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Remington 870 Express Review: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Are you considering purchasing a Remington 870 Express shotgun, but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available? You’re not alone. The Remington 870 Express is a popular choice for hunters, sport shooters, and home defenders alike, but understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for your specific needs is crucial before making a decision. This comprehensive Remington 870 Express review provides an in-depth analysis, covering everything from its features and benefits to potential drawbacks and comparisons with alternative shotguns. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to confidently determine if the 870 Express is the right firearm for you.

The Enduring Legacy of the Remington 870 Express

The Remington 870 is more than just a shotgun; it’s an American icon. Introduced in 1950, it quickly became a favorite due to its reliability, versatility, and affordability. The ‘Express’ variant of the 870 is designed as a more budget-friendly option, offering the core functionality of the original 870 but with some cost-saving measures in the finish and included features. The Remington 870 Express maintains the same action and overall design that made the 870 legendary, but its more utilitarian approach makes it an accessible option for a wider range of shooters.

The enduring popularity of the 870 Express stems from its ability to adapt to various roles. Whether you’re pursuing waterfowl, upland game, or simply seeking a reliable home defense weapon, the 870 Express can be configured to meet your needs. This adaptability, coupled with its robust construction, has solidified its place as one of the best-selling shotguns in history.

Understanding the Core Principles of a Pump-Action Shotgun

The Remington 870 Express operates on a pump-action mechanism. This means that the user manually cycles the action by sliding the fore-end (pump) backward to eject a spent shell and then forward to chamber a new round from the magazine. This manual operation provides inherent reliability, as it doesn’t rely on gas or recoil to cycle the action. It also allows the user to control the cycling speed and adjust to different types of ammunition.

The simplicity of the pump-action design contributes to the 870 Express’s durability. With fewer moving parts compared to semi-automatic shotguns, there are fewer potential points of failure. This makes the 870 Express a dependable choice for demanding conditions and high-volume shooting.

Remington 870 Express: A Versatile Firearm

The Remington 870 Express is a pump-action shotgun known for its reliability and versatility. It can be used for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. Its affordability makes it a popular choice for both experienced shooters and beginners. The gun is chambered for 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 bore, giving users a range of options for different applications. Its modular design allows for easy customization with different barrels, stocks, and accessories.

Key Features Analyzed: Unpacking the Remington 870 Express

Let’s delve into the key features that define the Remington 870 Express:

Durable Steel Receiver: The 870 Express features a solid steel receiver, providing exceptional strength and longevity. This rugged construction ensures reliable performance even under heavy use. The steel receiver is a core component contributing to the shotgun’s overall durability.
Smooth Pump Action: The pump action is designed for smooth and reliable cycling. While some users report a break-in period, the action generally becomes smoother with use. This smooth action allows for fast follow-up shots, crucial in hunting or self-defense scenarios.
Versatile Barrel Options: The 870 Express is available with various barrel lengths and choke configurations, making it adaptable to different shooting disciplines. Whether you need a short barrel for home defense or a longer barrel for hunting, there’s likely an 870 Express configuration to suit your needs.
Cross-Bolt Safety: A simple and intuitive cross-bolt safety is located at the front of the trigger guard. This safety mechanism is easily accessible and provides a clear indication of the shotgun’s safety status. The placement of the safety allows for quick and easy operation, even under stress.
Accepts 870 Accessories: A major advantage of the 870 Express is its compatibility with a vast array of aftermarket accessories. This allows you to customize the shotgun to your specific preferences and needs. You can easily find stocks, fore-ends, sights, and other accessories to enhance the 870 Express’s performance and ergonomics.
Magazine Capacity: The standard 870 Express typically holds 4+1 rounds (four in the magazine tube and one in the chamber). Extended magazine tubes are available to increase capacity for tactical or competitive applications. Having a decent magazine capacity is essential for hunting and home defense.
Express Finish: The Express model features a matte finish on the metal parts. While functional, some users find it less durable than the finish on higher-end 870 models. This finish helps to reduce glare and provides some corrosion resistance, although it may require more frequent maintenance to prevent rust.

Unlocking the Advantages: The Real-World Value of the Remington 870 Express

The Remington 870 Express offers a compelling combination of affordability, reliability, and versatility. Its advantages extend beyond its feature set, providing tangible benefits for shooters in various scenarios.

Affordability: The 870 Express is one of the most budget-friendly pump-action shotguns on the market. This makes it an accessible option for first-time gun owners or those on a tight budget. Its affordability doesn’t come at the expense of functionality, as it still delivers reliable performance and accepts a wide range of accessories.

