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Remington Model 870

E. · Shotgun

Remington Model 870

Pump action · 12 Gauge · introduced 1950

Also known as Model 870, 870 Wingmaster, 870 Express

About the Remington Model 870

The Remington Model 870 is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, produced by Remington Arms Company (RemArms) since 1950. This American-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. Featuring a 4-round magazine capacity, this shotgun offers compact firepower. The 18.0-inch barrel maximizes accuracy potential and ballistic performance, making this an excellent choice for target shooting, competition, or field use. At 3290g (116.0 oz), this is a substantial firearm whose weight contributes to reduced felt recoil and enhanced stability during precision shooting. The steel frame provides a solid, premium feel with the durability to withstand decades of regular use and thousands of rounds. This firearm represents its manufacturer's commitment to delivering a well-engineered, reliable product that serves the needs of discerning shooters seeking quality, accuracy, and dependable performance from a proven platform.

The Remington 870 achieved a remarkable engineering feat: its design requires only 150 machining operations compared to 586 for its predecessor, the Model 31. The receiver is machined from an 8.5-pound solid steel billet. With over 13 million produced, it outsells every other shotgun in history and is used by more than 3,000 law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Remington Model 870 specifications

General

Type
Shotgun
Action
Pump action
Firing mechanism
Hammer-fired
Trigger
Single stage
Calibres
12 Gauge
Magazine capacity
4 rounds
Magazine
Tubular

Dimensions

Barrel length
457 mm (18.0 in)
Overall length
978 mm (38.5 in)
Weight (empty)
3.29 kg (7.25 lb)

Barrel

Rifling
Smoothbore
Grooves
6

Materials

Barrel
Steel
Receiver / frame
Steel
Stock
Wood
Finish
blued

Performance

Effective range
40 m

History

Introduced
1950
Production status
In production
Country of origin
US
Designer
L. Ray Crittendon

Features

  • Dual action bars
  • Interchangeable choke tubes
  • Magazine extension capable
  • Receiver machined from solid steel
  • Bayonet lug

Safety

  • Cross bolt safety
  • Trigger disconnect

The Remington 870 achieved remarkable production milestones: 1 million units in 1966, 2 million in 1973, reaching over 13 million by 2024. After Remington's 2020 bankruptcy, production was resumed by RemArms (formerly RemArms LLC), which relocated manufacturing from Ilion, New York to LaGrange, Georgia in 2024. The current RemArms production emphasizes improved quality control compared to late-era Remington production. The 870's design requires only 150 machining operations compared to 586 for its predecessor, the Model 31, making it more economical to manufacture. The receiver alone is machined from an 8½-pound steel billet. Special variants include the KAC Masterkey (9.5" barrel, under-barrel mount for rifles), and the M870 MCS featuring modular components for rapid mission-specific configuration. Available in .410 bore, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge.

Remington Model 870 variants

Similar models

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