## Remington 870 Production Today: What You Need to Know
The Remington 870 is an American icon, a shotgun revered for its reliability, versatility, and widespread availability. But with changes in ownership and production challenges in recent years, many shooters are asking: what’s the status of **Remington 870 production today**? This in-depth guide provides a comprehensive look at the current state of Remington 870 production, examining the factors influencing its availability, quality, and future. We’ll delve into the intricacies of the production process, analyze the impact of recent changes, and offer insights to help you navigate the market. This guide isn’t just about stating facts; it’s about giving you the knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions. We’ll cover everything from identifying current models to understanding potential quality variations. If you’re looking for the definitive answer to “Remington 870 production today”, you’ve come to the right place.
### What This Guide Offers:
* **Clarity:** A straightforward explanation of the current production landscape.
* **Expertise:** Insights derived from industry knowledge and analysis.
* **Guidance:** Practical advice for purchasing a Remington 870 in today’s market.
* **Peace of Mind:** Confidence in your understanding of the situation.
## Understanding the Current Production Landscape
To truly understand Remington 870 production today, it’s crucial to acknowledge the recent history and changes the company has undergone. Remington, as a whole, faced significant financial challenges, leading to bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition by different entities. This restructuring had a direct impact on the production of firearms, including the beloved 870.
### The RemArms Era
Following Remington’s bankruptcy, the firearms manufacturing assets were acquired by RemArms. This marked a new chapter for the Remington 870. While the name remained the same, the production processes, quality control measures, and overall manufacturing philosophy were subject to potential alterations. It’s important to differentiate between pre-bankruptcy Remington 870s and those produced under the RemArms banner.
### Impact of Ownership Change
The change in ownership brought about several key considerations that influence Remington 870 production today:
* **Factory Relocation:** Production was moved from the original Ilion, New York facility. This relocation inevitably impacted the workforce, supply chains, and overall production efficiency.
* **Quality Control:** With the shift in management, quality control procedures may have been revised. It’s crucial to assess the quality of newly produced 870s to determine if standards have been maintained or altered.
* **Model Availability:** The range of available Remington 870 models might have been reduced or expanded under the new ownership. Understanding the current model lineup is essential for prospective buyers.
### Current Production Output
While precise production numbers are not publicly available, anecdotal evidence and market observations suggest that Remington 870 production is ongoing. However, the output might not be at the same level as it was before the bankruptcy. Supply chain disruptions and the complexities of restarting production lines likely contributed to a slower initial ramp-up.
## Analyzing the Remington 870 Express: A Closer Look
The Remington 870 Express is arguably the most popular and widely produced variant of the 870. Its affordability and versatility have made it a mainstay for hunters, sport shooters, and home defense enthusiasts. Therefore, understanding the Remington 870 Express production today provides a good indicator of the overall 870 production status.
### What is the Remington 870 Express?
The Remington 870 Express is a pump-action shotgun known for its simple design, robust construction, and reliable performance. It typically features a matte finish, hardwood or synthetic stock, and a variety of barrel lengths and choke options. It’s designed to be a workhorse shotgun, capable of handling a wide range of shooting applications.
### Core Function and Application
The core function of the Remington 870 Express is to reliably cycle and fire shotgun shells. Its pump-action mechanism allows for quick follow-up shots, making it suitable for hunting fast-moving game or engaging multiple targets in a self-defense scenario. Its versatility stems from the availability of different barrel configurations and choke tubes, allowing users to adapt it to various shooting disciplines.
### Expert Viewpoint
From an expert perspective, the Remington 870 Express represents a solid value proposition. Its simple design makes it relatively easy to maintain and repair. Its widespread availability of aftermarket parts and accessories further enhances its appeal. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the Express model is often produced with cost-saving measures, which may result in minor cosmetic imperfections or variations in finish quality.
## Key Features of the Remington 870 Express: A Detailed Analysis
Let’s delve into the specific features of the Remington 870 Express and how they contribute to its overall performance and user experience:
### 1. Pump-Action Mechanism
* **What it is:** A manually operated action that cycles shells into and out of the chamber.
* **How it works:** The user slides the forend back and forth to eject the spent shell, load a new shell from the magazine, and cock the hammer.
* **User Benefit:** Provides reliable cycling, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The manual operation gives the user complete control over the action.
* **Quality/Expertise:** The 870’s pump-action is renowned for its smooth and consistent operation. The design has been refined over decades, resulting in a proven and reliable system.
### 2. Steel Receiver
* **What it is:** The central component of the shotgun, housing the action and providing a mounting point for the barrel and stock.
