Elevating Performance with Key Upgrades
The Remington 870, a name synonymous with reliability and performance, stands as an icon in the world of pump-action shotguns. From law enforcement agencies and military personnel to hunters and home defenders, this firearm has earned a reputation for its robustness and versatility. However, the beauty of the Remington 870 extends beyond its core functionality. The platform is ripe for customization, offering a plethora of opportunities to tailor the shotgun to your specific needs and preferences. This guide delves into the *best Remington 870 upgrades*, helping you elevate your pump-action shotgun to its full potential. We’ll explore enhancements that improve performance, ergonomics, tactical capabilities, and even aesthetics, ensuring you have a shotgun that’s as unique as you are.
Barrel Transformations
The barrel is the heart of any shotgun, directly influencing its range, shot pattern, and overall effectiveness. Upgrading the barrel offers a significant performance boost. Consider different barrel lengths based on your primary use. For tactical applications, a shorter barrel (around 18-20 inches) offers maneuverability and ease of handling in confined spaces. Hunting often benefits from longer barrels (26-28 inches or more), providing greater accuracy at distance.
Beyond length, aftermarket chokes are essential. Chokes constrict the shot column as it exits the barrel, controlling the spread of pellets. Various chokes are available, from improved cylinder (wide spread) to full choke (tight spread), allowing you to tailor the pattern to your target and distance. Always select a choke compatible with your ammunition. Barrel materials also play a role. Stainless steel barrels are known for their corrosion resistance, while chrome-moly steel provides a balance of durability and affordability. Explore finishes like Cerakote for added protection and a customized look.
Trigger Enhancement
A crisp, clean trigger pull is vital for accuracy and speed. The factory trigger on a Remington 870 can sometimes feel heavy or gritty. Upgrading the trigger is one of the most impactful *Remington 870 upgrades*. Options range from simple trigger springs to complete drop-in trigger groups. Drop-in trigger groups provide a significant upgrade, often offering a lighter pull weight and a smoother feel. Consider adjusting the trigger pull weight to suit your preferences. A lighter trigger can improve accuracy, while a heavier one may enhance safety.
Optimizing Internal Components
While often overlooked, internal components can significantly influence the reliability and longevity of your Remington 870. Consider enhancements to extractors to improve extraction reliability, especially under heavy use. A stronger or enhanced extractor is a wise addition. Smoother cycling translates into faster follow-up shots and reduced malfunctions. Polishing critical surfaces, such as the bolt and receiver rails, can minimize friction and enhance cycling speed. Another worthy consideration would be magazine extension tubes. Increasing your magazine capacity enables additional shots without the need to reload and becomes a valuable *Remington 870 upgrade*.
Enhancing Comfort and Control: Ergonomic Upgrades
Beyond pure performance, enhancing the ergonomics of your Remington 870 will significantly impact your comfort and control, leading to better handling and more accurate shooting.
Stock Enhancements
The stock is a crucial contact point, influencing how the shotgun fits and feels in your hands. The factory stock might not suit everyone. Explore a variety of stock types, including adjustable stocks, pistol grip stocks, and traditional stocks. Adjustable stocks offer the greatest versatility, allowing you to customize the length of pull (LOP) and comb height to match your body type and shooting style. A proper fit is essential for comfortable shouldering and consistent sight alignment. Recoil pads can significantly reduce felt recoil, making extended shooting sessions more enjoyable. Look for high-quality recoil pads made from materials like gel or dense rubber.
Forend Improvement
The forend provides another crucial grip point, influencing your ability to cycle the action smoothly and quickly. Aftermarket forends come in various designs. Consider forends with textured surfaces or finger grooves for enhanced grip and control, particularly in wet or adverse conditions. Tactical rails on the forend allow for the attachment of accessories, such as weapon lights or laser sights. Look for forends made from durable materials like polymer or aluminum. Ensure the forend is compatible with your shotgun’s action bars.
Grip Modifications
For further enhancements, you can look at grip additions. Adding textured grips or grip tape can drastically enhance your ability to maintain positive control of your Remington 870, especially in wet or sweaty conditions. Consider custom grip materials for enhanced comfort and a unique look.
Tactical Edge: Adding Accessories
For those seeking to enhance the tactical capabilities of their Remington 870, a range of accessories can significantly improve performance in various scenarios.
Sight Systems and Optics
Upgrading your sights can drastically improve target acquisition speed and accuracy. Ghost ring sights provide a fast and precise aiming solution, especially for close-quarters engagements. Red dot sights offer an even faster target acquisition, especially for those with compromised vision. The ability to keep both eyes open makes target acquisition easier and is great for instinctive shooting. Consider mounting options that are rugged and reliable. Ensure your chosen sights are compatible with your barrel and mounting system.
Lighting Solutions
A weapon light is invaluable for low-light situations. When aiming, the light illuminates your target. Look for lights with high lumens and durable construction. Consider mounting options that place the light conveniently for activation. Evaluate different activation options, such as momentary-on and constant-on switches.
Sling Systems
A sling is essential for carrying your shotgun comfortably and securely. Two-point slings are versatile, allowing you to carry the shotgun across your back or chest. Single-point slings are preferred for tactical applications, offering greater maneuverability. Evaluate different sling mounting options to ensure compatibility with your stock and forend.
Personalizing Your Shotgun: Aesthetic Enhancements
Transforming the appearance of your Remington 870 allows you to add a unique touch that reflects your individual style.
Durable Coatings
Cerakote and other advanced firearm coatings offer a durable and visually appealing way to personalize your shotgun. These coatings are highly resistant to wear, corrosion, and abrasion. You can choose from a vast array of colors and patterns, from tactical black to camouflage designs. Cerakote is also known for its lubricity, which can improve cycling.
Personalized Engraving
Adding custom engraving is a highly personal and permanent way to customize your Remington 870. Engraving allows you to incorporate unique designs, initials, or other markings, turning your shotgun into a true work of art. Look for experienced engraving services to ensure high-quality results.
Installation, Safety, and Expertise
Assessing the Difficulty
Some *Remington 870 upgrades* are relatively easy to install, while others may require specialized tools and knowledge. Before beginning any upgrade, assess your comfort level and skill set. Simple upgrades, such as replacing the stock or adding a sling, can often be done at home with basic tools. More complex upgrades, such as trigger replacements or barrel changes, may require professional assistance.
Adhering to Instructions
Always carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any upgrade. This will ensure proper installation and avoid damaging your firearm.
Seeking Expert Help
If you are unsure about any step of the upgrade process, do not hesitate to seek help from a qualified gunsmith or armorer. Professional gunsmiths have the expertise and tools to perform complex upgrades safely and correctly.
Prioritizing Safety
Gun safety is paramount. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Before performing any upgrades, ensure that the firearm is unloaded and the action is open. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not prepared to destroy. Always wear appropriate eye protection and ear protection. Practice safe gun handling at all times.
In Conclusion
The Remington 870 is a highly customizable platform, and the *best Remington 870 upgrades* presented here are designed to enhance your shooting experience. From performance-focused barrel and trigger improvements to ergonomic and tactical upgrades, there are options to suit every need and preference. Remember to choose upgrades that align with your specific goals, prioritize safety throughout the process, and consider professional assistance when needed. By investing in the right upgrades, you can transform your already reliable Remington 870 into the ultimate pump-action shotgun, tailored to your shooting style. Enjoy the process of building a shotgun that is perfect for you, and take pride in the functionality and personalization it will deliver. Start enhancing your Remington 870 today!
