Click HERE to purchase your own Remington 870 shotgun.
1) How old is the 870 design?
A: The 870 was introduced by Remington in 1951. Since then, over 8 million 870s have been produced.
2) What gauges has the 870 been offered in?
A: Over the years, the 870 has been offered in .410 bore, 28, 20, 16 and 12 gauge.
3) What is the difference between the Wingmaster and the Express models?
A: The main differences are the finish on the metal and the type of wood. The Wingmaster has a polished-blued finish with a walnut stock. The Express model has a matte black finish with hardwood stocks. Mechanically, the guns are the same. The Express was introduced to give sportsmen an economical alternative to the Wingmaster.
4) Can I use a Wingmaster barrel on my Express model?
A: Yes. The barrels are interchangeable.
5) Will a 12 gauge stock fit my 20 gauge 870?
A: If your 20 gauge is a standard weight and not a lightweight 870, the 12 gauge stock will fit. The 870LT has a lighter, slimmer receiver. The 16 gauge standard weight also takes the same stock as the 12 gauge.
6) Can I increase the magazine capacity of my 870?
A: Yes. Several manufacturers, including TacStar, manufacture magazine extensions for the 870. These will increase the magazine capacity up to 8 rounds.
7) I plan on hunting turkey with my 870 and want better sights than a plain bead. What are my options?
A: There are many sight options available from rifle-style adjustable sights to fiber optic sights to increase visibility in low light conditions. There are some that attach with screws or a magnet to a ventilated rib. Others replace the existing front bead sight.
8) Can I put a scope on my 870 for deer hunting?
A: Yes. You can have a gunsmith drill and tap the receiver for a scope base. This is the most secure method. There are also no gunsmithing mounts available that will not permanently alter the gun. Some mounts like one from Leapers replace the trigger group pins with screws that secure the mount to the receiver.
9) I want to use my 870 for 3 gun shooting. Is there a way to carry ammunition on the gun for easy access?
A: Yes. TacStar and other companies manufacture a shell holder that attaches to the left side of the receiver. These will hold up to six rounds that can be quickly accessed by the shooter.
10) What type of deer slugs should I shoot in my rifled barrel?
A: A rifled barrel is designed to shoot sabot slugs. A sabot slug is a sub caliber bullet surrounded by a plastic sleeve that is the same diameter of the bore. The plastic sleeve grips the rifling of the barrel which imparts spin on it. Shortly after the slug leaves the barrel, the sabot is shed and the slug continues to the target.
11) What type of deer slugs should I shoot in my smoothbore barrel?
A: Smoothbore barrels are designed to shoot rifled slugs. Sometimes referred to as Foster slugs, these are hollow based lead projectiles with shallow fins on the sides near the front. The weight in the front of the slug stabilizes it in flight. The fins allow the slug to compress slightly as it passes through chokes tighter than cylinder bore.
12) What types of finishes is the 870 offered in?
A: The 870 has been offered in many finishes over the years. These include, but are not limited to, polished blued, matte blued, nickel and camo. Stocks are available in walnut, hardwood and synthetic.
13) What variations of the 870 are there?
A: Major variations of the 870 include field, trap, skeet, marine, deer, turkey, and tactical. These models will vary in barrel length and type, stock type and finish.
14) I’d like to put vertical grips on the rear and forend of my 870. Is this possible?
A: Yes. Several companies produce front and rear grips for the 870. The front grip is typically a replacement forend with an integrated vertical grip. The rear grip can be had as a grip only or a buttstock with a vertical grip.
15) How can I attach a tactical flashlight to my 870?
A: There are several options for mounting a flashlight to the 870. The simplest and cheapest way is a clamp that mounts to the barrel or magazine extension. Pachmayr makes a light mount that fits in the TacStar side saddle ammo carrier. Mako Security manufactures a forend with accessory rails on it that allow mounting a light to it.
16) My 870 came with wood stocks. What are my options for replacement stocks?
A: There are many replacement stocks for the 870. There are standard synthetic stocks, pistol grip stocks, collapsible AR-15 style, side folding stocks, top folding stocks and even stocks that hold extra ammunition.
17) Can I use a 2-3/4” barrel on my 3” magnum receiver?
