The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, and for good reason. Its robust design, reliable operation, and readily available parts have made it a favorite among law enforcement, hunters, and home defenders for decades. This guide dives deep into the Remington 870's suitability for home defense, exploring its advantages, disadvantages, and crucial considerations for safe and effective use.
Why the Remington 870 is Popular for Home Defense
Several factors contribute to the Remington 870's enduring popularity as a home defense shotgun:
- Reliability: The pump-action mechanism is famously reliable, functioning even under harsh conditions or with less-than-perfect ammunition. This is crucial in a high-stress situation.
- Simplicity: Its straightforward operation requires minimal training, making it suitable for users with varying levels of firearms experience. However, proper training is always essential.
- Stopping Power: Shotguns, especially with appropriate ammunition like 00 buckshot, deliver devastating stopping power at close ranges, typical of home defense scenarios.
- Accessibility: Remington 870s are widely available, with a vast aftermarket for accessories like shorter barrels, tactical stocks, and different sights.
- Affordability: While prices vary depending on the model and condition, the Remington 870 generally represents excellent value for its capabilities.
Choosing the Right Remington 870 for Home Defense
Not all Remington 870s are created equal. When selecting a home defense model, consider these key factors:
Barrel Length:
- Shorter Barrels (18.5 inches or less): Offer improved maneuverability in confined spaces, a critical advantage in a home environment. However, they may have slightly less range and potentially more recoil.
- Longer Barrels (20 inches or more): Provide greater range and potentially less recoil but are less maneuverable indoors.
Stock Type:
- Standard Stock: A classic and comfortable option.
- Tactical Stock: Often featuring pistol grips and adjustable features, these stocks enhance control and ergonomics, particularly for users with smaller hands or different body builds.
Sights:
- Bead Sight: A simple and reliable option, although not ideal in low-light conditions.
- Ghost Ring Sights: Offer faster target acquisition than bead sights and are more suitable for low-light situations.
- Red Dot Sights: Provide excellent target acquisition in low light and can significantly enhance accuracy and speed.
Ammunition Considerations for Home Defense
Choosing the right ammunition is as crucial as selecting the shotgun itself. The most common choices for home defense include:
- 00 Buckshot: Offers a good balance of penetration and pattern density, effective at close ranges.
- Birdshot: Generally considered less lethal than buckshot, but may be suitable for specific scenarios where overpenetration is a serious concern.
- Slug: Provides the most penetration but a narrower pattern, requiring more precise aiming.
Disclaimer: Always check your local laws and regulations regarding ammunition use.
Training and Safety:
Regardless of the chosen firearm, proper training is paramount. Home defense scenarios are incredibly stressful, and instinctive reactions can be flawed. Professional training will:
- Develop safe gun handling techniques.
- Improve accuracy and speed under pressure.
- Teach proper clearing procedures.
- Cover legal ramifications and responsibilities.
Never handle a firearm without proper training and always follow all safety guidelines.
Alternatives to the Remington 870
While the Remington 870 is an excellent choice, other shotguns also deserve consideration for home defense, including the Mossberg 500/590 and the Benelli M1/M2. Research different options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
Conclusion:
The Remington 870 remains a highly effective and popular choice for home defense due to its reliability, simplicity, and stopping power. However, careful consideration of barrel length, stock type, sights, and ammunition is crucial. Remember, proper training and safe gun handling practices are paramount for responsible home defense. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Consult with a firearms expert and legal professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation and location.
