Remington 870. Hearing this name, you immediately know what it's about. It's a legend among shotguns, a synonym for reliability and simplicity. The 870 model is a pump-action shotgun, which means it's reloaded manually, by moving the forend. Simple design, ease of use and a wide range of accessories make it one of the most popular shotguns in the world.
Remington 870 – what is it actually?
Remington 870 is a repeating smoothbore shotgun (English: *pump-action shotgun*), manufactured by the American company Remington Arms since 1950. It is characterized by a *pump-action* reloading mechanism, which means that the user must manually slide the forend back and forth to eject spent ammunition and load the next cartridge from the magazine. It is one of the most popular and most produced shotguns in history, used by both civilians and law enforcement worldwide. Known for its reliability, durability, and wide range of available configurations and accessories.
Remington 870 – how was the legend born?
The history of the Remington 870 began in the 1940s. Remington wanted to create a modern, reliable shotgun that could compete with popular models from other manufacturers. Design work on the new shotgun began in 1949, and just a year later, in 1950, the Remington 870 hit the market. From the very beginning, the 870 model gained the recognition of shooters. Its simple, but solid construction, high reliability and relatively low price made it quickly popular among both hunters and sport shooters. Over the years, the Remington 870 has been constantly improved and modified. New versions and variants were created, adapted to various applications and user preferences.
.The most popular Remington 870 variants
Remington 870 comes in many variants, differing in barrel length, stock type, finish and other features. Here are some of the most popular versions:
- Remington 870 Express: Basic version, intended mainly for hunting and sport shooting. Characterized by a simple finish and standard stock.
- Remington 870 Police: Version intended for law enforcement. It has a durable construction, an enlarged magazine and is often equipped with additional accessories such as mounting rails.
- Remington 870 Marine Magnum: Version with an anti-corrosion finish, designed for use in harsh conditions, e.g. at sea.
- Remington 870 Tactical: Tactical version, equipped with a short barrel, pistol grip and mounting rails for attaching accessories.
Ammunition for Remington 870 – mainly 12ga, but not only
The most popular caliber for the Remington 870 is 12ga (12 gauge), but there are also versions in 20ga, .410 and 16ga (less popular) calibers. The 12ga caliber is most often chosen due to its versatility and availability of a wide range of ammunition, from shot for shooting at skeet, to slugs for hunting big game. The choice of ammunition depends on the specific application of the shotgun.
Application of Remington 870 in shooting
Remington 870 is widely used in various fields of shooting:
- Hunting: Due to its reliability and availability of various calibers, Remington 870 is a popular choice among hunters.
- Sport shooting: Model 870 is used in competitions such as trap, skeet and sporting clays.
- Self-defense: Simple operation and high stopping power make the Remington 870 an effective weapon for personal defense and home protection.
- Law enforcement: Police versions of the Remington 870 are used by police and other services around the world.
Pros and cons of Remington 870
Like any weapon, the Remington 870 has its pros and cons. The advantages include:
- Reliability: Simple design and high quality of workmanship ensure reliability in all conditions.
- Versatility: The availability of various calibers, versions and accessories means that the Remington 870 can be adapted to various applications.
- Simple operation: Operating the shotgun is intuitive and easy to master, even for beginner shooters.
- Availability of parts and accessories: There is a wide selection of spare parts and accessories available on the market, which makes it easier to maintain and personalize the shotgun.
The disadvantages include:
- Recoil: The 12ga caliber generates significant recoil, which can be troublesome for some shooters.
- The need for manual reloading: Requires manual reloading after each shot, which may be slower than with semi-automatic shotguns.
Accessories for Remington 870 – personalization options
One of the biggest advantages of the Remington 870 is the huge number of available accessories. It can be adapted to practically any application. Popular accessories include:
- Stocks and forends: Stocks and forends made of various materials, of various shapes and sizes, are available, which allows you to adapt the shotgun to the individual preferences of the shooter.
- Mounting rails: Allow the mounting of optics, flashlights and other accessories.
- Enlarged magazines: Increase the magazine capacity, which is useful in tactical situations and during shooting competitions.
- Pistol grips: Provide a more secure grip and better control over the shotgun.
Remington 870 – summary
Remington 870 is an icon among shotguns. Reliable, versatile and easy to use, it has gained recognition from shooters around the world. Whether you are a hunter, a sport shooter, or simply looking for an effective weapon for personal defense, the Remington 870 will certainly meet your expectations. However, remember about safety rules when handling firearms!
Frequently asked questions
Is the Remington 870 good for beginner shooters?
Yes, the Remington 870 is often recommended as a good shotgun for beginners. It is relatively simple to operate, reliable and available at an affordable price. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the safety rules and undergo appropriate training before starting to use it.
Which Remington 870 caliber is the most versatile?
The 12ga caliber is considered the most versatile caliber for the Remington 870. It is suitable for hunting, sport shooting and self-defense, and also offers a wide selection of available ammunition.
How to care for a Remington 870 to make it last as long as possible?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping your Remington 870 in good condition. After each use, the barrel, bolt and other parts should be cleaned of dirt and fouling. Moving parts of the shotgun should also be regularly lubricated with appropriate oil.
Is it legal to own a Remington 870 in Poland?
Owning a Remington 870 in Poland is legal, but requires a firearms license. The procedure for obtaining a permit is regulated by law and requires meeting certain conditions, such as being over 21 years of age, having no criminal record and a positive result of psychological tests.
Where to buy Remington 870 accessories?
Accessories for the Remington 870 are available in many gun and shooting accessories stores, both brick-and-mortar and online. It is worth paying attention to reputable manufacturers and suppliers to be sure of purchasing high-quality products.
Is the Remington 870 suitable for dynamic shooting (IPSC, 3-Gun)?
What are the alternatives to the Remington 870?
The most popular alternative to the Remington 870 is the Mossberg 500. Both shotguns are very similar in terms of design and functionality, and the choice between them often depends on the shooter's personal preferences.
