REMINGTON 870 EXPRESS
Posted Jun 15, 2023
SHOTGUN
One of the most iconic and popular shotguns in history, the Remington 870 Express Shotgun deserves an in-depth, opinionated review. In this review, I will discuss the 870’s notable features, its internal and external design, and consider its use in various hunting and law enforcement scenarios. I will also touch upon its pros and cons, and provide a final opinion.
The Remington 870 Express Shotgun is a pump-action shotgun manufactured by Remington Arms in the United States. This workhorse of a shotgun has been in production for over 60 years, and is the most popular pump-action shotgun in production in the world with over eleven million made. This is largely due to the 870’s reliable construction, durable materials, and solid design that have made it the go-to shotgun for law enforcement agencies, military personnel, and hunters everywhere.
The 870 Express is available in both 12 and 20 gauge models. It is chambered for both two and three-inch magnum shells, offering plenty of versatility and power. The 870’s 18-inch barrel and vent-rib, bead sight make it quick and accurate rights out of the box. The 870 is comfortable to shoot with a soft-touch composite stock and forearm; the buttstock is also adjustable for length-of-pull. The receiver is also milled from solid steel, and features a cross-bolt safety. The 870 is rugged and reliable; it features a robust steel action, a tough black matte finish, and a durable twin-action bar design for smooth pump operation.
The 870 is light and portable, weighing only 7.2 pounds unloaded. This makes it ideal for hunting, as well as other activities such as home defense. The 870 also features a highly-maneuverable four round tube magazine that allows for quick follow up shots as needed. The 870 is also extremely reliable; it can fire a variety of rounds reliably with no jamming or malfunctions.
The 870 Express Shotgun is a reliable, durable, and versatile weapon that has been used in a variety of situations. It is a favorite among law enforcement and military personnel, due to its reliable design and robust construction. The 870 has also seen extensive use in the hunting community because of its lighter weight, accuracy, and power. It can also be ‘converted’ to a shorter, more compact, length for close-quarter engagements.
The 870 Express Shotgun is also widely appreciated by gun enthusiasts as a reliable workhorse for a variety of situations. It’s classic design, robust construction, and versatility make it a favorite for many shooters. Its ability to handle magnification and aftermarket accessories further expand its usability. With the addition of chokes, stock and forend, sights, and more, the 870 can be tailored to the user’s individual needs and specifications.
The Remington 870 Express Shotgun is a reliable, rugged, and versatile tool that has been used by many for a variety of hunting and law enforcement purposes. It is accurate, powerful, and easily maintained. The 870’s lightweight design makes it mobile and maneuverable, and its aftermarket customization options make it adaptable to fit the user’s needs. The 870’s robust design and construction make it a reliable weapon that is built to last.
That said, the 870 does have its drawbacks. The 870 has an average weight of just under eight pounds, which can be unwieldy for the small shooter. It also lacks any slanted grips or forward mounted rows of rails, which may make it difficult for some to hold and operate. The 870’s barrel is also non-ported and non-fluted, so recoil may be a bit more stout than some shooters may be used to.
In conclusion, I believe the Remington 870 Express Shotgun to be a reliable, accurate, and powerful shotgun that is sure to please the beginner and experienced shooter alike. Its reasonable price point, robust construction, and ability to adapt make it suitable for a variety of purposes. While the 870 may not be the most modern of designs, nor is it the lightest of shotguns, it is certainly a timeless classic that will provide many years of reliable service.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to use and maintain
- Highly reliable and durable
-Great for hunting and defense
- Versatile and can be customized with tactical accessories
- Supports both 2 3/4” and 3” shells
- Wide variety of barrel, gauge and chokes available
- Generally affordable
Cons:
- Low capacity magazine tubes (max of 7 rounds)
- Not as lightweight as some other shotguns
- Not as many tactical/aftermarket accessories available compared to other models
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a reliable, durable and affordable shotgun should consider the Remington 870 Express. It is an ideal shotgun for entry-level trap shooters and hunters, as well as those looking for a reliable home defense weapon.
Those looking for a more high-end shotgun should avoid the Remington 870 Express, as there are models available that are higher quality and offer more features. Additionally, those who are already experienced and knowledgeable in handling shotguns should likely look elsewhere, as the 870 Express is designed more for beginners.
Comparisons
| Feature | REMINGTON 870 EXPRESS | SMITH & WESSON M&P 12 | WINCHESTER SXP BLACK SHADOW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 18.5" | 18.5" | 28" |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 | 5+1 | 5+1 |
| Action Type | Pump Action | Semi-Auto | Pump Action |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 8.1 lbs | 7.4 lbs |
| Caliber | 12-gauge | 12-gauge | 12-gauge |
Features / Specs
• 12-gauge
• Pump-action
• Four+1 Capacity
• 18.5" barrel
• Smooth wood finish or camo synthetic
• Twins action bars
• Receivers are milled from solid billet aluminum
• Twin action bars for smooth, reliable non binding action
• Brass bead sight
• Single trigger
• Cross-bolt safety
• Matte finish, tough synthetic stock and forend
• Removable/interchangeable choke tube system (RemChoke)
Popular Accessories
SUPER MAGNUM
- Stock - Many shooters prefer to customize their 870 Express Super Magnum with an aftermarket stock, such as the Magpul SGA stock.
- Pistol Grip - Adding a pistol grip to the 870 Express Super Magnum is a great way to improve your grip and recoil control.
- Sling - Adding a sling to the 870 Express Super Magnum makes it easier to carry and transport.
- Recoil Pad - Installing a recoil pad on the 870 Express Super Magnum helps reduce felt recoil when shooting.
- Optics Mount - Many shooters opt to add an optics mount to their 870 Express Super Magnum, giving them the opportunity to add sights, scopes, or other optics.
Accuracy
The Remington 870 Express is very accurate for its intended uses. Fired at targets as close as 15 yards and as far as 50 yards, the Remington 870 Express consistently delivers tight patterns and a low spread. In addition, the gun does not suffer from second-shot offsets, meaning shots will hit in the same spot as the first shot. Moreover, the Remington 870 Express makes use of dual action bars, which offers smooth and consistent functioning. The rifle is also capable of cycling even light loads reliably and, thanks to its design, it requires fewer cleaning cycles than most. All in all, the Remington 870 Express is a very reliable and accurate gun.
