The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. While its classic design is appreciated by hunters and sports shooters alike, its robust platform lends itself perfectly to tactical configurations for home defense, law enforcement, and competitive shooting. This guide dives deep into creating a truly effective tactical Remington 870 setup, covering key modifications, accessories, and training considerations.
Choosing the Right Remington 870 Model
Before diving into modifications, selecting the right base model is crucial. While many 870 variants exist, consider these factors:
- 870 Express Tactical: This is a popular starting point, often featuring a shorter barrel (18.5 inches is common), a pistol grip, and a matte black finish. Its affordability makes it ideal for budget-conscious builders.
- 870 Police Magnum: Designed for law enforcement, this model often boasts features like a heat shield and a longer barrel (20 inches or more), potentially beneficial for certain applications.
- 870 Marine Magnum: Known for its corrosion resistance, this model is a durable option for harsh environments.
Ultimately, the best model depends on your specific needs and budget.
Essential Tactical Upgrades for Your Remington 870
Transforming your Remington 870 into a tactical powerhouse involves several strategic modifications:
1. Sights: Enhancing Accuracy and Target Acquisition
- Ghost Ring Sights: These offer a fast sight picture ideal for close-quarters combat (CQB) situations. They're robust and less prone to damage than traditional sights.
- Red Dot Sights: Mounting a red dot sight on a Remington 870 significantly improves target acquisition, especially in low-light conditions. Consider a low-profile mount to maintain a low sight plane.
2. Stock and Forend: Improving Ergonomics and Control
- Pistol Grip Stock: Provides a more secure grip and allows for quicker target acquisition.
- Tactical Stock: Offering adjustable length of pull, cheek risers, and potentially storage compartments, tactical stocks enhance ergonomics for different body types and shooting styles.
- Side-Saddle Shotgun Shell Carrier: Provides quick access to additional ammunition, crucial during high-stress situations.
- Tactical Forend: Often featuring Picatinny rails for attaching accessories, a tactical forend provides a better grip and allows for customization.
3. Barrel: Optimizing Range and Performance
While the factory barrel is functional, consider these options:
- Shorter Barrel (18.5 inches or less): Ideal for CQB, reducing overall weapon length and maneuverability.
- Longer Barrel (20 inches or more): Offers better accuracy and potentially less recoil at longer ranges.
The optimal barrel length depends on your intended use.
4. Accessories: Expanding Functionality
- Flashlight: Essential for low-light operations. A weapon-mounted light allows for hands-free illumination of targets.
- Vertical Foregrip: Improves control, especially when firing from unconventional positions.
- Magazine Tube Extension: Increases ammunition capacity, providing more firepower.
Training: Mastering Your Tactical Remington 870
A well-equipped shotgun is only as good as the person wielding it. Invest in professional training to master the following:
- Safe handling procedures: Prioritize safety above all else.
- Shooting fundamentals: Develop proper stance, grip, and aiming techniques.
- Malfunction clearance: Learn how to quickly address common malfunctions.
- Tactical reloading techniques: Practice fast and efficient reloading techniques.
Legal Considerations
Before modifying or using your Remington 870 for tactical purposes, ensure you comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This includes understanding laws regarding barrel length, magazine capacity, and accessory restrictions.
Conclusion
Building a tactical Remington 870 is a rewarding experience. By carefully selecting components and investing in appropriate training, you can create a highly effective and reliable firearm for home defense, competition, or other specialized applications. Remember, safety and responsible gun ownership should always be your top priorities.
