Introduction
The Remington 870 Express is more than just a shotgun; it’s a legacy. This pump-action workhorse has earned its place as a mainstay for hunters, sport shooters, and home defenders alike. Known for its robust construction, reliability, and versatility, the 870 Express offers a blank canvas for customization. But how do you transform this already capable firearm into something truly tailored to your specific needs? The answer lies in the vast world of 870 Remington Express Accessories. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating this exciting realm, helping you understand the various upgrades and enhancements available to make your 870 Express perform at its absolute best. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the 870 platform, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to personalize your shotgun and unlock its full potential.
Accessorizing your 870 Express isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about optimizing your firearm for improved performance, increased versatility, and enhanced comfort. Adding the right 870 Remington Express Accessories can significantly improve your accuracy, handling, and overall experience with the shotgun. This guide explores the essential upgrades, functional enhancements, and tactical additions, providing you with the insights you need to make informed decisions and create the perfect 870 Express configuration for your needs. From basic improvements to advanced tactical setups, let’s dive in and discover the world of accessories that will transform your 870 Express.
Essential Upgrades: The Foundation of Performance
Before venturing into the more specialized accessories, it’s crucial to focus on the foundational components that directly impact your shotgun’s performance. These are the “must-haves” that should be considered when tailoring your 870.
Choke Selection: Controlling the Shot Pattern
One of the most significant ways to tailor your 870 Express for specific purposes is through the use of choke tubes. Chokes are threaded constrictions at the muzzle that affect the spread of your shot pattern. By changing the choke tube, you can control how tightly or loosely the shot pellets disperse, which is vital for both accuracy and the effective range of your shotgun.
For hunting, different choke tubes are favored for various game. For example, a modified choke is often an excellent all-around choice, while a full choke provides a tighter pattern for longer-range shots. Improved cylinder chokes are ideal for close-range engagements or when using slugs. When choosing a choke, consider the type of ammunition you plan to use, the range at which you’ll be shooting, and the specific game or target you’re pursuing.
Several reputable manufacturers offer a wide variety of 870 Remington Express Accessories in the form of choke tubes. Brands like Carlson’s and Briley are widely recognized for their quality and performance. They offer choke tubes made from durable materials, often stainless steel, and designed to withstand the rigors of repeated use. Exploring these options allows you to refine your 870 Express for precise applications.
Stock and Forend: Comfort and Control in Hand
The stock and forend of your 870 Express directly influence your comfort, control, and the overall feel of the shotgun. Upgrading these components can dramatically improve your shooting experience and enhance your ability to handle the weapon effectively.
Consider the stock’s design and length of pull. Many shooters find that an aftermarket stock improves comfort and the overall feel. Stocks come in various styles, including traditional, pistol grip, and adjustable. Pistol grip stocks provide a more secure hold and better recoil management, while adjustable stocks allow you to tailor the length of pull to your specific physique.
Forends also play a crucial role. Options include standard forends, extended forends that offer more reach and control, and tactical forends with integrated rails for mounting accessories. Wood, synthetic, and composite materials are common options for both stocks and forends. Synthetic stocks often offer increased durability and resistance to weather, while wood stocks provide a classic aesthetic appeal.
Popular brands that offer high-quality stocks and forends include Magpul, known for their durable and ergonomic designs; Hogue, specializing in rubberized grips for enhanced control; and ATI, offering a variety of options for different budgets. Selecting the right stock and forend combination can significantly improve your handling and accuracy. This is an area where choosing the best 870 Remington Express Accessories can truly personalize your shooting experience.
Sighting Solutions: Improving Target Acquisition
Effective sights are essential for accurate shot placement, regardless of your intended application. Upgrading your sighting system can make a substantial difference in your ability to acquire targets quickly and consistently.
Bead sights are the standard factory option, providing a basic but functional aiming point. Ghost ring sights offer a wider sight picture and faster target acquisition, making them popular for tactical applications. Red dot sights provide a quick and intuitive aiming solution, particularly in low-light conditions. Optical sights, like scopes, are ideal for long-range shooting and provide increased magnification.
When choosing sights, consider your primary use for the shotgun. For home defense or close-quarters combat, a ghost ring or red dot sight may be ideal. For hunting, a scope or adjustable fiber optic sight might be a better choice. Evaluate the intended use and environment to determine the best sighting solution. The selection of a proper sight can greatly benefit the overall functionality of any 870 Remington Express Accessories package.
Performance Boosters: Maximizing Functionality
Beyond the core components, several 870 Remington Express Accessories can significantly enhance the functionality and performance of your shotgun. These upgrades provide additional advantages for various shooting situations.
Capacity Enhancements: Expanding Ammunition Reserves
Increasing your shotgun’s ammunition capacity can be a significant advantage, particularly in defensive or competitive shooting scenarios. This can be achieved with magazine tube extensions, which replace the factory magazine tube with a longer tube that holds more shells.
When considering a magazine tube extension, it’s crucial to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding shotgun capacity. Be certain you remain compliant with those laws.
Popular brands for magazine tube extensions include Nordic Components and TacStar. Installation often involves removing the factory magazine cap and spring, and then screwing in the extension tube. It’s often necessary to replace the follower and spring with ones that are compatible with the extended tube. When adding the new components, be sure to consult the included instructions for proper installation.
