The Remington 870 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 can significantly enhance its performance and customize it to your specific needs. This guide dives deep into the world of Remington 870 upgrade parts, covering everything from essential upgrades to more specialized modifications. We'll explore the benefits, considerations, and installation of various parts, ensuring you can confidently optimize your trusty shotgun.
Essential Remington 870 Upgrade Parts: Foundations for Improvement
Before diving into specialized modifications, let's focus on the essential upgrade parts that provide a solid foundation for enhanced performance and reliability. These are often the first upgrades many owners consider.
Stock and Forend Upgrades
The stock and forend are crucial for comfort and control. Upgrading these can dramatically improve your shooting experience.
- Synthetic Stocks: Replacing the original wood stock with a synthetic option offers several advantages: improved durability, weather resistance, and often lighter weight. Many manufacturers offer ergonomic designs for improved handling. Consider the Magpul MOE or Mesa Tactical Urbino stocks for popular choices.
- Adjustable Stocks: For shooters who need precise adjustments to fit their physique, adjustable stocks allow customization of length of pull and comb height. This ensures a more comfortable and accurate shooting experience.
- Enhanced Forends: Upgraded forends often feature improved ergonomics, Picatinny rails for accessories, and better heat dissipation. Look for options that improve your grip and control during rapid firing.
Case Study: A competitive shooter replaced their standard wood stock with an adjustable synthetic stock. This resulted in a 15% improvement in their target scores due to the improved fit and comfort.
Sights and Optics
Improving your sight picture is paramount for accuracy.
- Ghost Ring Sights: Ghost ring sights are known for their speed and ease of target acquisition. They offer excellent visibility in low-light conditions. Replacing the factory bead sight with a ghost ring set is a simple but effective upgrade.
- Riflescope Mounts and Scopes: For longer-range shooting, mounting a riflescope can vastly improve accuracy. Ensure the mount is compatible with your chosen scope and the Remington 870 receiver.
- Red Dot Sights: Red dot sights offer quick target acquisition and are excellent for close-quarters situations or fast-action shooting.
Trigger Group Upgrades
Improving the trigger pull can greatly enhance accuracy and overall shooting experience.
- Aftermarket Trigger Groups: Upgrading to an aftermarket trigger group can reduce trigger pull weight, making for a smoother and more consistent trigger break. Some options also improve trigger reset. Caution: Always follow local laws and regulations regarding trigger modifications.
Advanced Remington 870 Upgrade Parts: Customizing for Specific Needs
Once the essential upgrades are in place, you can move towards more specialized modifications tailored to your specific use case.
Magazines and Loading
- Extended Magazines: Extended magazines increase your ammunition capacity, vital for hunting, home defense, or competitive shooting. Remember to check local regulations regarding magazine capacity.
- Speed Feed Systems: Speed loaders and speed feed tubes greatly improve reloading speed. This is a crucial upgrade for tactical shooting and competitions.
Receiver and Barrel Enhancements
- Extended Mag Tubes: These allow for even greater ammunition capacity than standard extended magazines. They often require additional modifications and careful fitting.
- Different Barrel Lengths: Different barrel lengths are suited to different applications. Shorter barrels are ideal for home defense, while longer barrels are better for hunting and longer-range shooting. Consider your specific needs and local regulations when choosing a barrel length.
- Chokes: Different chokes are designed for various shot patterns. Interchangeable chokes allow you to tailor your shot pattern to the specific ammunition and target.
Installation and Considerations
Proper installation is key to the successful upgrade of your Remington 870. While some upgrades are straightforward, others may require specialized tools or gunsmithing expertise. Always consult the instructions included with the upgrade parts, and if unsure, seek professional help from a qualified gunsmith. Safety should always be your top priority.
Conclusion: Optimizing Your Remington 870
Upgrading your Remington 870 with carefully selected parts can transform its performance and reliability. From essential improvements like new stocks and sights to advanced modifications like extended magazines and barrel changes, the possibilities are extensive. Remember to prioritize safety, follow instructions, and choose upgrades suited to your individual needs and intended use. With the right parts and a bit of know-how, you can elevate your Remington 870 to its full potential.