Remington Model 870
Remington Arms Company (RemArms) · Shotgun · In Production · 1950
Also known as: Model 870, 870 Wingmaster, 870 Express, 870 Tactical, 870 Marine Magnum, M870 MCS
Overview
The Remington Model 870 is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, produced by Remington Arms Company (RemArms) since 1950. Featuring a 4-round magazine capacity, this shotgun offers compact firepower.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3290 g (116.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 978 mm (38.50") |
| Barrel Length | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety, Trigger Disconnect
- Features: Dual Action Bars, Interchangeable Choke Tubes, Magazine Extension Capable, Receiver Machined From Solid Steel, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- Remington 870 Wingmaster — Premium
- Remington 870 Express — Budget
- Remington 870 Tactical — Tactical
- Remington 870 Marine Magnum — Corrosion Resistant
- Remington 870 MCS (Modular Combat Shotgun) — Military
- Remington 870 DM — Detachable Magazine
- Remington 870 Fieldmaster — Hunting
- Remington 870 SPS (Special Purpose Shotgun) — Special Purpose
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps · adopted 1969 · as M870 Mk-1
- United States Air Force · as M870 MCS
- United States Navy SEALs · as M870
- United States Army Delta Force · as M870
- United States Coast Guard · as M870
- British Army · as L74A1
- United States Law Enforcement (over 3,000 agencies) · as 870
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
- Iraq War (2003-2011)
Production
Estimated total produced: 13,000,000 · Production years: 1950-present
Over 13 million units produced since 1950, making it the best-selling shotgun of all time
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: L. Ray Crittendon
Notes
The Remington 870 achieved remarkable production milestones: 1 million units in 1966, 2 million in 1973, reaching over 13 million by 2024. After Remington's 2020 bankruptcy, production was resumed by RemArms (formerly RemArms LLC), which relocated manufacturing from Ilion, New York to LaGrange, Georgia in 2024. The current RemArms production emphasizes improved quality control compared to late-era Remington production. The 870's design requires only 150 machining operations compared to 586 for its predecessor, the Model 31, making it more economical to manufacture. The receiver alone is machined from an 8½-pound steel billet. Special variants include the KAC Masterkey (9.5" barrel, under-barrel mount for rifles), and the M870 MCS featuring modular components for rapid mission-specific configuration. Available in .410 bore, 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge.
Background
The Remington 870 achieved a remarkable engineering feat: its design requires only 150 machining operations compared to 586 for its predecessor, the Model 31. The receiver is machined from an 8.5-pound solid steel billet. With over 13 million produced, it outsells every other shotgun in history and is used by more than 3,000 law enforcement agencies worldwide.