Carry Solutions: Convenience and Accessibility
A reliable sling is essential for comfortably carrying your 870 Express, especially during extended periods of use. Sling mounts and slings are available in various configurations to suit different needs.
Sling mounts come in different types, including swivel attachments and QD (Quick Detach) attachments. Swivels attach directly to the stock and forend, providing a secure and simple way to mount a sling. QD attachments allow for quick detachment of the sling. Sling types include two-point slings, which attach at the front and rear of the shotgun, and single-point slings, which attach to a single point, such as the stock.
Consider the type of activities you’ll be doing with your 870 Express to help decide which sling best suits your needs. Two-point slings provide greater stability, while single-point slings offer more maneuverability in close quarters. Several high-quality brands offer dependable sling options, giving you a variety of choices to find the ideal carrying solution.
Shell Storage: On-Demand Access
Shell holders provide quick and easy access to additional ammunition, making them essential for both tactical and hunting applications. Various styles of shell holders are available, each with its own advantages.
Stock-mounted shell holders attach directly to the stock, providing a convenient location for storing spare shells. Receiver-mounted shell holders attach to the side of the receiver, providing quick access to several additional rounds. Side saddles, which attach to the receiver, are a popular choice. These solutions provide readily accessible rounds in a compact and convenient package.
Choose the shell holder that best suits your needs and shooting style. Ensuring you’re using reliable and durable 870 Remington Express Accessories means you’ll get the best performance from your equipment.
Tactical Advantages: Enhancing Defensive Capabilities
For those who use their 870 Express for home defense or other tactical applications, the following 870 Remington Express Accessories can significantly improve its effectiveness in a defensive situation.
Illumination: Controlling Darkness
A weapon-mounted light is invaluable for identifying targets and navigating low-light environments. Consider the importance of having a reliable light for any home defense application.
Types of weapon lights include those integrated into the forend or those that mount on rails. Key factors include lumens (the brightness of the light) and beam pattern. Higher lumens generally provide greater illumination, while different beam patterns can be optimized for different distances and applications.
Streamlight and SureFire are well-known brands that offer high-quality weapon lights specifically designed for shotguns. Investing in a reliable weapon light can greatly enhance your ability to defend yourself and your home.
Ergonomic Enhancements: Better Control
A vertical foregrip (VFG) can improve control, ergonomics, and the overall handling of your shotgun. A VFG is a grip that is mounted vertically beneath the forend of the shotgun.
VFGs provide an additional gripping point for your support hand, improving stability and control. This can be especially beneficial during rapid fire or when navigating tight spaces. They provide enhanced control and offer a better grip and more points of contact.
Many different brands offer quality VFGs; make sure the chosen VFG is compatible with the rail system on your 870 Express. By choosing the right 870 Remington Express Accessories, you can ensure your shotgun is optimized for peak performance.
Rail Systems: Versatility and Adaptability
Rail systems allow you to mount various accessories, such as lights, lasers, and vertical foregrips, to your shotgun.
Picatinny rails are a common standard, offering a wide range of compatibility with aftermarket accessories. M-LOK and KeyMod are more modern rail systems that allow for modularity and weight reduction. Be sure to find the right system for your needs.
Many manufacturers offer rail systems that integrate seamlessly with the 870 Express platform. By adding a rail system, you can fully customize your shotgun to suit your needs.
Cleaning and Maintenance Essentials: Maintaining Peak Performance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring that your 870 Express functions reliably. Owning a clean, well-maintained firearm will greatly extend its life and provide you with the best results.
Cleaning Supplies: Keeping It Clean
Essential cleaning tools include brushes, solvents, and patches. Choose a dedicated cleaning kit designed for shotguns. A good cleaning kit will typically include brushes for the bore, chamber, and action; a variety of cleaning rods and jags; and cleaning solvents to dissolve powder residue and other fouling.
Lubrication: Ensuring Smooth Operation
Proper lubrication is essential for smooth operation and to prevent corrosion. Use a high-quality lubricant and protectant designed for firearms. A reliable lubricant reduces friction, prevents wear, and protects against rust. Consider lubricating key areas, such as the bolt, action bars, and trigger mechanism.
Legal Considerations and Safety: Responsible Ownership
Before modifying your 870 Express, it’s essential to be aware of any local laws and regulations regarding accessories. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on magazine capacity or specific types of accessories. Ensure that any modifications you make are compliant with local laws. Always practice safe gun handling, including keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and never pointing the weapon at anything you are not willing to destroy.
Where to Find Quality Accessories
Numerous online retailers and local gun stores offer a wide selection of 870 Remington Express Accessories. Explore online stores such as Brownells, MidwayUSA, and Amazon. Local gun stores and gun shows are also excellent sources.
Conclusion: Customize and Conquer
The world of 870 Remington Express Accessories offers a vast array of options for customizing your shotgun and tailoring it to your specific needs. By selecting the right accessories, you can enhance your firearm’s performance, improve its versatility, and increase your overall enjoyment. Whether you’re a hunter, a sport shooter, or a home defender, taking the time to explore these options and investing in the right upgrades will undoubtedly improve your experience with the legendary Remington 870 Express. Start customizing your 870 Express today, and unlock its full potential!
