The Remington 870 Express Magnum 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 with the right accessories can significantly enhance its performance and functionality. This guide explores a range of popular and essential Remington 870 Express Magnum accessories, helping you tailor your shotgun to your specific needs.
What are the Best Accessories for a Remington 870 Express Magnum?
This is a common question, and the answer depends heavily on your intended use. There's no single "best" accessory; the ideal selection depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, several categories of accessories consistently prove valuable for 870 owners.
H2: Stocks and Forends
Replacing the stock and forend is a popular upgrade, offering improved ergonomics and comfort. Different materials like synthetic polymer, wood, and even specialized tactical stocks can dramatically alter the feel and handling of the shotgun. Consider:
- Tactical Stocks: These stocks often feature pistol grips, adjustable cheek rests, and sometimes even integrated storage compartments. They're popular for home defense and tactical applications.
- Adjustable Stocks: These allow for customized length of pull, vital for shooters of different sizes and builds. This improves accuracy and comfort during extended use.
- Thumbhole Stocks: These stocks offer a more secure grip and faster target acquisition for some shooters.
- Improved Forends: Some after-market forends offer improved ergonomics, heat shielding (useful for frequent shooting), and Picatinny rails for mounting accessories.
H2: Sights and Optics
Improving your sight picture is crucial for accuracy. Options range from simple upgrades to sophisticated optic systems:
- Ghost Ring Sights: These sights offer a fast sight picture, ideal for close-quarters shooting and home defense.
- Fiber Optic Sights: These sights provide excellent low-light visibility, enhancing target acquisition in challenging conditions.
- Red Dot Sights: Mounting a red dot sight on a rail provides a fast and accurate aiming point, perfect for various applications.
- Scopes: While less common on shotguns, scopes can be beneficial for long-range shooting. However, ensure compatibility with your shotgun and the intended use.
H2: Magazines and Shells
Expanding your ammunition capacity and using specialized shells can greatly enhance performance:
- Extended Magazines: These magazines increase the number of rounds you can fire before reloading. However, be mindful of the weight increase and potential handling impact.
- Specialty Ammunition: Different shot types (buckshot, birdshot, slugs) and shell types (rifled slugs for increased accuracy) allow you to adapt your 870 to various hunting and self-defense situations.
H2: Other Useful Accessories
Many other accessories can enhance your Remington 870 Express Magnum:
- Picatinny Rails: Attaching Picatinny rails allows for mounting various accessories such as lights, lasers, and foregrips.
- Sling Mounts and Slings: A sling allows for comfortable carrying and easier handling of the shotgun.
- Shell Carriers: These keep extra shells readily accessible during shooting.
- Recoil Pads: A recoil pad can lessen the felt recoil, improving shooting comfort and reducing fatigue.
H2: What accessories are best for home defense with a Remington 870 Express Magnum?
For home defense, prioritize accessories that enhance speed, accuracy, and low-light visibility. A tactical stock with a pistol grip, ghost ring or fiber optic sights, a powerful flashlight or laser sight mounted on a Picatinny rail, and possibly an extended magazine (depending on local laws and personal preference) are excellent choices. Remember to practice extensively with any modifications to ensure proficiency and safety.
H2: What are some common mistakes people make when choosing accessories for their Remington 870?
Common mistakes include:
- Buying cheap, low-quality accessories: These can break easily or compromise the firearm's reliability. Invest in reputable brands to ensure quality and safety.
- Over-accessorizing: Adding too many accessories can make the shotgun cumbersome and difficult to handle. Prioritize essential upgrades that directly address your needs.
- Ignoring proper fitting: Ensure that any stocks, forends, or other accessories are correctly fitted to avoid malfunctions and safety issues.
- Neglecting training: New accessories require training to use them effectively and safely.
By carefully considering your needs and selecting high-quality accessories, you can transform your Remington 870 Express Magnum into a precisely tuned tool, perfectly suited to your shooting style and intended use. Remember to always prioritize safety and practice responsible gun ownership.
