The Remington 870 Express is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability, versatility, and affordability. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a home defense enthusiast, enhancing your 870 Express with the right accessories can significantly improve its performance and functionality. This comprehensive guide explores a wide range of 870 Remington Express accessories, helping you choose the best upgrades for your needs and budget. We'll cover everything from simple improvements to more advanced modifications, ensuring your 870 Express remains a reliable and effective tool for years to come.
Enhancing Your Aim: Sights and Optics for the 870 Express
Accurate shooting relies heavily on clear and precise aiming. Upgrading your sights is one of the simplest and most impactful modifications you can make to your Remington 870 Express.
Ghost Ring Sights: Speed and Accuracy
Ghost ring sights offer a fast target acquisition system, ideal for close-quarters shooting and rapid target engagement. The large rear aperture provides a broad sight picture, allowing for quick target alignment even under stress. Many aftermarket ghost ring sights are available for the 870 Express, offering improvements in durability and brightness over factory sights.
Red Dot Sights: Enhanced Precision at Longer Ranges
For longer-range shooting or situations requiring greater precision, a red dot sight is an excellent choice. Mounting a red dot sight on your 870 Express requires a dedicated mount, ensuring a secure and reliable attachment. Red dots offer a clear, illuminated aiming point, improving accuracy in low-light conditions and across various distances.
Scope Mounting: Expanding Your Shooting Capabilities
While less common on pump-action shotguns like the 870 Express, scope mounting can be beneficial for specialized uses, such as hunting at longer ranges. Dedicated scope mounts are available, requiring careful selection to ensure proper alignment and secure attachment. Remember that adding a scope significantly alters the shotgun's balance and handling characteristics.
Enhancing Control and Handling: Stocks, Forends, and Grips
Improving your grip and control over the 870 Express enhances your shooting experience and overall accuracy.
Tactical Stocks and Forends: Improved Ergonomics and Handling
Tactical stocks and forends are designed for improved ergonomics and handling. Features like pistol grips, adjustable cheek rests, and textured surfaces enhance control, reducing recoil and improving comfort during extended shooting sessions. Consider the type of shooting you do when selecting a stock – a shorter, more compact stock is better for close-quarters work, while a longer stock is more comfortable for longer-range shooting.
Recoil Pads: Reducing Felt Recoil
The Remington 870 Express, while not known for excessive recoil, can still be punishing with heavier loads. Adding a recoil pad significantly reduces the felt recoil, making shooting more comfortable and allowing for faster follow-up shots.
Enhancing Functionality: Magazine Extensions and Other Accessories
Several accessories significantly improve the 870 Express's functionality and capacity.
Magazine Extensions: Increasing Ammo Capacity
Magazine extensions increase the number of rounds your 870 Express can hold, crucial for home defense or hunting situations requiring rapid firing. These extensions are readily available in various lengths, significantly increasing your firepower. Remember to check local laws and regulations regarding magazine capacity before purchasing.
Shell Carriers: Keeping Ammo Ready
Shell carriers, attached to the stock or elsewhere on the shotgun, offer a readily accessible supply of extra shells. This is especially valuable during fast-paced shooting situations.
Sling Mounts and Slings: Secure and Comfortable Carry
Sling mounts and slings allow for convenient and comfortable carrying of the 870 Express, leaving your hands free for other tasks.
Choosing the Right Accessories: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selecting the appropriate accessories for your Remington 870 Express depends on your specific needs and intended use.
- Identify Your Primary Use: Are you using the 870 Express for home defense, hunting, or competitive shooting? This will heavily influence your choice of accessories.
- Consider Your Budget: Accessories range widely in price. Prioritize the upgrades that will most significantly improve your shooting experience within your budget.
- Research and Read Reviews: Before making a purchase, read reviews from other users to ensure the quality and compatibility of the chosen accessories.
- Test and Adjust: Once you've installed your accessories, take time to test them on the range to ensure they meet your expectations and are properly adjusted.
Case Study: Upgrading a Home Defense 870 Express
Let's imagine you're upgrading your 870 Express for home defense. A logical approach would prioritize:
- Ghost Ring Sights: For quick target acquisition in low-light conditions.
- A Tactical Stock with Pistol Grip: For improved control and handling in close-quarters.
- A Magazine Extension: To increase the number of rounds available.
- A Bright Flashlight: To improve target identification in low-light conditions.
By strategically selecting and installing these accessories, you significantly enhance the effectiveness and usability of your Remington 870 Express for home defense.
Conclusion: Maximize Your 870 Express Potential
The Remington 870 Express is a versatile platform, and upgrading it with carefully chosen accessories significantly enhances its performance and functionality. By understanding your needs, researching options, and following a strategic upgrade path, you can transform your 870 Express into a highly effective and customized tool perfectly suited to your shooting style and intended applications. Remember always to adhere to all local laws and regulations regarding firearm modifications and usage.