Historical Context & The Remington 870’s Legacy
For over seven decades, a name has resonated through the world of firearms, synonymous with reliability, versatility, and the raw power of shotguns: the Remington 870. This pump-action shotgun has become an icon, a trusted companion for law enforcement, military personnel, hunters, and homeowners alike. Within the extensive family of 870 models, the twelve-gauge variant equipped with a twenty-eight-inch barrel stands out as a particularly well-rounded configuration. This article dives deep into this specific model, exploring its history, features, potential uses, and why it has earned such a loyal following.
The story of the Remington 870 is a testament to American ingenuity and the enduring appeal of a well-engineered firearm. Introduced in the early nineteen-fifties, the 870 quickly eclipsed its predecessor, the Model 31, and quickly became a resounding success. Its rugged design, utilizing a receiver crafted from steel and a robust action, set a new standard for pump-action shotguns. Remington engineers focused on creating a pump-action that was easy to use, reliable in adverse conditions, and, importantly, able to withstand the rigors of daily use. The result was a firearm that quickly became a favorite amongst law enforcement agencies who needed a durable and reliable weapon, and this reputation quickly spread to the civilian market. The gun’s ability to handle a wide variety of ammunition, from birdshot to buckshot and slugs, further solidified its versatility.
The Remington 870’s popularity is not merely historical; it continues to thrive because of its inherent qualities. It is a firearm built to last, with a reputation for functioning flawlessly under pressure. Its straightforward design makes it intuitive to operate, even for those new to shotguns. The robust construction means it can handle years of use and abuse with minimal maintenance. The aftermarket support is also substantial, with a huge range of customization options.
Specifications of the Twelve Gauge Twenty-Eight Inch Barrel Model
Now, let’s focus specifically on the twelve-gauge model with a twenty-eight-inch barrel. This configuration presents a sweet spot in terms of balance and performance.
The heart of this shotgun, the twelve-gauge, is the powerhouse. This caliber has been a standard for good reason. It delivers a massive payload of shot or a single, heavy slug, making it effective in various scenarios.
The twenty-eight-inch barrel is an important factor in the overall performance of this 870. The longer barrel allows for a more consistent shot pattern at a distance. It also helps in achieving higher muzzle velocities, contributing to greater effective range. The barrel’s interior is typically smooth-bored, though options with interchangeable choke tubes are common. These chokes allow the shooter to fine-tune the shot pattern, tailoring it to the specific application, which could be hunting or competition shooting. The smooth bore, when paired with the right chokes, means that this shotgun is a versatile tool for various purposes.
The receiver of the Remington 870 is typically made of solid steel, known for its durability and longevity. This sturdy construction is one of the keys to the 870’s reputation for reliability. The steel receiver will resist wear and tear, which will increase the lifespan of the firearm.
The stock and forend can be found in various materials, though wood and synthetic polymer are the most common. Wood stocks offer classic aesthetics, while synthetic stocks provide greater weather resistance and often lighter weight. The forend is the sliding grip that you use to pump the action, feeding and ejecting shells.
The trigger and safety are simple and effective. A crossbolt safety is usually located at the rear of the trigger guard, allowing for quick and intuitive operation. The trigger pull will vary, but is typically smooth and easy to manage.
Sights are generally of the bead-sight variety, providing a simple and fast aiming point. However, many models also accommodate the addition of aftermarket sights, allowing for greater precision if desired.
One of the most attractive features of this firearm is the potential for aftermarket modifications. From upgraded stocks and forends to tactical accessories such as rails for mounting optics, the Remington 870, especially this specific model, offers a vast playground for customization.
Usability & Applications
This model offers a variety of uses, so let’s delve into its most common applications.
Hunting
The twenty-eight-inch barrel 870 excels in the hunting field. The longer barrel, combined with appropriate choke selections, allows for effective shots at birds and game. The balance of the gun allows for fluid and accurate tracking of moving targets. This makes it a popular choice for waterfowl hunting, where the extended range and patterning characteristics are highly advantageous. It can also be used for upland bird hunting, such as pheasant or quail, and, with proper ammunition, can even be employed for deer hunting at moderate ranges.
Home Defense
While not the most compact option, the Remington 870 with a twenty-eight-inch barrel can also function effectively as a home defense weapon. The twelve-gauge shotgun, with its powerful payload, is a proven deterrent. The longer barrel might make maneuverability slightly more challenging in confined spaces than with a shorter-barreled shotgun, but the added weight can also help mitigate recoil. The simplicity of operation, the manual safety, and the wide selection of ammunition make this a popular choice for home defense. Responsible gun owners must thoroughly research the legal requirements associated with owning a shotgun in their location and they need to familiarize themselves with the safe handling of firearms.
Sporting Clays/Target Shooting
Another aspect in which the twenty-eight inch barrel model shines is in sporting clay or target shooting. The twenty-eight inch barrel provides a longer sight radius, which can aid in accuracy, along with a better swing and follow through. The longer barrel also helps with the balance and the weight of the gun, reducing the recoil. This configuration is suitable for different types of target shooting such as skeet, trap, or sporting clays.
Pros & Cons
Let’s analyze the pros and cons of this model.
Pros
Some of the advantages include its accuracy, which comes from its longer barrel length. The versatility of this model means that it can be used for hunting, home defense, and target shooting. As previously discussed, this shotgun is known for its reliability. Moreover, the Remington 870 has a vast market of aftermarket parts and accessories, which allows users to personalize their firearm. The firearm is also durable and can last for years, even with heavy use.
Cons
However, as with any firearm, there are a few drawbacks. The length of the twenty-eight-inch barrel may make it less maneuverable than shorter-barreled shotguns, particularly in confined spaces. The weight of the gun could also be seen as a disadvantage. Depending on the type of ammunition and the stock material, recoil can be significant. Users also need to consider the potential for over-penetration in a home defense scenario, which means choosing the right ammunition is critical.
Comparison to Other Shotgun Models
When considering other pump-action shotguns, the Remington 870 consistently gets compared to models from other manufacturers, especially the Mossberg 500/590 series. While the Mossberg models offer strong competition, the Remington 870 stands out due to its legendary reputation and the wide availability of aftermarket support. It’s a matter of personal preference which model you choose. There is also a significant difference between this model and semiautomatic shotguns. Semi-automatics offer faster follow-up shots, but the pump-action 870 is generally considered more reliable, especially when the user doesn’t clean or maintain it properly. The manual action of the pump-action also forces the shooter to be mindful of each shot, fostering a more deliberate shooting style.
Maintenance & Care
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping any firearm functioning reliably. Cleaning the Remington 870 is fairly simple. After each use, the barrel should be cleaned, and the action wiped down and lubricated. Periodically, the gun should be completely disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. Use a quality gun cleaner, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication. Keeping the firearm stored in a safe, dry place is paramount.
Where to Buy & Pricing
Before you acquire any firearm, one of the first things to consider is local and federal laws. It is crucial to understand the legal requirements for owning a shotgun. Be aware of any restrictions on barrel length, magazine capacity, or overall length.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Remington 870 with a twenty-eight-inch barrel represents a superb blend of tradition, reliability, and versatility. It’s a shotgun that is equally at home in the duck blind, on the range, or serving as a home defense weapon. Its rugged construction, ease of use, and the vast availability of parts and accessories have ensured its longevity. If you are in the market for a shotgun, this model is certainly a candidate. It is a testament to American craftsmanship.
