Rambling Review – Remington 870 Express Pump-action shotgun
Why:
A shotgun is one of the most useful tools that an outdoorsman can possess and can be used in a variety of situations. With hundreds of options to choose from a very limited budget to work, I was looking for a shotgun that would be versatile enough to work for turkey, waterfowl, upland birds, and home defense. With everything added up, I felt the best option for myself would be the Remington 870 Pump-action shotgun.
First impressions:
The Feel – The Remington 870 Express has a sturdy feel in the hand and fits snuggly against the shoulder and cheek. The solid steel receiver fitted with the laminate wood stock has a comfortable weight wether cradled in the crook of the arm, slung over the shoulder, or held in the ready position.
The Look – The Remington 870 Express comes with a matte-finish and a dark stained laminate wood stock and fore-end. With a vent-rib barrel and a Truglo front bead site, the 870 has a no-frills rugged look to it, that I personally appreciate.
Chokes – When I purchased my 870, it came with three different chokes, a modified, improved, and full choke. Depending on the season and my quarry, I can change up my choke in a matter of a minute or two to meet the needs of the field.
Field Use:
The Sonoran Desert of Arizona is no picnic. I have carried this Remington for the past couple of years on many different quail and dove hunts. The stock and barrel each carry a few deep scratches that are almost unavoidable in the rock and cactus strewn sandbox that I hunt in. My Remington 870 has been a reliable tool that has downed countless birds and is extremely comfortable to shoot with the R3 recoil pad. Bottom line, the Remington 870 is a workhorse that can stand up to the abuse that a firearm will take when used in a desert environment.
I have over 1,000 shells through this gun and in that time I have had maybe 4 jams. It seems to be a common theme for some Remington 870s to jam when using cheaper ammo or when “short stroking” the action, caused when the forend the gun is not pulled all the way back before being ratcheted forward. I have never had a problem with unjamming the gun and it has happened so infrequently that I almost forgot to include it in this review.
The Remington 870 Express is chambered to a 3″ shell and I have had fun patterning it for turkey. Since moving to Arizona, I have been successful taking a Merriams with a bow but am looking forward to this next spring gobbler season, where I can put my 870 to the test. I have no doubt that if I can get a gobbler within range, the 870 will do everything that I ask of it.
Although primarily a hunting tool, my Remington 870 nightlines as a home defense weapon. God forbid I ever encounter a situation where I have to use it as such, there is a strong argument that a shotgun loaded with buckshot is the weapon of choice in the middle of the night when someone is attempting to break into the house. Nothing is more likely to make an intruder rethink their life choices like the sound of a pump-action scattergun chambering a shell in the pitch dark. Needless to say, the Remington 870 is the first thing that I would reach for when something goes bump in the night.
Pros:
Reliability
Affordability
Versatility
Cons:
Occasional jams when ejecting a shell
Cosmetics (Although a nice looking shotgun, their are prettier guns on the market)
Prognosis: The Remington 870 is an American classic that has been around for over 20 years. It is a versatile, reliable, and affordable tool that meets the needs of the everyday hunter.
* Disclaimer:
The reviews at Arizona Wanderings are my honest opinion. Arizona Wanderings is not sponsored by or associated with any of the stated companies and is accepting no compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this review. My independent status may change in the future but, as of the date of publication, no relationship other than described above has been pursued or established.
I’ve been looking at this gun myself so good timing on the review. Is this the 12 or 20 gauge? I’ve never hunted before and am looking to also use it for home defense. From what I’ve read elsewhere the 12 gauge is just the better all around option, but is it too much for small birds like quail? Nice rambling review.
Billiam,
I have a 12 gauge. Actually the smaller the number the bigger the shell, so the 12 is bigger than the 20. As you said, the 12 gauge is a more well rounded gun and you can hunt more species with it. It is plenty big enough for quail, some would argue it’s too big. It’s a great all around gun that will give you many years use and something to pass on to the next generation. Thanks for the kind words.
Ben
Timely review. I recently decided to get back into hunting. I did some bird/small game back in high school and got a mule deer and an elk about 11 years ago, but haven’t hunted since. Well, yesterday a friend and I took my 8 year old boy out toward Wickenburg and chased some quail and rabbits. It was a ton of fun!
I borrowed my dad’s 870 and I loved it. It was surprisingly comfortable to shoot. My own shotgun is a breech loading single shot 12 gauge, and it is unforgiving/uncomfortable. The 870 is definitely on my shopping list now.
Glad the review was helpful and good to hear you’re getting back into hunting. The 870 is a great gun. I want to say that Remington has made over 10,000,000 of these things. It’s a solid reliable gun for sure.
Ben
I recently considered doing a full write up with mine, but at 14+ years old, and having killed game from NY to GA and every state inbetween, it deserves individual writeups as 1) bird gun; 2) deer gun; 3) skull crusher (the stock), 4) ice breaker; 5) emergency canoe paddle; 6) rodent gun; 7) sporting clays gun (high rib and 28″ barrel!!!).
I have bought and sold many replacements for that gun, but still have the 870 and shoot it a few times a year.
Very cool RM. Sounds like you’ve had a similar experience as me. Remington has done a stand up job with the 870. I look forward to reading your write up someday.
Ben
I bought a 870 20 gauge this past year in replacement of my Mossberg 12 gauge. Don’t get me wrong the Moss was a great shotgun. The 870 is lighter, easier on the mount and I feel that it is plenty of gun for quail, rabbit, dove, etc. People say it is not a good loocking gun but I disagree, it is simple in design and proven in the field. I plan to keep for a long time.
Good review, I have found exactly the same service from my 870 for 30 years. I bought an 870 when I was 18 years old. I have hunted geese, duck, quail, chukar, grouse, dove and various other game animals with it. Occasionally, I look at a nice O/U or some beautiful semi-auto, but every time I get to contemplating, I take out the old 870, and I honestly couldn’t think of using another shotgun. It fits. It shoots like a demon, and nothing ever goes wrong with it. Probably the best gun investment I have ever made.
I couldn’t agree more Jim. It isn’t the prettiest gun out there, but it sure does get the job done.
Ben
Hi, Bought an old but like new 870 Wingmaster last year. Unbelieveably fine gun, great feel, reliable & great wood for a small price.
I agree. I have heard wonderful things about the Wingmaster. Remington has done a fine job building the reputation of the 870 line. I feel it’s well deserved.
Ben
Thanks for the review! I’m a little late to the party (Jan 2013), but it was great reading your review and the stories of how this gun performs. I bought the 870 Express 20 gauge this morning, and I’m excited to get out and enjoy it. It’s fun being on this end of the spectrum (in contrast to the years you’ve had with yours) looking forward to all the good things you say about it.
Thanks for the kind words on the review. Best of luck with the new shotgun. You’ll have to let me know how it performs for you after you’ve got it out in the field. Take care and shoot straight.
Ben
Thanks for the review. I was originally looking for a used semi-auto for upland birds and the guy at my local gun shop asked if I was interested in a new pump action instead…I took a look and am buying that new 870 tomorrow after work. Your discussion on the 870 helps convince me that I made the right choice.
Great to hear Denis. I’m glad my review was useful. The 870 is a workhorse to say the least. Let me know what you think.
Ben