The Remington 870 is an iconic American pump—action shotgun developed by Remington Arms in 1950 and became the most popular in history (over 11 million copies). It uses a 12-gauge (as well as a 16, 20, and .410), offering versatility for hunting, self-defense, and police operations. The shotgun operates according to the pump-action scheme (sliding forearm), ensuring reliability even in extreme conditions — from the Alaskan taiga to the deserts of Iraq.
The Remington 870 is equipped with an under-barrel tubular magazine for 4-7 rounds (depending on the modification) and a quick reload system. Its simple design (60 parts in total) allows you to disassemble and clean weapons without special tools. The US army and police use modifications with shortened barrels (14 inches) and a pistol grip (for example, the M870 MCS for special forces).
The shotgun became famous in Vietnam War as a "trench cleaner" — Marines used it with buckshot cartridges in close combat. There are hundreds of options, from the basic Express to tactical versions with Picatinny rails, telescopic butts, and heat-resistant coatings (Tac-14). In 2007, the Remington 870 received a star in the American Weapons Hall of Fame, beating competitors Winchester 1200 and Mossberg 500.
Constructors:
L.Ray Crittendon
Phillip Haskell
Ellis Haleston
J.E. Pinkney
Caliber: 12 gauge (the most common). It is also available in 16, 20, 28 caliber and .410.
Barrel length: From 356 mm (14") to 762 mm (30"), depending on the modification.
Total length: From 886 mm (with 14" barrel) to 1292 mm (with 30" barrel).
Weight: 3.2–3.6 kg (depending on the barrel and the material of the box).
Magazine capacity:
4+1 or 6+1 rounds (standard versions).
Up to 8+1 in extended magazines (tactical modifications).
Type of recharge: pump (sliding handguard).
Sighting devices:
Open sight (basic version).
The possibility of installing collimator or optical sights.
Other features:
Pump mechanism: Reloading is carried out by sliding the forearm, which ensures high reliability and the possibility of using different types of cartridges.
Steel barrel and aluminum barrel block: Lightness and structural strength.
Modularity: Easily replaceable barrels, butts and handguards allow you to adapt the gun to different tasks.
Wide range of modifications:
Hunting versions: Wingmaster, Express.
Tactical/Police: 870P, 870 Tactical.
Military: 870 MCS (Modular Combat Shotgun).
Produced: over 11 million copies, making it the most produced shotgun in history.
Advantages:
Simple and durable construction with minimal moving parts.
Suitable for hunting, self-defense, sport shooting and military applications.
It is easy to disassemble and maintain even in the field.
Low cost compared to analogues.
Disadvantages:
The pump mechanism requires physical effort, which reduces the rate of fire compared to semi-automatic rifles.
In compact tactical versions, the payoff can be noticeable.
Limited magazine capacity compared to some modern shotguns.
Interesting facts:
It was created by engineers L. Ray Crittendon and Phillip Haskell to compete with the Winchester Model 1912.
In 1983, Remington was producing 10,000 shotguns per week, a production rate made possible by proven technology.
Its two-tube slide-action reloading system almost does not break even after tens of thousands of shots.
Used:
In Vietnam, it was known as a "trench shotgun."
In Iraq and Afghanistan, for close combat and punching doors.
Despite Remington's bankruptcy in 2020, new owners (Vista Outdoor) the issue was resumed.
Photos:
NAVY SEAL Fighter with Remington 870
A soldier with a Remington 870 12-gauge, loaded with blanks to scare unwanted birds from the vicinity of the Incirlik Airbase, 2002
Pilot of the Marine Patrol Security Service of the United States Air Force from MacDill Air Base with M870, 2011