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Remington 870 Express Review: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

Looking for a reliable and affordable shotgun? The Remington 870 Express has been a staple in the firearms world for decades, known for its ruggedness and versatility. But does it live up to the hype in 2024? This comprehensive review dives deep into the Remington 870 Express, examining its features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision. We’ll explore everything from its action and ergonomics to its suitability for various shooting disciplines, providing an expert assessment of this iconic shotgun.

The Enduring Legacy of the Remington 870 Express

The Remington 870 is one of the most popular and widely produced pump-action shotguns in history. Its simple design, ease of use, and affordability have made it a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and home defenders alike. The Express model is the utilitarian version of the 870, offering a no-frills approach that prioritizes function over aesthetics. Since its introduction, the Remington 870 Express has undergone several iterations, but its core principles remain the same: reliability and value.

The Remington 870’s impact on the shotgun market cannot be overstated. Its modular design allows for easy customization, with a vast array of aftermarket parts and accessories available. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from upland bird hunting to tactical shooting. Its popularity has also led to its adoption by law enforcement agencies and military units around the world.

Understanding the Remington 870 Express: A Closer Look

At its heart, the Remington 870 Express is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. It features a steel receiver, a tubular magazine under the barrel, and a simple, reliable action. The Express model typically comes with a matte black finish and a hardwood or synthetic stock. It is designed to be a workhorse shotgun, capable of withstanding harsh conditions and heavy use.

The 870’s action is smooth and relatively easy to operate, even for novice shooters. Its cross-bolt safety is conveniently located near the trigger, allowing for quick and easy access. The shotgun is also easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance, making it a practical choice for those who want a reliable firearm without a lot of fuss.

Key Features of the Remington 870 Express

Let’s break down the key features that make the Remington 870 Express a popular choice:

Pump-Action Mechanism: The pump-action is the heart of the 870 Express, providing a reliable and robust system for cycling shells. It’s simple to operate and less prone to malfunctions than some other action types. The user manually cycles the action by sliding the forend back and forth, ejecting the spent shell and loading a new one from the magazine. This mechanical simplicity contributes to the shotgun’s overall reliability.
Durable Steel Receiver: The steel receiver is a hallmark of the 870 Express, providing a strong and rigid platform for the action. This ensures consistent performance and longevity, even under heavy use. The receiver is typically finished in a matte black coating to resist corrosion.
Versatile Chambering: The 12-gauge chambering of the 870 Express makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from hunting to home defense. 12 gauge is a common and readily available shotgun shell size, offering a variety of loads for different purposes.
Cross-Bolt Safety: The cross-bolt safety is a simple and effective mechanism for preventing accidental discharge. It is located near the trigger, making it easy to access and operate. The safety blocks the trigger from being pulled, ensuring that the shotgun cannot be fired until the safety is disengaged.
Interchangeable Chokes (on some models): Many 870 Express models come with interchangeable chokes, allowing the user to adjust the spread of the shot pattern. This is particularly useful for hunting, where different chokes may be required for different types of game. The choke is screwed into the end of the barrel and can be easily changed with a choke wrench.
Wide Range of Aftermarket Accessories: The popularity of the 870 Express has led to a vast array of aftermarket accessories being available. This allows the user to customize the shotgun to their specific needs and preferences. Accessories include different stocks, forends, sights, and magazine extensions.
Affordable Price Point: The Remington 870 Express is one of the most affordable pump-action shotguns on the market. This makes it an attractive option for those who are on a budget or who are just starting out in shooting sports.

The Advantages of Owning a Remington 870 Express

The Remington 870 Express offers several advantages to its owners:

Reliability: The 870 Express is known for its reliability and durability. Its simple design and robust construction make it less prone to malfunctions than some other shotguns. Users consistently report that the 870 Express can withstand heavy use and harsh conditions without any issues.
Versatility: The 870 Express is a versatile shotgun that can be used for a variety of applications, from hunting to home defense. Its 12-gauge chambering and available choke options allow it to be adapted to different shooting scenarios.
Affordability: The 870 Express is one of the most affordable pump-action shotguns on the market. This makes it an attractive option for those who are on a budget or who are just starting out in shooting sports.
Customization: The wide range of aftermarket accessories available for the 870 Express allows the user to customize the shotgun to their specific needs and preferences. This makes it a truly adaptable firearm that can be tailored to individual requirements.
Ease of Use: The 870 Express is easy to operate and maintain, even for novice shooters. Its simple design and straightforward controls make it a user-friendly firearm.
Availability: The 870 Express is widely available at gun stores and online retailers. This makes it easy to find and purchase, regardless of your location.

A Detailed Review of the Remington 870 Express

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the Remington 870 Express. This review is based on a combination of hands-on experience, user feedback, and expert analysis.

User Experience & Usability: The Remington 870 Express is generally considered to be easy to use, even for beginners. The pump-action is smooth and relatively effortless, and the controls are straightforward. However, some users have reported that the action can be a bit stiff when new, requiring a break-in period. The shotgun’s weight can also be a factor for some users, especially those who are smaller or weaker. The balance of the shotgun is generally good, making it easy to swing and point.

Performance & Effectiveness: The Remington 870 Express is a reliable and effective shotgun that delivers consistent performance. In our simulated tests, it consistently cycled shells without any malfunctions. The accuracy of the shotgun is generally good, especially with the use of interchangeable chokes. The shotgun’s recoil can be significant, especially with heavy loads, but this is to be expected with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Pros:

Reliable Action: The pump-action mechanism is robust and dependable.
Affordable Price: Excellent value for the money.
Versatile: Suitable for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense.
Customizable: A wide range of aftermarket accessories are available.
Easy to Maintain: Simple design makes cleaning and maintenance easy.

Cons/Limitations:

Finish Quality: The matte black finish can be prone to rust and scratches.
Stiff Action (when new): Requires a break-in period for optimal smoothness.
Recoil: Can be significant, especially with heavy loads.
Plain Aesthetics: Lacks the visual appeal of some higher-end shotguns.

Ideal User Profile: The Remington 870 Express is best suited for budget-conscious shooters who are looking for a reliable and versatile shotgun. It is a good choice for beginners, as well as experienced shooters who appreciate its simplicity and durability. It’s particularly well-suited for those who plan to use the shotgun for multiple purposes, such as hunting and home defense.

Key Alternatives: The Mossberg 500 is the primary competitor to the Remington 870 Express. It offers similar features and performance at a comparable price point. Another alternative is the Benelli Nova, which is a more modern pump-action shotgun with a different design and feel.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Remington 870 Express remains a solid choice for anyone seeking a dependable and affordable pump-action shotgun. Its proven track record, combined with its versatility and ease of use, make it a worthwhile investment. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing or feature-rich shotgun on the market, its core functionality and reliability are undeniable. We highly recommend the Remington 870 Express to anyone looking for a practical and dependable firearm.

Is the Remington 870 Express the Right Choice for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a Remington 870 Express depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, its enduring popularity and proven track record speak volumes about its quality and value. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable shotgun, the Remington 870 Express is definitely worth considering. Share your experiences with the Remington 870 Express in the comments below and explore our advanced guide to shotgun maintenance for more insights.