A: Yes. The 2-3/4” chambered barrel will fit on the 3” receiver. You will only be able to shoot 2-3/4” ammunition in it though.
how do i change the open sights on my 870 slug barrel to Tru Glo fiber optic slug sights?
Comment by wes — September 26, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
Nothing said about the Sportsman 12 Shotgun. I have a nice one. What about Barrels and stocks on these. Will they interchange with 870 and express?
Comment by Dave — January 25, 2010 @ 9:40 pm
I recently bought an ’80′s model Remington 870 in the lightweight magnum 20 gauge version. This particular one has a 28″ barrel, and I was wondering about what kind of replacement barrels are available for it? Also, what kind specifically would I need to fit the lightweight model?
Comment by James Pruitt — February 25, 2010 @ 10:54 pm
Replacing the sights on a slug barrel is fairly easy. The rear sight is removed by loosening the screw on the right side and sliding it off toward the front of the gun. The new sight can be installed by reversing the procedure. Mark your rear sight ramp before removing the original sight. This will help maintain your zero. The front sight is dovetailed and the blade is driven out from right to left using a plactic or other non-marring punch. Install the new sight in reverse. Minor fitting may be required to get the front sight into the dovetail.
Comment by Gundog — March 10, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
The Sportsman series is simply an economy 870 and all parts are interchangeable with other 870 shotguns.
Comment by Gundog — March 10, 2010 @ 12:30 pm
Remington currently lists 4 replacement barrels for the 20 gauge 870, all with 3 inch chambers. They are 26 and 28 inch Rem Choke field, a 20 inch smoothbore rifle sight deer and a 20 inch fully rifled rifle sight deer Express barrel. Any of these should fit your 870 20 gauge LW model with(possibly)the exception of the Express barrel. Contact Remington to confirm.
Comment by Gundog — March 10, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
I just came into a 12 ga. 870 Wingmaster that’s got a 28″ 2 3/4″ vented rib on it. I’d like a shorter (18″-21″) barrel for it, preferably with the blued finish and the vented rib. Does such a barrel exist? Thanks much.
Comment by Remy — March 27, 2010 @ 1:09 am
My father-in-law gave me his mint-ish (1960s) Rem. Wingmaster 16 ga. 870 (2 3/4), full choke, with the tightest pattern at 35 yards I have ever used. It’s a sure winner at turkey shoots. I wanted to extend it’s tree-top squirrel-getter attribute with a deer slug barrel. I found one at Midway USA for $240 delivered. When it arrived the barrels appeared the same, however the listing read 3″ & 2 3/4″ shells with a choke tube. It’s not rifled and why the choke tube, I don’t understand. The barrel slid into its slot just fine. I had put a new screw cap on, still in admiration of my new project. However, when I tried to work the forearm, it hung up and the breech would not fully open. The breech end of the new slug barrel is a bit thicker than the original. I’m looking to file some metal off, bit by bit, until the slide is free. I think this will not compromise its safety. I write this for others who may confront this problem, since Midway USA will not accept returns, if I mount it, or scathe it…which is reasonable. Regardless, I put on a new tube cap swivel and butt swivel to accept a comfortable sling. I added a recoil pad. I now have another shotgun I can use after squirrel season.
Comment by Koondogg — April 22, 2010 @ 12:21 pm
I have a 870 Wingmaster .410 bore 25″barrel. It was given to me and I want to make it more of a tactical gun. Looking to shorten the barrel to 18.5-20. I’m not finding any options. Are there any? I don’t want to cut it. I’d like to be able to swap it back and forth.
Comment by 410 Rem — October 29, 2010 @ 8:47 pm
410 Rem
Don’t convert it, trade it for a 12 ga. tactical gun instead.
Comment by sid — November 9, 2010 @ 11:15 am
I have a remington 870 express and i found a 20 gauge stock and was wondering if it would fit my remington 870 express. its a 12 gauge. so the stocks a 20 gauge stock and the gun is a 12 gauge.
Comment by Mike — November 29, 2010 @ 9:11 am
I was given my Grandpa’s old (1960′s) 870 Wingmaster with a 28″ vented rib barrel. I want to use it for a slug gun with a red dot scope mounted to the receiver. Any ideas where I can find a used slug barrel? Also, I took it to my local gunsmith and they told me they wouldn’t tap it. Why would this be?
