Remington Arms is one of America's oldest firearms manufacturers, founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington in Ilion, New York. After a 2020 bankruptcy, the firearms division was acquired by RemArms LLC, which continues production of Remington's iconic rifles and shotguns. Remington is a SAAMI member.

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Remington's story is equal parts triumph and tragedy. The Model 870 is the best-selling shotgun in American history (12+ million produced). The Model 700 is the most accurate production bolt-action ever made and the basis for U.S. military sniper systems. But decades of corporate mismanagement — culminating in 2020 bankruptcy — damaged quality, killed innovation, and shattered trust. RemArms is trying to rebuild, but the Remington you buy today is a different company than the one your grandfather trusted.
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Key milestones:

• 1816 — Eliphalet Remington forges his first rifle barrel in Ilion, NY
• 1858 — Model 1858 revolver becomes a Civil War icon
• 1933-1993 — DuPont ownership era (stability, quality, innovation)
• 1950 — Model 870 pump shotgun introduced (becomes best-selling ever)
• 1962 — Model 700 bolt-action rifle launched (defines accuracy standard)
• 2007 — Cerberus Capital acquires Remington; cost-cutting begins
• 2018 — First bankruptcy filing
• 2020 — Second bankruptcy; company broken up and sold to multiple buyers
• 2021 — RemArms LLC acquires firearms division; production resumes in Ilion, NY
• Present — SAAMI member; RemArms LLC; rebuilding under new ownership

Product Lines

Shotguns (Remington's strongest legacy):

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The Model 870 is the most produced shotgun in American history — and for good reason. The dual action bars never bind. The steel receiver is indestructible. The trigger group drops out for easy cleaning. Millions serve in police cruisers, duck blinds, and home defense roles. Pre-2007 870s (especially Wingmasters) are the gold standard. Current RemArms production is rebuilding quality, but smart buyers still seek out older production.
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Rifles:

Model 700 as custom build platform:

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The Model 700 action is the most popular custom rifle platform in the world. More aftermarket parts exist for the Rem 700 footprint than any other bolt action. Triggers, stocks, chassis, barrels, bottom metal — everything is available. Many serious precision shooters start with a Rem 700 action and replace every other component. The action itself is that good.
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Innovation & Technology

Model 870 vs. Mossberg 500:

Model 700 trigger history:

Community & Reputation

Common praise:

• Model 870 action is the smoothest pump shotgun ever made
• Model 700 action is the most accurate production bolt action in history
• Pre-2007 (DuPont-era) production quality is exceptional
• Rem 700 footprint has the largest aftermarket of any bolt action
• Police trade-in 870s are incredible values ($250-$350)
• Wingmaster finish quality (old production) is gorgeous

Common criticism:

• Post-2007 QC decline was real and documented (Cerberus cost-cutting)
• Trigger recall damaged trust (Model 700, 2006-2014 production)
• 870 Express finish (matte) rusts easily; older 870s had better finishes
• RemArms is unproven — too early to judge new production quality
• Extractor design (push-feed on 700) is less reliable than controlled-round-feed
• Customer service was terrible during bankruptcy; rebuilding under RemArms

Production eras matter:

Buyer's Guide

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Bottom line: Remington made two of the greatest firearms in American history — the Model 870 shotgun and the Model 700 rifle. Both designs are masterpieces that have been produced for 60+ years. But the Remington brand itself has been through bankruptcy, ownership chaos, and a quality decline that damaged its reputation. Smart buyers seek pre-2007 production (especially Wingmasters), police trade-in 870s, and Model 700 actions as custom build platforms. RemArms is trying to restore the brand — give them a few years of consistent production before betting on new-production quality matching the DuPont era.
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References

• Remington/RemArms official site: remarms.com
• American Rifleman: Remington's 200-year history
• Field & Stream: Model 870 and Model 700 retrospectives
• Sniper's Hide: Model 700 custom build discussions
• Outdoor Life: Remington firearms coverage and reviews

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

Join the Discussion

If you've owned a Remington over the years, have you noticed a difference in quality between older models and newer production—and does that factor into whether you'd buy from them again?