The Remington 870: A Time-Honored Tradition in Pump-Action Shotguns
In the annals of firearms history, few models have stood the test of time and proved themselves across as diverse a range of applications as the Remington Model 870 shotgun. From its debut in 1951, the Remington 870 has established itself as a beloved icon in the world of pump-action shotguns, earning a reputation for reliability, durability, and versatility. This article dives into the journey of the Remington 870, shedding light on its evolution and the various models that have catered to the needs of hunters, law enforcement, and recreational shooters alike.
Birth of a Legend
The Remington 870 emerged in the post-World War II era, a time ripe for innovation in firearms design. It was conceived to replace the Remington Model 31, which, while appreciated for its sleek design and smooth operation, fell short in sales compared to the popular Winchester Model 12. With the 870, Remington sought to capture a larger share of the burgeoning shotgun market.
The Core Appeal
At the heart of the Remington 870's enduring appeal is its solid design. The receiver is milled from a solid block of steel, providing a robust framework that can withstand the rigors of heavy use. The twin action bars ensure smooth, bind-free cycling, making operation reliable under a range of conditions.
Diverse Models for Diverse Needs
Over the decades, the Remington 870 has evolved into a family of shotguns catering to a broad spectrum of needs:
Remington 870 Wingmaster
The Wingmaster was the original model that set the stage for the 870's success. Its polished walnut and high-gloss blued steel were marks of quality that made it a preferred choice among hunters and clay shooters. The craftsmanship inherent in the Wingmaster model continues to be a benchmark in the 870 series.
Remington 870 Express
Introduced as a budget-friendly alternative to the Wingmaster, the 870 Express offers a matte finish and hardwood or synthetic stocks. Despite its lower price point, the Express retains the reliable pump-action mechanism that the 870 is known for, making it a popular choice for many shotgun enthusiasts.
Remington 870 Police
Specifically tailored for law enforcement needs, the 870 Police model offers enhanced reliability and ruggedness. With features like a heavier sear spring and carrier latch spring, this model ensures smooth operation under adverse conditions. The Parkerized finish and sturdy walnut or synthetic stock are designed to withstand the rigors of law enforcement duty.
Remington 870 Tactical
The Tactical model caters to both law enforcement and civilian markets, offering various configurations to meet different operational needs. With options for extended magazines, Picatinny rails, and ghost ring sights, the 870 Tactical provides a customizable platform for defensive purposes.
Remington 870 Marine Magnum
For those in need of a corrosion-resistant shotgun, the Marine Magnum is the answer. Its nickel plating provides a robust defense against rust, making it suitable for marine environments.
Remington 870 DM (Detachable Magazine)
Adding a modern twist to the classic design, the 870 DM incorporates a detachable magazine system for quicker reloads. This model is a reflection of Remington's commitment to evolving with the times while retaining the trusted 870 platform.
Remington 870 Competition
Tailored for the competitive shooter, the 870 Competition model features a unique gas-operated system to reduce recoil, facilitating faster follow-up shots on the range.
Remington 870 Slug Gun
Designed for hunting big game with rifled slugs, this model provides an accurate and powerful option for hunters. With its rifled barrel and cantilever scope mount, the 870 Slug Gun is a formidable tool in the field.
comparison Specs
| Model | Finish | Stock Material | Barrel Length | Chamber Size | Magazine Capacity | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 870 Wingmaster | High-Gloss Blued Steel | Walnut | 28" | 3" | 4+1 | Classic Design |
| 870 Express | Matte Black | Hardwood or Synthetic | 28" | 3" | 4+1 | Budget-Friendly |
| 870 Police | Parkerized | Walnut or Synthetic | 18" | 3" | 6+1 | Enhanced Reliability |
| 870 Tactical | Matte Black or Camo | Synthetic | 18.5" | 3" | 6+1 or 7+1 | Various configurations, Picatinny rails, Ghost ring sights |
| 870 Marine Magnum | Nickel Plating | Synthetic | 18" | 3" | 6+1 | Corrosion Resistant |
| 870 DM (Detachable Magazine) | Matte Black | Synthetic | 18.5" | 3" | 6+1 (Magazine) | Detachable Magazine, Rapid Reloads |
| 870 Competition | High-Gloss Blued Steel | Walnut | 30" | 2.75" | 4+1 | Gas Operated Recoil Reduction |
| 870 Slug Gun | Matte Blued | Hardwood or Synthetic | 24" | 3" | 4+1 | Rifled Barrel, Cantilever Scope Mount |
Each iteration of the Remington 870 showcases a blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring its legacy as a reliable and versatile shotgun continues to thrive across various fields of use. Through its diverse models, the Remington 870 remains a testimony to Remington’s dedication to delivering quality and performance.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
This table gives a clear representation of which Remington 870 model might be best suited for different rifle usage scenarios, along with a brief explanation for each association.
