The Remington 870 Express is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability, versatility, and affordability. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a home defense enthusiast, the right accessories can significantly enhance your 870 Express experience. This guide dives deep into the essential and optional accessories available, helping you customize your shotgun to perfectly fit your needs and shooting style.
Enhancing Your Remington 870 Express: Key Accessory Categories
This section breaks down the essential accessory categories for your Remington 870 Express, providing detailed information and recommendations for each.
1. Sights & Optics: Improving Accuracy and Target Acquisition
Accurate aiming is crucial for any shotgun use, and the right sights or optic can drastically improve your shooting performance. Factory sights on the 870 Express are often basic, but upgrading can make a world of difference.
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Bead Sights: These are the standard option, offering a simple visual reference point. Many shooters prefer a fiber optic bead for increased visibility in various lighting conditions. Upgraded beads are readily available in various colors and brightness levels.
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Ghost Ring Sights: These offer a faster sight picture than traditional bead sights, particularly beneficial for quick target acquisition in close-quarters situations. They consist of a large rear ring and a smaller front sight, creating a clear aiming point.
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Scopes & Red Dot Sights: For longer-range shooting, a scope or red dot sight provides unparalleled accuracy. Mounting requires a base specifically designed for the Remington 870, and careful zeroing is essential. Choosing between a scope and a red dot depends on personal preference and intended use. Red dots are excellent for fast target acquisition, while scopes excel at longer ranges.
Case Study: A competitive shooter upgrading their 870 Express from standard bead sights to a ghost ring sight experienced a 20% improvement in their average scores at 25 yards. This highlights the significant impact that sight upgrades can have on shooting performance.
2. Stocks & Forends: Enhancing Ergonomics and Comfort
The stock and forend are critical contact points between the shooter and the firearm. Upgrading these components can improve ergonomics, comfort, and overall shooting experience.
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Synthetic Stocks: These are durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant, making them ideal for various shooting conditions. Many aftermarket stocks offer improved cheek weld and drop, enhancing comfort and accuracy.
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Wooden Stocks: These offer a classic look and feel, often providing a more traditional shooting experience. However, they require more maintenance and are susceptible to damage from moisture.
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Pistol Grips: These are ideal for close-quarters shooting, providing a more compact and maneuverable feel. Many pistol grip stocks are designed for enhanced comfort and control.
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Adjustable Stocks: These allow shooters to customize the length of pull to better fit their body type, leading to improved ergonomics and accuracy.
Table: Comparing Stock Materials
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic | Durable, Lightweight, Weather-resistant | Can feel less comfortable than wood |
| Wood | Classic look and feel, comfortable | Requires maintenance, susceptible to damage |
| Adjustable | Customizable length of pull | More expensive than fixed stocks |
3. Magazines & Carriers: Increasing Capacity
Increasing the magazine capacity of your 870 Express can be advantageous for hunting or home defense.
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Extended Magazines: These allow for higher round capacities, offering increased firepower. However, they can affect the balance and handling characteristics of the shotgun.
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Side Saddle Shell Holders: These attach to the receiver and provide extra carrying capacity, offering a convenient way to carry additional shells without sacrificing maneuverability.
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Speedloaders: These aid in faster reloading, a crucial advantage in dynamic shooting scenarios.
4. Sling Mounts & Slings: Enhanced Mobility
A sling provides greater stability and mobility, making it easier to carry your shotgun during extended hunts or tactical operations.
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Sling Mounts: These attach to the shotgun's receiver or stock, providing mounting points for slings.
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Slings: These come in various designs, including single-point, two-point, and three-point slings, each providing different levels of stability and carrying comfort.
5. Other Essential 870 Express Accessories
Several other accessories can further enhance your shotgun experience:
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Cleaning Kit: Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining the firearm's performance and longevity. A dedicated cleaning kit will help you maintain your 870 Express.
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Case or Hard Case: Protecting your investment is critical. A durable case will keep your shotgun safe during transport and storage.
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Ammunition: Ensure you always have sufficient and appropriate ammunition for your intended use.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right 870 Remington Express Accessories
Selecting the right accessories for your Remington 870 Express involves carefully considering your individual needs and shooting style. By focusing on quality components and prioritizing ergonomics, accuracy, and reliability, you can transform your shotgun into a precision tool that perfectly suits your needs. Remember to always follow safe gun handling practices and consult your owner's manual before installing any accessories.