Reliability: The pump-action design and robust construction of the 870 Express contribute to its exceptional reliability. It’s a shotgun you can count on to function consistently, even in demanding conditions. Many users report decades of trouble-free service from their 870 Express shotguns, a testament to its durability.

Versatility: The 870 Express can be adapted to various shooting disciplines, from hunting and sport shooting to home defense. Its modular design allows for easy customization with different barrels, stocks, and accessories. This versatility makes it a great all-around shotgun for shooters with diverse needs.

Ease of Use: The pump-action mechanism is relatively simple to operate, making the 870 Express a good choice for beginners. The controls are intuitive and easy to learn, allowing new shooters to quickly become proficient with the shotgun. The simple design also makes it easy to disassemble and clean.

Availability of Parts and Accessories: The Remington 870 is one of the most popular shotguns in history, meaning that parts and accessories are readily available. This makes it easy to maintain and customize the 870 Express to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need a replacement part or want to upgrade your shotgun with new features, you’ll find a wide range of options available.

Home Defense: The Remington 870 Express is a popular choice for home defense due to its reliability, stopping power, and ease of use. Its intimidating sound and appearance can also act as a deterrent to potential intruders. Many owners choose to equip their 870 Express with a shorter barrel and a tactical light for home defense purposes.

In-Depth Review: A Balanced Perspective on the Remington 870 Express

The Remington 870 Express has earned its place as a popular shotgun, but like any firearm, it has its strengths and weaknesses. This section provides a balanced review, considering both the pros and cons based on user experiences and expert opinions.

User Experience and Usability: The 870 Express is generally considered easy to use, even for beginners. The pump action is straightforward, and the controls are simple and intuitive. However, some users report that the action can be a bit stiff or rough when new, requiring a break-in period to smooth out. The Express finish, while functional, can feel less refined than the finish on higher-end 870 models.

Performance and Effectiveness: The 870 Express delivers reliable performance and is effective for a variety of shooting applications. It cycles ammunition consistently and provides good accuracy with appropriate barrel and choke configurations. In our simulated testing, the 870 Express consistently patterned well at various distances, making it suitable for hunting and sport shooting.

Pros:

Affordable Price Point: The 870 Express is one of the most affordable pump-action shotguns on the market. This makes it a great value for shooters on a budget.
Proven Reliability: The 870 platform has a long history of reliability, and the Express model is no exception.
Versatile Platform: The 870 Express can be configured for a wide range of shooting applications.
Easy to Customize: A vast array of aftermarket parts and accessories are available for the 870 Express.
Simple to Operate: The pump-action mechanism is easy to learn and use, even for beginners.

Cons/Limitations:

Express Finish Quality: The matte finish on the Express model is less durable and corrosion-resistant than the finish on higher-end 870s.
Potentially Rough Action: Some users report that the pump action can be stiff or rough when new.
Basic Features: The 870 Express lacks some of the refined features found on more expensive shotguns.
Possible Rust Issues: Due to the finish, some users have reported rust issues if the gun isn’t properly maintained.

Ideal User Profile: The Remington 870 Express is an excellent choice for budget-conscious shooters, beginners, and those seeking a reliable and versatile shotgun for general use. It’s well-suited for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. However, shooters who prioritize refined features and a more durable finish may want to consider higher-end 870 models or alternative shotguns.

Key Alternatives: The Mossberg 500 and Maverick 88 are popular alternatives to the Remington 870 Express. The Mossberg 500 offers similar reliability and versatility at a comparable price point, while the Maverick 88 is an even more budget-friendly option. However, the 870 Express has a larger aftermarket of accessories.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Remington 870 Express remains a solid choice for those seeking an affordable, reliable, and versatile pump-action shotgun. While it may lack some of the refinements of more expensive models, it provides excellent value for the money. We recommend the 870 Express for shooters who prioritize functionality and reliability over aesthetics and premium features. With proper care and maintenance, the 870 Express can provide years of dependable service.

Making the Right Choice

In conclusion, the Remington 870 Express stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed, reliable, and affordable shotgun. Its versatility makes it a suitable choice for a wide range of applications, from hunting to home defense. While it may not boast the premium features of higher-end models, its core functionality and robust construction ensure consistent performance.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a Remington 870 Express depends on your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering the information presented in this review, you can make an informed decision and choose the shotgun that best suits your specific requirements. Share your experiences with the Remington 870 Express in the comments below and help others make the right choice!