| Usage Scenario | Best Suited Remington 870 Model | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Home Defense | 870 Tactical | Compact size, extended magazine capacity, accessory mounting options. |
| Law Enforcement | 870 Police | Enhanced reliability, rugged construction, accessory mounting options. |
| Hunting | 870 Wingmaster | High-quality finish, reliable performance, various barrel lengths. |
| Marine Environments | 870 Marine Magnum | Corrosion-resistant finish, reliable performance in harsh conditions. |
| Competitive Shooting | 870 Competition | Gas-operated recoil reduction, tailored for competitive scenarios. |
| Big Game Hunting | 870 Slug Gun | Rifled barrel for slug ammunition, cantilever scope mount for accuracy. |
An In-depth Look at the Remington 870 Components
The Remington 870, a shotgun that has garnered a loyal following among hunters, law enforcement officers, and firearms enthusiasts, owes much of its popularity to its robust and simple design. At the heart of its functionality are the carefully engineered components that work seamlessly together to provide the user with a reliable and efficient firearm. This article explores the key components of the Remington 870, shedding light on the anatomy of this iconic shotgun.
Receiver:
The receiver is the central component of the Remington 870, housing the trigger group, the bolt assembly, and the magazine tube. Milled from a solid block of steel, the receiver is built to endure the demands of heavy use, making the 870 a durable choice for various applications.
Barrel:
The Remington 870's barrels come in various lengths and finishes to suit different purposes. Whether for hunting, sports shooting, or tactical use, the barrels are designed to provide accurate and consistent shot patterns.
Bolt and Bolt Carrier
The bolt and bolt carrier are critical for the shotgun's operation. As the pump-action is cycled, the bolt carrier moves the bolt back and forth, ejecting spent shells and chambering fresh rounds from the magazine.
Trigger Group
The trigger group encompasses the trigger, hammer, sear, and other related components. It’s designed for a smooth trigger pull and reliable firing, crucial for the shotgun's performance.
Magazine Tube
The magazine tube under the barrel holds additional rounds, with capacities varying depending on the model. It's a straightforward system that allows for easy loading and unloading.
Stock and Forend
The stock and forend are pivotal for the user’s control over the shotgun. They come in various materials and designs, catering to personal preferences and the intended use of the firearm.
Ejector and Extractor:
The extractor pulls the spent shell casing from the chamber, while the ejector propels it out of the shotgun. These components are essential for the reliable cycling of the action.
Safety Mechanism
The safety mechanism on the Remington 870 is a simple push-button located behind the trigger, ensuring a safe handling of the shotgun when engaged.
Accessory Mounting Options
Modern versions of the Remington 870 offer a variety of accessory mounting options, including Picatinny rails and M-Lok slots, allowing users to customize their shotgun with lights, sights, and other accessories.
The Remington 870's enduring popularity can be attributed to its well-thought-out design and the synergy between its components. Each part of the 870 is crafted with a purpose, coming together to offer a shotgun that is reliable, easy to maintain, and versatile in its applications. Through an understanding of its components, users can truly appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into every Remington 870, making it a cherished choice for shotgun aficionados around the globe.
remington 870 gauges
he Remington 870 is chambered in a variety of gauges, including 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 bore. Among these, the 12-gauge is typically the most popular due to its versatility and effectiveness in a wide range of shooting scenarios. This gauge is a common choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian use, and there are many different loadings available, making it adaptable to everything from hunting to home defense. The 12-gauge chambering is found in several models of the Remington 870, including the classic Wingmaster and Express models, as well as tactical and law enforcement configurations. Each of these models caters to different user needs and preferences, but the 12-gauge remains a staple due to its balance of power and manageability.
Legacy and Continued Relevance
he Remington 870 is chambered in a variety of gauges, including 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 bore. Among these, the 12-gauge is typically the most popular due to its versatility and effectiveness in a wide range of shooting scenarios. This gauge is a common choice for law enforcement, military, and civilian use, and there are many different loadings available, making it adaptable to everything from hunting to home defense. The 12-gauge chambering is found in several models of the Remington 870, including the classic Wingmaster and Express models, as well as tactical and law enforcement configurations. Each of these models caters to different user needs and preferences, but the 12-gauge remains a staple due to its balance of power and manageability.
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