Remington Model 870 - America's Legendary Pump Shotgun

Post-War Development

Remington's engineers started working on the 870 right after WWII. L. Ray Crittendon's team wanted to build something tougher than the competition while keeping it smooth enough for hunters. They launched it in 1950 with two models -- a basic AP version and the fancier ADL with checkered walnut.

The early guns had this Vari-Weight system where you could add a steel insert to the buttstock. Nice touch for balancing the gun to your preference.

Seven decades of continuous development and refinement

Law Enforcement Adoption

Law enforcement picked up on the 870 through the '60s and '70s. Cops liked that it would eat anything you fed it -- birdshot, buckshot, slugs, whatever. Military contracts followed, and these shotguns saw action in Vietnam and beyond.

Modular Evolution

By the '80s, the 870 had turned into a true modular system. Swap barrels, add accessories, choose from dozens of factory configurations.

That flexibility kept it relevant while other designs came and went.

Action Mechanism

The 870 runs on dual steel action bars connecting the forend to the bolt. That twin-bar setup spreads the stress around so the action won't bind when you're working it fast.

The bolt locks into a barrel extension with rotating lugs -- solid lockup that stays consistent shot after shot.

870 Operating Cycle - Dual action bars provide smooth, reliable cycling

Capacity and Loading

Standard magazine holds four 2¾" shells or three 3" shells, plus one in the chamber. The loading port is sized right for quick reloads, and extensions can bump capacity to six, seven, or eight rounds.

Sights and Safety

Most hunting models come with a simple brass bead sight. Tactical versions often get ghost ring rears with fiber optic fronts. The receiver is drilled and tapped if you want to mount glass.

Safety is a cross-bolt safety behind the trigger guard. Push left to right for safe, right to left to fire. The action stays locked until you pull the trigger and fire the shell -- no accidental opening while you're handling it.

Reliability Record

Reliability is where the 870 earned its reputation. These things run when other shotguns quit. Mud, sand, cold, heat, neglect -- doesn't matter.

These things run when other shotguns quit. Mud, sand, cold, heat, neglect -- doesn't matter.

Many 870s have fired tens of thousands of rounds with nothing but basic cleaning.

Accuracy Potential

Accuracy depends on your setup, but a good 870 will shoot. Smooth bore models pattern well with quality shells. Rifled slug barrels can put five shots under two inches at 100 yards with the right ammunition.

Recoil Management

The steel construction soaks up recoil better than lightweight guns. Proper stock fit helps, but the 870's mass and balance make it manageable even with heavy loads. You control the timing since it's manual operation -- useful when you need specific ammunition for different situations.

The reliability isn't a myth. These shotguns work in conditions that stop other designs cold. Parts are everywhere, aftermarket support is huge, and you can find 870s in every gun shop in America.

Multiple gauges available -- 12, 16, 20, 28, even .410. Barrel swapping means one gun handles multiple roles. The action is smooth when properly maintained, and the solid lockup helps accuracy.

Manual operation means no gas system to clean or adjust. Simple mechanics that most people can maintain and repair.

Pump guns are slower than semi-autos for follow-up shots. The 870 weighs more than modern polymer competitors. Recent production has had some quality control issues that older guns didn't suffer from.

Standard magazine capacity is limited without extensions. The cross-bolt safety placement doesn't work for everyone. Some newer guns have extraction problems with certain ammunition.

If you want the good stuff -- Wingmaster level quality -- expect to pay for it.

I've carried 870s for decades, and they're still my go-to recommendation for someone wanting one shotgun that does everything well. Not the fastest, not the lightest, but absolutely reliable when maintained properly.

Buy one of the following:

• Used Wingmaster from 1980s-early 1990s preferred
• Higher quality in older production
• Already proven in field use
• Avoid cheapest Express models unless budget-limited

For your configuration, consider:

• Home defense: 18½" barrel version
• Hunting: 26" or 28" barrel with removable chokes
• Learn proper manual operation techniques
• Either configuration serves multiple generations

The 870 isn't fancy, but it's proven. Sometimes that matters more than the latest features.