeet, Tactical
These were the top 5 popular variants of remington. But there are too many other popular variants available in the market. You can choose according to your requirements.
Final Verdict
The Remington 870 is a fantastic pistol all around and will withstand years of service outdoors. The Remington Model 870 shotgun has established itself as the most popular pump shotgun in the history of firearms.
This accomplishment was made possible by a steadfast design and creative Remington management, which over the course of 53 years has created dozens of modifications to meet the needs of millions of shotgun enthusiasts.
It's an equally terrific option if you're an experienced hunter looking for a gun for inclement weather, a backup gun, or a gun to lend to visitors.
