The Remington 870, chambered in .270 Winchester, isn't a standard configuration. The Remington 870 is famously known for its reliability and versatility as a shotgun, typically chambered in various gauges like 12, 20, and .410. However, the .270 Winchester is a centerfire rifle cartridge, not a shotgun shell. Therefore, a Remington 870 chambered in .270 Winchester doesn't exist from the factory. This article will explore why this is the case, examine the differences between shotguns and rifles, and discuss suitable alternatives for hunters and shooters looking for a powerful, pump-action firearm.
Understanding the Remington 870 and its Design
The Remington 870's design is inherently suited for shotgun shells. Its action, bolt, and barrel are specifically engineered to handle the pressures and dimensions of shotgun shells. Key features include:
- Tube-fed magazine: Holds multiple shotgun shells, allowing for rapid firing.
- Pump-action mechanism: Manually operated, requiring the user to pump the forearm to eject spent shells and load a new round. This is simple, robust, and reliable.
- Short, wide barrel: Designed for spreading shot patterns effectively.
- Large gauge options: Typically chambered in 12, 20, and .410 gauge, accommodating various types of shot and slugs.
These features make the 870 an excellent choice for hunting, home defense, and sport shooting—all using shotgun ammunition. The fundamental design is not adaptable to centerfire rifle cartridges like the .270 Winchester.
Why a .270 Winchester Remington 870 is Impossible
Adapting a Remington 870 to fire .270 Winchester would require significant modifications, rendering it unsafe and unreliable. The key differences between shotgun and rifle cartridges highlight why:
- Cartridge Size and Pressure: .270 Winchester is a much longer, higher-pressure cartridge than any shotgun shell. The 870's action, receiver, and barrel are not designed to withstand these pressures. Firing a .270 Winchester in a modified 870 would almost certainly result in catastrophic failure, potentially causing serious injury or death.
- Bolt Face Design: The bolt face of a Remington 870 is designed to securely hold and extract shotgun shells. A .270 Winchester round would not properly fit or extract.
- Barrel Rifling: Rifle barrels have rifling (spiral grooves) to spin the bullet and improve accuracy. Shotgun barrels are smoothbore. A .270 Winchester requires a rifled barrel.
In short, attempting to create a .270 Winchester Remington 870 would be incredibly dangerous and impractical.
Suitable Alternatives for Long-Range Shooting
If you're looking for a pump-action rifle in a powerful caliber like .270 Winchester, several alternatives exist:
- Remington 7600: A pump-action rifle available in .270 Winchester and other calibers. It's designed specifically for centerfire cartridges and offers a reliable platform for hunting.
- Mossberg 464: Another pump-action rifle option, known for its durability and affordability. Like the Remington 7600, it's designed to handle high-pressure rifle rounds.
- Savage 99: While not strictly a pump action, the lever-action Savage 99 in .270 Winchester provides similar handling and rapid firing capabilities.
Conclusion: Stick to the Right Tool for the Job
The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, but it's crucial to understand its limitations. Attempting to adapt it for a cartridge it wasn't designed for is extremely dangerous. For long-range hunting or shooting with a powerful cartridge like .270 Winchester, choose a rifle specifically designed for that purpose. Safety should always be the top priority when handling firearms. Always consult with a firearms expert and follow all safety regulations.