REMINGTON 870 Fieldmaster

Posted May 19, 2023

The Remington 870 Fieldmaster has long been known as the ‘forever gun.’ While many weapons have changed over the years the 870 has stayed largely the same since its introduction in 1951. From hunters, backyard plinkers, to professionals the 870 still remains a firearm of choice and is highly sought after. For this in-depth review, I will break the 870 down into its various parts and see how it holds up in today's market.

To begin with, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 Gauge with a 3-inch chambering. It comes with either a wooden or synthetic stock and comes standard with a 28” barrel. The gun comes as a Field model which has a matte blued finish and wood furniture, or an Express model which has a matte black, non-glare finish and black synthetic furniture. The 870 Fieldmaster is designed for hunting and target shooting, and its classic styling is appealing to many gun owners.

Because the 870 is a pump-action shotgun, it’s important to look at the pump itself. It’s made of solid forged steel and is designed to be smooth and slick, making it easy to access and operate. The pump itself is smooth and requires minimal effort to work, allowing for quick and reliable functioning with each pump. The 870's pump is also designed to be self-cleaning, so you don't have to worry about any buildup of debris or dirt affecting the gun's performance.

In terms of accuracy, the 870 Fieldmaster is considered to be fairly accurate for a shotgun of its type. It is not the most accurate shotgun on the market, but it is more than capable of producing tight groups with the right load. The barrel of the gun is tapered and comes with a stepped rib with a bead sight for quick target acquisition. It also features a synthetic stock with a ventilated recoil pad for reduced felt recoil and improved accuracy.

The 870 Fieldmaster is designed to handle a variety of loads. It comes standard with a two round magazine, but can also accept a variety of extended magazines ranging from 4–8 round capacity. This makes the gun versatile enough for home defense, hunting or target practice. The gun can handle a wide variety of ammo ranging from light target loads to heavy field loads.

The 870 Fieldmaster also comes with a wide variety of features, such as a synthetic stock, cross-bolt safety and the stunning aesthetics of the blued barrel. One of the most appealing features is the 'tang safety' which is a cross-bolt safety located at the back of the receiver. This feature gives the shooter an added layer of protection from accidentally firing the firearm, and is easily accessible, even while wearing gloves.

When it comes to reliability, the 870 Fieldmaster proves to be second to none. Its pump-action operation is smooth and reliable, and the weapons itself is solid and well-built. It’s also designed to be able to handle a wide range of ammo types, from light target loads to heavy field loads. In addition, the 870 Fieldmaster is designed to be easy to maintain, requiring minimal upkeep, and is backed by Remington’s reputation for producing quality firearms.

Finally, let’s look at the cost. The 870 Fieldmaster is priced competitively compared to other shotguns in its class and can be found for anywhere from $400 -$700, making it a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable shotgun. This price point also makes the 870 more accessible to those on a budget, making it an ideal choice for those looking to purchase their first shotgun.

In conclusion, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster is a classic firearm that has stood the test of time, and it still proves to be one of the best shotguns on the market today. It offers a variety of features, is reliable and accurate, and is offered at an affordable price point. Whether you’re looking for a shotgun for hunting, target shooting, or personal defense the 870 Fieldmaster is a great choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Easy to use and maintain

Versatile—can be used for sporting, hunting, self-defense, and target shooting

Very durable and reliable

Wide range of accessories to customize and upgrade available

Available in a variety of gauges and barrel lengths

Appropriately priced for its features

Durable finish that resists rust

Cons:

Heavy compared to other guns on the market

Can be difficult to disassemble and reassemble

Stock may require some fitting to specific shooters

May not be reliable with very light loads

Pump action can be slow compared to other shotguns

Who Should Buy

The REMINGTON 870 Fieldmaster is an ideal gun for hunters, clay shooters, and home-defense purposes. It is a powerhouse shotgun and a great choice for most shooters. This gun is not recommended for inexperienced shooters, as its hefty action may be a bit of a challenge to handle. Additionally, the REMINGTON 870 Fieldmaster is not suitable for target shooting competitions, as it is not specifically designed for precision accuracy.

Comparisons

Cost (USD)	Shell Capacity	Action
$390	5	Pump Action
$695	5	Pump Action
$359	5	Pump Action
$599	4+1	Pump Action

Features / Specs

-Manufacturer: Remington Arms

-Model: 870 Fieldmaster

-Caliber: 12 Gauge

-Chamber: 2¾" and 3"

-Barrel Length: 20" or 28"

-Stock: Walnut or Hardwood

-Gauge: 12 Gauge

-Weight: 6 ¾ lbs.

-Overall Length: 45" or 49¼

-Choke: Fixed M/IC

Popular Accessories

Rifle-mounted flashlight

Magazine extensions

Folding stock

Remington 870 spare parts kit

Chokes and choke tubes

Synthetic shot shell stock

Shell carriers

Recoil pads

Rail systems

Sling mounts

Accuracy

The Remington 870 Fieldmaster is generally considered to be a reliable and accurate shotgun. The 870 Fieldmaster is designed as a multipurpose shotgun and the receiver and barrel are machined to tight tolerances, providing smooth operation and excellent accuracy. The gun is available in a variety of model options, all of which feature a wide range of adjustable features that can be used to tailor the gun to the shooter’s needs for maximum accuracy. The 870 Fieldmaster is built on Remington’s “Receiver Face Pressure Activated” (RFPAT) system, which helps deliver consistent performance and accuracy. Additionally, the 870 Fieldmaster is equipped with a center-feed magazine which is one of the most reliable feeding systems on the market. When combined with the wide variety of choke tubes available for the 870 Fieldmaster, the gun offers impressive versatility and accuracy.