The Remington 870 Express is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability, versatility, and affordability. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a home defense enthusiast, the right accessories can significantly enhance your 870 Express experience. This comprehensive guide explores a wide range of accessories designed to improve performance, comfort, and overall functionality. We'll cover everything from stocks and sights to slings and cleaning kits, helping you tailor your 870 to your specific needs. This guide focuses on improving your 870 Remington Express, providing deep dives into specific accessory types for this popular shotgun.
Upgrading Your 870 Remington Express Stock and Grip
The stock and grip are crucial contact points, directly impacting your shooting comfort and accuracy. Upgrading these components can dramatically improve your shooting experience.
Choosing the Right Stock for Your 870 Remington Express
Several stock options are available, each designed for different shooting styles and preferences.
- Tactical Stocks: These feature pistol grips, shorter lengths of pull (LOP), and often include additional features like Picatinny rails for mounting accessories. Popular choices include those made by Magpul and Mesa Tactical. These are ideal for home defense or tactical applications.
- Skeletal Stocks: Constructed from lightweight materials like aluminum or polymer, these stocks reduce the overall weight of the shotgun while maintaining strength and durability. They often feature a more streamlined design for improved maneuverability.
- Traditional Stocks: These replicate the classic wooden stock style, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for many shooters. While functional, they generally offer fewer customization options.
Consider these factors when choosing a stock:
- Length of Pull (LOP): The distance between the trigger and the butt of the stock. An improperly sized LOP can affect your shooting accuracy and comfort.
- Drop at Comb and Heel: These measurements influence the cheek weld and overall posture. Adjusting these can enhance your sight picture and reduce fatigue.
- Material: Wood, synthetic polymer, and aluminum are common materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages regarding weight, durability, and cost.
Enhancing Your Grip with Remington 870 Express Grips
A comfortable grip is vital for recoil management and consistent shot placement. Consider these options:
- Pistol Grips: Replace the standard forearm with a pistol grip for improved control and a more aggressive shooting stance. This is particularly beneficial for tactical applications.
- Oversized Grips: These provide a more substantial grip, reducing felt recoil and improving control. They are especially useful for shooters with larger hands.
- Textured Grips: These improve your grip even in wet or sweaty conditions. Many grips feature aggressive texturing for enhanced control.
Enhancing Your Remington 870 Express Sights
Factory sights on the 870 Express are often basic. Upgrading to higher-quality sights significantly improves accuracy and target acquisition.
Options for Remington 870 Express Sights
- Ghost Ring Sights: These provide a fast sight picture, ideal for close-quarters shooting. They offer excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Fiber Optic Sights: These are extremely bright and easily visible, making them ideal for hunting and other applications where rapid target acquisition is critical.
- Red Dot Sights: Mounting a red dot sight onto a Picatinny rail (often added to upgraded stocks) provides a clear, magnified sight picture.
Remember to choose sights compatible with your 870 Express’s receiver. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
Enhancing Your Remington 870 Express with Additional Accessories
Beyond stocks and sights, numerous other accessories can enhance your 870 Express.
Remington 870 Express Slings and Carriers
Slings provide a secure way to carry your shotgun, leaving your hands free. Consider a tactical sling for quick deployment or a more traditional sling for comfortable carrying during hunting. Shotgun carriers offer protection and storage.
Remington 870 Express Magazines and Extensions
Increasing your ammunition capacity with magazine extensions is a valuable upgrade, especially for home defense or hunting. Ensure compatibility with your specific 870 model.
Remington 870 Express Cleaning and Maintenance Kits
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your shotgun’s reliability. A comprehensive cleaning kit will contain all the necessary tools and supplies.
Remington 870 Express Lights and Lasers
Adding a light or laser to your shotgun greatly enhances its effectiveness for home defense or nighttime hunting. Choose a light and laser combination or a single accessory based on your preference and budget.
Case Study: Upgrading a Home Defense 870 Express
John, a homeowner concerned about home security, upgraded his Remington 870 Express with a Magpul MOE stock, a Ghost Ring sight, and a SureFire weapon light. The Magpul stock provided a more comfortable and controllable platform for close-quarters shooting. The Ghost Ring sight allowed for rapid target acquisition. The SureFire light ensured John could confidently engage any threat in low-light conditions. This combination transformed his basic shotgun into a highly effective home defense weapon.
Conclusion: Personalizing Your Remington 870 Express
The Remington 870 Express is a highly adaptable shotgun. By carefully selecting and installing the right accessories, you can customize your shotgun to perfectly match your needs and shooting style, enhancing both performance and enjoyment. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow manufacturer instructions when installing and using any accessory. Choosing the right 870 Remington Express accessories will ensure years of reliable and enjoyable shooting.