The Remington 870 Express Magnum is a legendary pump-action shotgun, prized 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 your overall experience. This guide explores a range of popular and essential accessories to consider.
What are the Most Essential Remington 870 Express Magnum Accessories?
This is a question many new 870 owners ask. The "essential" accessories depend heavily on your intended use, but some consistently rank highly in terms of utility and improvement. We'll explore several categories below.
Stocks and Forends
Replacing the standard stock and forend can dramatically improve ergonomics and handling. Consider these options:
- Tactical Stocks: These offer a more aggressive grip, often with pistol grips and adjustable cheek rests for improved aim and comfort during rapid firing.
- Ghost Ring Sights: These are popular for fast target acquisition.
- Adjustable Stocks: For shooters with varying body types, adjustable stocks allow for a personalized fit, crucial for consistent accuracy.
- Synthetic Stocks: Durable and weather-resistant, synthetic stocks are a practical choice for hunting and outdoor use.
Sights
Upgrading your sights is a simple way to boost accuracy and speed.
- Ghost Ring Sights: As mentioned above, these offer a fast, intuitive sight picture.
- Fiber Optic Sights: Provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
- Red Dot Sights: For improved target acquisition at longer ranges, a red dot sight can greatly enhance precision. Note that mounting may require a rail system (see below).
Mounting Systems
Modernizing your 870 with a Picatinny rail system opens up a world of accessory possibilities.
- Picatinny Rails: These allow for the mounting of various accessories, including red dot sights, lasers, and tactical lights. They are a versatile upgrade for both tactical and hunting scenarios.
Magazines and Tubes
Extending your magazine capacity can be advantageous in several situations.
- Extended Magazine Tubes: These allow you to carry more shells, increasing your firepower in self-defense or hunting situations. However, be aware that extended tubes can affect balance and maneuverability.
What Accessories Improve Accuracy for the Remington 870 Express Magnum?
Accuracy improvements often involve a combination of upgrades.
- Improved Sights: As detailed above, upgrading to ghost ring, fiber optic, or red dot sights drastically increases your accuracy, particularly in different lighting conditions.
- Proper Stock Fit: An adjustable or custom-fit stock ensures proper alignment and reduces flinching, which leads to more consistent shots.
- Ammunition Selection: Using high-quality ammunition tailored to your specific needs greatly improves shot consistency and accuracy.
What are Some Accessories for Home Defense with the Remington 870 Express Magnum?
Home defense necessitates swift and precise actions.
- Tactical Lights: Illuminating threats is critical in low-light conditions. A quality tactical light attached to a Picatinny rail is a must-have.
- Short Barrel: A shorter barrel increases maneuverability in tight spaces.
- Side Saddle Shell Holders: Provides quick access to additional shells without having to reload.
- Pistol Grip Stock: Offers a more secure and comfortable grip, allowing for better control during tense situations.
What Accessories Enhance the Remington 870 Express Magnum for Hunting?
Hunting requires specific adaptations depending on your game and environment.
- Longer Barrel: Depending on the game, a longer barrel may be preferred for increased range and accuracy.
- Scoped Mounts: For longer-range hunting, a scope can be extremely beneficial.
- Choke Tubes: These allow you to adjust the shot pattern to optimize for your target.
- Hunting Stocks: Comfortable and durable stocks are essential for long days in the field.
This comprehensive overview should provide a solid starting point for exploring Remington 870 Express Magnum accessories. Remember to always prioritize safety and legality when modifying your firearm. The best accessories will depend on your individual needs and shooting style. Research thoroughly and choose wisely to unlock the full potential of your shotgun.
