The Remington 870 is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a home defense enthusiast, upgrading your 870 can significantly enhance its performance and tailor it to your specific needs. This guide explores various Remington 870 upgrade parts, categorizing them for clarity and offering insights into their benefits.
Essential Remington 870 Upgrades: Focusing on Function
Before diving into more cosmetic or specialized upgrades, let's examine parts that directly improve the 870's core functionality and reliability:
1. Improved Sights: Enhancing Accuracy
Factory sights on the Remington 870 can be basic. Upgrading to ghost ring sights, fiber optic sights, or even a red dot sight dramatically improves target acquisition and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions or at longer ranges. Consider your shooting style and environment when selecting the optimal sight upgrade.
2. Enhanced Extractor: Preventing Shell Failures
A stronger and more reliable extractor can prevent frustrating shell failures, particularly with different types of ammunition. This is a critical upgrade for those who rely on their 870 in demanding situations.
3. Improved Bolt Release: Faster and Smoother Operation
A smoother, more easily accessible bolt release can shave precious seconds off your reload time. This is a worthwhile upgrade for both competitive shooters and those prioritizing speed in self-defense scenarios.
4. High-Capacity Magazine Tubes: Increasing Ammo Capacity
Extended magazine tubes allow you to carry more rounds without sacrificing reliability. This is particularly beneficial for hunting or home defense situations where a larger capacity is desirable. Remember to check local laws and regulations regarding magazine capacity.
5. New Stock and Forend: Enhanced Ergonomics and Comfort
Upgrading the stock and forend can dramatically improve the ergonomics and comfort of your 870. Consider stocks designed for specific shooting styles (e.g., tactical stocks for close-quarters combat or pistol grip stocks for improved control). A comfortable grip translates to better accuracy and control.
Advanced Remington 870 Upgrades: Specializing Your Shotgun
Once the core functionality is enhanced, consider these more advanced upgrades to further customize your Remington 870:
1. Tactical Accessories: Enhancing Versatility
Adding accessories like Picatinny rails allows for the mounting of tactical lights, lasers, and other accessories, greatly increasing the shotgun's versatility for self-defense or tactical scenarios.
2. Custom Trigger Jobs: Improving Trigger Pull
A professionally performed trigger job can significantly improve the trigger pull weight and crispness, resulting in enhanced accuracy and control. This is a more advanced upgrade that should be entrusted to a qualified gunsmith.
3. Gas Piston Systems: Reducing Recoil
Gas piston systems reduce felt recoil, improving shooter comfort and allowing for faster follow-up shots. This is a significant upgrade for those who experience substantial recoil with their 870.
4. Cerakote Coatings: Enhancing Durability and Aesthetics
Cerakote coatings offer superior durability and protection against the elements. Furthermore, they can be customized to match your personal preferences, offering a unique aesthetic touch to your upgraded shotgun.
Choosing Your Remington 870 Upgrade Parts
Selecting the right upgrade parts depends on your individual needs and shooting style. Consider your budget, the type of shooting you’ll be doing, and the overall performance you want to achieve. Research different brands and reviews to ensure you're choosing high-quality, reliable components. Always prioritize safety and ensure all upgrades are installed correctly – seek professional assistance if needed.
Disclaimer: This guide provides information for educational purposes only. Always adhere to all local, state, and federal laws regarding firearm ownership and modifications. Improper modification of firearms can be dangerous. Consult a qualified gunsmith for any complex modifications or repairs.
