Remington 870 Shotgun

Manufacturer: Remington Arms
Category: Small Arms & Infantry Weapons
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Caliber 12 Gauge
Effective Range Short
Rate of Fire Manual pump
Weight Medium

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name	Remington 870
Weapon Type	Shotgun
Manufacturer	RemArms
Country of Origin	United States
Year Introduced	1950
Designer	L Ray Crittendon, Phillip Haskell
Service Status	In Service
Users	United States, UK, Israel

2. Performance

Muzzle Velocity	Approx. 365 to 400 m per s
Effective Range	40 to 100 m
Maximum Range	150 m
Rate of Fire	Pump action
Accuracy	Standard
Reliability	High

3. Dimensions

Overall Length	Approx. 1000 mm
Barrel Length	355 to 508 mm
Height	Approx. 190 mm
Width	Approx. 50 mm
Weight (Empty)	3.2 kg
Weight (Loaded)	Approx. 3.6 kg

4. Ammunition & Firepower

Caliber	12 gauge
Cartridge Type	Buckshot, slug
Feed System	Tubular magazine
Fire Modes	Pump action
Operating Mechanism	Manual pump

5. Build & Materials

Construction	Steel, polymer furniture
Durability	High
Ergonomics	Basic

6. Sights & Accessories

Standard Sights	Iron
Optics Compatibility	Picatinny rail optional
Accessory Mounts	Picatinny, MLOK
Optional Attachments	Flashlight, optics

7. Variants

Variants

870 Express, 870 Police, 870 MCS

8. Operational History

Combat Proven	Yes
Notable Conflicts	Iraq War, Afghanistan
Military Adoption	United States

9. Additional Notes

Special Features	Modular barrel options
Modern Upgrades	Rails, improved stocks

10. Disclaimer

Legal Notice

Information is for educational purposes only. TheDefenseWatch.com does not sell, trade, or promote illegal acquisition of firearms.

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.3

Reliability 9 / 10
Firepower / Lethality 7 / 10
Accuracy 6 / 10
Versatility / Modernization 7 / 10

PROS

Proven reliability in harsh conditions
Simple pump action design
Wide ammunition compatibility
Strong aftermarket support
Long service history in U.S. forces

CONS

Slower rate of fire than semi automatic shotguns
Recoil can be heavy with full power loads
Limited effective range
Manual cycling requires training
Heavier than some modern polymer designs

Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun

The Remington 870 is one of the most widely used pump action shotguns in U.S. service history. Introduced in 1950, it earned its reputation through decades of military, law enforcement, and civilian use. Built for reliability and simple operation, the 870 remains a trusted close range weapon for security forces and patrol units.

Manufactured by RemArms in the United States, the Remington 870 was designed as a versatile shotgun platform capable of handling harsh environments and high round counts. Its pump action system is mechanically simple, reducing the risk of malfunctions in dirty or stressful conditions. This made it especially attractive for military police, naval boarding teams, and domestic law enforcement agencies.

The Remington 870 typically fires 12 gauge ammunition, including buckshot, slug, and less lethal rounds. Effective range depends on the load, with buckshot effective out to about 40 meters and slugs reaching 75 to 100 meters. Muzzle velocity varies by cartridge but averages around 365 to 400 meters per second for slug rounds.

Operationally, the 870 excels in urban combat, base defense, breaching operations, and crowd control when configured for less lethal roles. Military variants often feature shorter barrels, extended magazines, and accessory mounts for optics or lights. Its steel receiver and robust internals contribute to its long service life.

Despite newer semi automatic shotguns entering service, the Remington 870 continues to see use due to its low cost, ease of maintenance, and wide logistical support across the United States.

Remington 870 Price

The Remington 870 price in the U.S. market typically ranges from 400 to 700 USD depending on configuration, barrel length, and tactical features. Law enforcement and military procurement prices may vary based on contract volume and accessories.

Reviews

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