Remington 870 shotguns are legendary for their reliability and versatility. A significant part of that versatility comes from the ability to easily swap out barrels, allowing you to adapt your firearm to various hunting scenarios, home defense situations, or even competitive shooting. But with so many Remington 870 barrels available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the best Remington 870 barrel for your needs.
Understanding Remington 870 Barrel Types
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's clarify the different types of Remington 870 barrels you'll encounter:
Cylinder Bore Barrels
- What they are: These barrels have a completely smooth bore, offering the least amount of constriction.
- Best for: Close-range shooting, such as home defense or shooting clays at short distances. They're also good for slugs, although a rifled barrel is typically preferred for accuracy with slugs.
- Key Features: Maximum pattern spread at close range, less restrictive on ammunition choice.
Modified Choke Barrels
- What they are: Offer a moderate constriction, balancing shot pattern spread with range.
- Best for: Versatile option suitable for various hunting applications like upland game birds or smaller waterfowl at moderate ranges.
- Key Features: Decent range and pattern density, good all-around performance.
Improved Cylinder Choke Barrels
- What they are: Slightly more constricted than a modified choke, providing a denser pattern at greater distances.
- Best for: Hunting larger game birds or waterfowl at moderate to longer ranges.
- Key Features: Improved pattern density compared to modified, suitable for more challenging shots.
Full Choke Barrels
- What they are: The tightest constriction, producing the tightest shot pattern with the longest range.
- Best for: Long-range shooting, such as hunting waterfowl or clays at significant distances.
- Key Features: Maximum range and pattern concentration, crucial for long shots, but reduces shot spread significantly.
Rifled Barrels
- What they are: Feature rifling inside the barrel, imparting spin to slugs or sabot slugs for increased accuracy.
- Best for: Slug shooting at longer ranges for deer hunting or other large game.
- Key Features: Significantly improved accuracy with slugs compared to smoothbore barrels.
Specialty Barrels
You'll also find specialty barrels catering to specific needs, including:
- Magnum Barrels: Designed to handle higher-pressure magnum shells.
- Short Barrels: Ideal for home defense or close-quarters situations, offering maneuverability.
- Ghost Ring Sights: These are popular for fast target acquisition in home defense applications.
Top Remington 870 Barrel Choices
Selecting the best Remington 870 barrel depends heavily on your intended use. Here are some top choices categorized by application:
Best Remington 870 Barrel for Home Defense
For home defense, a shorter barrel with a ghost ring sight and possibly a cylinder bore or improved cylinder choke is ideal. A shorter barrel improves maneuverability in tight spaces, while the ghost ring sights offer quick target acquisition. Consider the Remington 870 Express Tactical Barrel or similar models designed for close-range engagements.
Key Features to Look For:
- Barrel Length: 18.5 inches or shorter.
- Choke: Cylinder bore or Improved Cylinder.
- Sights: Ghost ring sights are preferable for rapid target acquisition.
Best Remington 870 Barrel for Hunting (Various Game)
Hunting requires a more tailored approach depending on the game. For birds, a longer barrel with a modified or improved cylinder choke provides a balance of pattern and range. For larger game, a rifled barrel for slugs might be necessary.
Key Features to Look For:
- Barrel Length: 26 inches or longer for longer range shots.
- Choke: Modified, Improved Cylinder, or Full choke (depending on game and range).
- Rifled barrel: For slug hunting.
Best Remington 870 Barrel for Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl hunting frequently involves long shots, demanding a tight pattern for accuracy. A longer barrel with a full choke will maximize the range and pattern density.
Key Features to Look For:
- Barrel Length: 28 inches or longer.
- Choke: Full choke.
Choosing the Right Barrel Length and Gauge
Barrel length significantly impacts the shotgun's performance. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable, while longer barrels generally provide increased velocity and accuracy at longer ranges.
Gauge refers to the diameter of the barrel, commonly 12 gauge or 20 gauge. 12 gauge is more powerful but has more recoil, while 20 gauge is lighter and easier to handle. Consider your physical capabilities and intended use when choosing a gauge.
Factors to Consider Before Buying
- Budget: Remington 870 barrels range in price, from affordable options to higher-end models with premium features.
- Intended Use: Define your primary application (home defense, hunting, competition) to select the appropriate barrel type, length, and choke.
- Gauge: Choose the gauge that suits your strength, recoil tolerance, and the intended game.
- Reputation of the Manufacturer: Look for reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality barrels.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Remington 870 Barrel
Finding the best Remington 870 barrel is about matching the barrel to your specific needs. By understanding the different types of barrels, their features, and your intended use, you can make an informed decision that enhances your shooting experience, whether you're defending your home, hunting game, or engaging in competitive shooting. Remember always to practice safe gun handling and follow all applicable laws and regulations.