Comment by Bart — December 4, 2010 @ 11:05 am
I have a 16 gauge 870 Wingmaster with a “full choke” barrel and I have been wondering if I can buy a replacement barrel of either modified or improved cylinder.
Comment by Matt — December 13, 2010 @ 10:58 pm
Will a 2 3/4 inch receiver accept 3 inch ammo?
Comment by Ted — January 1, 2011 @ 10:58 am
In the mid 1970s I acquired an 870 wingmaster in 12 gauge with a 28″ barrel. I am now converting this weapon for use in home defense. I have removed the wooden stock and installed a pistol grip. I have added a shot holder and I am trying to remove the wooden fore grip to replace it but I am having a very tough time getting it off. I have removed the screws but it won’t come off. Is it glued on or am just doing something wrong? I am being very careful to not damage the gun or the original wooden stocks because I will probably put them back on one day. I am putting on a shorter barrel next, probably go to an 18 or 20″‘ any recommendations would be welcome.
Thanks for any help
Comment by Bill — July 13, 2011 @ 11:41 pm
[...] AM #4cgerstyJunior Member Join Date: Aug 2011Location: Collinsville, IllinoisPosts: 4 Remington 870 FAQ | The Shooter's Log about half way down the page it says about the stocks, good tips on that whole page on accessories [...]
Pingback by H&r pardner pump — August 12, 2011 @ 7:22 pm
Can you just swap out a 20 gauge express barrel for a 12 gauge barrel to chamber the larger gauge or do you need to swap the bolt as well? Basically I want to turn my Remington express 20g into a 12g with just a barrel swap. Is this possible?
Comment by Nathan — September 14, 2011 @ 9:29 pm
Is there an insert to convert my 50 year old Remington 870 12 gauge pump (2 3/4 shells) to a 20 gauge or do I need to buy a 20 gauge barrel?
Comment by Phillip Lowe — December 13, 2011 @ 9:27 am
Is there an insert to convert my 50 year old Remington 880 12 gauge pump shotgun (2 3/4 shells) to a 20 gauge or do I need to just replace the barrel?
Comment by Phillip Lowe — December 13, 2011 @ 9:31 am
I have a 870 express 12 gauge. I have been told I canI simply put 16 gauge barrel on it and have a working 16 gauge.
Comment by Rob — January 18, 2012 @ 4:54 pm
hey whats up guys. big fan of the 870 i have had mine for 3 years all original never had issues with it. just bought a mossberg 500 security these two guns have alot of similarities accessory wise. in fact ive been looking to make the mossberg 500 a tact. version. i saw this kit on here but its been sold out for almost 2 months now…. i cant find it anywhere else, i kno i could get the same parts piece by piece but i mean look at this deal and hey im no jon gotti here. if any1 knos where i could get this same package please email me cardone_925@yahoo.com
or if you have similar used i wouldnt mind long as its in good condition.
thanx
Comment by CHANGECALIGUNLAWZ!!!! — March 10, 2012 @ 12:13 pm
Can you put 870 12 gauge barrel on a 16 gauge 870 frame. There are more 12 gauge out there ????
Comment by Matthew — May 23, 2012 @ 4:42 pm
I wish cheaperthandirt would create a section dedicated to the 870 20 gauge. The 12 gets so much more attention. Just glad I found this log as its answered some of my questions. I have an 870 pump (20 ga.) synthetic and want to use a collapsable stock. I thought I was out of luck until I read the above.
Comment by Jason — September 26, 2012 @ 9:44 pm
What does the tm stand for on 870tm extra barrel…will it work for deer slugs
Comment by Roger — November 25, 2012 @ 7:57 pm
In your answer in Question #5, you stated “The 870LT has a lighter, slimmer receiver”.
My two questions are –
1. How does one tell which he has?
2. What are the two thicknees of the 870?
Comment by Ralph Brooks — February 4, 2013 @ 11:41 pm
1. What type of metal is used on the barrel of the Express Model Remington 870 12 gauge.
2. Where did Remington buy the metal from?
Comment by Wyatt Landry — March 29, 2013 @ 10:49 am
@Wyatt Landry (#26), the type of metal used on the barrel is 4140 steel with a chrome lined bore. As to where Remington buys their metal, you would have to ask them.
Comment by CTD Lady Blogger — March 29, 2013 @ 2:05 pm