In the world of guns, the Remington 870 isn’t just another shotgun – it’s a legend. Built with American know-how and toughness, this firearm has become a trusted companion for hunters, police, and gun lovers for generations. A recent report by Mad Man Review shared 10 things that make this shotgun so darn special. Let’s take a look at them.
Hollywood Hero
The Remington 870 has graced the silver screen in over 180 movies and video games, solidifying its status as a pop-culture icon. From classics like “Terminator 2” to modern blockbusters like “The Dark Knight,” the shotgun has become a staple prop, lending its unmistakable profile to some of cinema’s most iconic moments.
A True Jack-of-All-Trades
Since its introduction in 1950, the Remington 870 has become the world’s most widely owned and used shotgun, with over 9 million units in civilian hands alone.
Global Reach
The Remington 870 boasts an impressive international presence. It’s not just popular in the United States; militaries and law enforcement agencies in over 28 countries, including Argentina, Australia, and the United Kingdom, rely on this firearm.
Variety of Choice
What sets the Remington 870 apart is its unparalleled variety. It comes in various gauges, from the powerful 12 gauge to the lightweight .410 bore. There are even options for different stock sizes and barrel lengths to suit any shooter’s needs.
The Best Seller
The Remington 870’s sales journey is a story of remarkable success. By 1973, it had outsold its predecessor, the Model 31, by a staggering 10 times. By 2009, a whopping 10 million Remington 870s had been sold, solidifying its place as a best-selling shotgun.
A Minor Design Quirk
But for all its praises, the Remington 870 is not without its quirks. Early Remington 870 models had a small design issue. Shells could slip out of the magazine and jam the action. Remington addressed this problem with the “flexi-tab carrier” and modifications to the slide assembly, ensuring smooth operation.
Building on a Legacy
The shotgun’s lineage is also steeped in history, tracing its roots back to Remington Arms’ early days as a firearms manufacturer. It succeeded well-regarded models like the Model 10 and Model 31. However, the Remington 870 was designed to be more cost-effective while maintaining quality.
Copycats
Perhaps the most intriguing chapter in the Remington 870 saga is its encounter with imitation. The Remington 870’s design is no longer patent-protected. This led the Chinese firearms manufacturer Norinco to create unlicensed copies, the Norinco HP91 and M98 shotguns. Despite legal hurdles, these clones were imported to the US under different names like the Hawk 982.
The Galore of Customization
When it comes to customization, the Remington 870 reigns supreme. From stocks and grips to lights and sights, there’s a vast array of aftermarket parts available to personalize your shotgun for any shooting discipline.
The Freedom Group Takes Over
The Remington 870 is currently owned by the Freedom Group, a major player in the US firearms industry. The video added that the Freedom Group, which also owns brands like Marlin and Bushmaster, has been under scrutiny since the Sandy Hook tragedy due to its association with AR-15 rifles.
Share Your Thoughts
So what do you think? How Well Do You Know the Remington 870?
Source: Mad Man Review
