The Remington 870 pump-action shotgun may be the most famous shotgun in the world, depicted in various films and TV. This shotgun has served as a military weapon for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Let’s delve into this shotgun and what made it the Military’s go to.
Historical Background
The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun with pedigree. It was developed from earlier shotguns like the Model 10 and Model 31. John Pederson and John Browning contributed to the design that we can see today. The shotgun started manufacture in the 1950s, and in just twenty years, it became the best-selling shotgun ever made. Despite the design being over 70 years old, it’s still used by the military today and has over ten million units sold.
Design Features
The Remington 870 has a simple and reliable operating system. Like many other pump-action shotguns, ammunition is fed from the bottom into a tube. A pump can be operated to feed the ammunition one at a time from the tube into the chamber. Once fired, the empty shell is ejected from the side of the receiver. The simple mechanism means that both experienced and new shooters can operate the shotgun without any complications.
Variants of the Remington 870
With the shotgun being around for nearly a century, many different variants of the weapon have been made and developed. Military and police generally use a more tactical configuration with a built-in flashlight. Other configurations could be for hunting or for competition shooting.
Military Use
The Remington 870 has been used by military around the world since its inception. It has been adopted as a versatile close-quarters weapon that can be used with a variety of ammunition to fulfill different purposes such as breaching doors.
Law Enforcement Applications
Police officers and swat commonly use the Remington 870 for many of the same reasons that the military does. The simple operation means it can be fired under stress and can neutralize threats non-lethally with beanbag rounds.
Notable Conflicts
The Remington 870 has been in many conflicts across its service. The gun was seen as a support weapon in both Vietnam and Iraq. Because of its simple design, reliability meant it could handle the humid jungles and sandy conditions of both conflicts.
Popularity Among Civilians
With the shotgun being so popular, the Remington 870 has a huge following in the civilian market. It’s used both for home defense and for hunting. Aftermarket accessories have been made for it for decades and can be configured for sports shooting and other utilities.
Maintenance and Care
Despite its rugged design and reliability, the Remington 870 still needs regular maintenance. Like all firearms, the barrel and action should be cleaned regularly to prevent malfunctions. The shotgun should also be stored where no corrosion can occur.
A Part Of Firearms History
The Remington 870 remains a staple in firearms history due to its robust design and versatility. Its application across Military, law enforcement, and civilian sectors highlights its adaptability. As new models emerge, the legacy of the Remington 870 continues to influence shotgun design and usage worldwide.
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The unparalleled design makes Remington 870 all-around best shotgun
Remington 870 Pump Shotgun — The All-Around American Classic
