Overview

The Remington Model 870 isn't just a shotgun—it's an American institution. With over 11 million units produced since 1950, this pump-action powerhouse holds the crown as the best-selling shotgun in history. From duck blinds to police cruisers, from competitive clay fields to home defense scenarios, the 870 has earned its stripes as the most versatile and dependable scattergun ever conceived.

What sets the 870 apart isn't flashy marketing or cutting-edge technology—it's relentless reliability and adaptability. This workhorse has been refined through seven decades of real-world use, creating a platform so robust that many examples fired decades ago still cycle shells as smoothly as the day they left the factory. Whether you're breaking clays or breaching doors, the 870 delivers consistent performance when stakes are highest.

History & Development

Born in the post-WWII boom of 1950, the Model 870 emerged from Remington's quest to create the ultimate pump-action shotgun. The design team, led by chief engineer L. Ray Crittendon, sought to address the shortcomings of existing pump guns while incorporating lessons learned from wartime firearm development. Their goal was ambitious: build a shotgun tough enough for military use yet refined enough for sporting applications.

The original 870 launched with two variants—the utilitarian AP model and the premium ADL with checkered walnut furniture. Early models featured Remington's innovative "Vari-Weight" system, allowing shooters to add a ¾-pound steel insert to the buttstock for improved balance and recoil management. This attention to customization would become a hallmark of the 870 platform.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the 870's reputation grew exponentially as law enforcement agencies adopted it nationwide. The shotgun's ability to digest everything from birdshot to slugs with equal reliability made it invaluable for police work. Military contracts followed, with specialized variants serving in Vietnam and beyond. Each deployment provided feedback that refined the design further.

By the 1980s, the 870 had evolved into a true modular platform. Interchangeable barrels, extensive aftermarket support, and countless factory variants meant one receiver could serve multiple roles. This adaptability, combined with proven reliability, cemented the 870's status as America's go-to pump gun—a position it maintains today despite fierce competition from modern alternatives.

Technical Specifications

Operating System: The 870 employs a traditional pump-action mechanism with dual steel action bars connecting the fore-end to the bolt carrier. This twin-bar system distributes stress evenly, preventing binding under rapid manipulation. The bolt locks into a steel barrel extension via rotating bolt head, ensuring consistent lockup and accuracy.

Feed System: Standard models feature a tubular magazine beneath the barrel holding 4 rounds (3 for 3.5" shells), plus one chambered. The loading port is generously sized for rapid reloading, while the shell carrier lifts rounds smoothly into battery position. Magazine extensions can increase capacity to 6, 7, or 8 rounds depending on shell length.

Sights: Most sporting variants come with a simple brass bead front sight, though many feature ventilated ribs for improved sight plane. Tactical models often include ghost ring rear sights paired with blade or fiber optic front posts. The receiver top is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or optic rails.

Safety Features: A cross-bolt safety located behind the trigger guard blocks the trigger mechanism when engaged—pushing right to left for "fire," left to right for "safe." The action remains locked closed until the trigger is pulled and the shell fires, preventing accidental opening during manipulation.

Available Variants: The 870 platform spans hunting, tactical, competition, and specialty roles with dozens of factory configurations. Barrel lengths range from 14" (NFA regulated) to 30", with various choke options, finishes, and stock configurations available.

Variants & Models

• Wingmaster - Premium sporting variant with high-grade walnut and polished finish
• Express - Budget-friendly hunting model with synthetic furniture
• Police - Law enforcement variant with extended magazine and tactical features
• Marine Magnum - Corrosion-resistant model with electroless nickel finish
• Super Magnum - 3.5" chambered variant for waterfowl and turkey hunting
• Special Field - Lightweight upland model with 21" barrel and English stock
• Tactical - Military-style configuration with pistol grip and accessory rails
• Competition - Target-focused variants for trap, skeet, and sporting clays
• SBS (Short Barreled Shotgun) - NFA-regulated variants for military/LE use
• DM (Detachable Magazine) - Modern variant accepting detachable box magazines

Performance Characteristics

Reliability defines the 870 experience—this shotgun simply works under conditions that would choke lesser firearms. The robust steel construction and generous tolerances allow continued function through mud, sand, extreme temperatures, and neglect that would sideline more delicate designs. Many 870s have fired tens of thousands of rounds with nothing more than basic cleaning, testament to the platform's legendary durability.

Accuracy varies by configuration, but properly set up 870s deliver excellent precision with both shot and slugs. The solid steel receiver and barrel extension create a rigid platform, while the smooth bore responds well to quality ammunition. Rifled barrel variants can achieve sub-2" groups at 100 yards with premium sabot slugs—impressive performance for a smoothbore-derived platform.

Recoil management benefits from the 870's substantial weight and excellent balance. The steel receiver absorbs punishment better than lightweight alternatives, while proper stock fit helps distribute felt recoil. Gas-operated shotguns may cycle faster, but the 870's manual operation gives shooters complete control over timing and shell selection—crucial advantages in hunting and tactical applications where precise ammunition management matters.

Strengths

• Legendary reliability and durability across all conditions
• Extensive parts availability and aftermarket support
• Multiple gauge options (12, 16, 20, 28, .410)
• Interchangeable barrel system for role versatility
• Proven track record in military, law enforcement, and sporting use
• Relatively affordable entry point with premium upgrade path
• Smooth, controllable pump action with positive lockup
• Excellent balance and handling characteristics
• Simple manual operation requires no gas system maintenance

Weaknesses

• Slower follow-up shots compared to semi-automatic shotguns
• Heavier than modern polymer-framed competitors
• Quality control inconsistencies in recent production years
• Limited magazine capacity without extensions
• Manual operation requires more training for tactical proficiency
• Some variants suffer from extraction issues with certain ammunition
• Cross-bolt safety location can be awkward for some shooters
• Premium variants command high prices for aging technology

Notable Users

• U.S. Military (various special operations units)
• FBI and federal law enforcement agencies
• Thousands of local and state police departments
• U.S. Border Patrol and ICE
• Competitive shooters in trap, skeet, and sporting clays
• Professional hunters and guides worldwide
• Civilian gun owners across all 50 states
• International military and police forces
• Private security and executive protection teams

Read the original article in The Handbook | By Boise Gun Club Editorial Team

Join the Discussion

Have you run an 870 for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense—and if so, what made you stick with it over other platforms, or what finally made you switch?