* **How it works:** The steel receiver provides a strong and rigid platform for the action to function correctly. It withstands the stresses of firing and cycling shells.
* **User Benefit:** Ensures durability and longevity. The steel receiver can withstand years of use and abuse.
* **Quality/Expertise:** Remington’s use of steel receivers in the 870 contributes to its reputation for robustness and reliability. It’s a testament to the company’s commitment to producing durable firearms.
### 3. Versatile Barrel Options
* **What it is:** The interchangeable barrel allows users to adapt the shotgun to different shooting applications.
* **How it works:** Different barrel lengths and choke configurations can be easily installed on the receiver.
* **User Benefit:** Allows the user to customize the shotgun for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense.
* **Quality/Expertise:** The availability of various barrel options demonstrates Remington’s understanding of the diverse needs of shotgun users.
### 4. Cross-Bolt Safety
* **What it is:** A simple and reliable safety mechanism located near the trigger.
* **How it works:** A button that blocks the trigger from being pulled when engaged.
* **User Benefit:** Prevents accidental discharge.
* **Quality/Expertise:** The cross-bolt safety is a standard feature on many shotguns, known for its ease of use and reliability. Remington’s implementation of this safety mechanism is straightforward and effective.
### 5. Magazine Capacity
* **What it is:** The number of shells the shotgun can hold in its magazine tube.
* **How it works:** Shells are loaded into the magazine tube under the barrel and fed into the action by the pump-action mechanism.
* **User Benefit:** Provides multiple shots without reloading.
* **Quality/Expertise:** The magazine capacity of the 870 Express is typically 4+1 (four shells in the magazine and one in the chamber), which is a standard capacity for pump-action shotguns. Extended magazine tubes are available for increased capacity.
### 6. Bead Sight or Optic Ready
* **What it is:** The sighting system on the shotgun, either a simple bead sight or a receiver drilled and tapped for optics mounting.
* **How it works:** The user aligns the bead sight with the target or mounts an optic for enhanced accuracy.
* **User Benefit:** Allows for accurate aiming and target acquisition.
* **Quality/Expertise:** The bead sight is a traditional sighting system that is simple and effective for close-range shooting. The optic-ready receiver provides users with the option to mount scopes or red dot sights for increased accuracy at longer ranges.
### 7. Choke System
* **What it is:** Interchangeable chokes that constrict the shot pattern.
* **How it works:** Different chokes tighten or loosen the spread of the shot, allowing for optimal patterns at various distances.
* **User Benefit:** Increases versatility for different hunting or shooting scenarios.
* **Quality/Expertise:** The Rem Choke system is a common and well-regarded system that allows for easy choke changes. It demonstrates Remington’s attention to detail and its commitment to providing users with a customizable shotgun.
## Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value of the Remington 870 Express
The Remington 870 Express offers a range of advantages and benefits that contribute to its popularity and real-world value:
### User-Centric Value
The 870 Express provides users with a reliable and versatile shotgun at an affordable price point. It’s a practical choice for those who need a dependable firearm for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense. Its simple design and ease of use make it accessible to both novice and experienced shooters.
### Unique Selling Propositions (USPs)
* **Affordability:** The 870 Express is one of the most affordable pump-action shotguns on the market.
* **Reliability:** Its proven design and robust construction ensure reliable performance.
* **Versatility:** The availability of various barrel options and accessories allows users to adapt it to different shooting applications.
* **Widespread Availability:** The 870 Express is readily available at most gun stores and online retailers.
### Evidence of Value
Users consistently report that the 870 Express is a dependable and accurate shotgun. Our analysis reveals that its simple design and robust construction contribute to its long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements. Based on expert consensus, the 870 Express represents an excellent value for the money.
## Comprehensive Review of the Remington 870 Express
Here’s a balanced and in-depth review of the Remington 870 Express:
### User Experience & Usability
The Remington 870 Express is generally considered to be easy to use, even for novice shooters. The pump-action is smooth and consistent, and the controls are straightforward. The shotgun’s weight and balance make it comfortable to carry and shoot. From a practical standpoint, the 870 Express is a user-friendly firearm.
### Performance & Effectiveness
The 870 Express delivers reliable performance in a variety of shooting scenarios. It cycles shells smoothly and accurately, and its effective range is comparable to other pump-action shotguns. In our experience, the 870 Express is a capable and dependable firearm.
### Pros
1. **Affordable Price:** The 870 Express is one of the most budget-friendly pump-action shotguns available.
2. **Proven Reliability:** Its design has been refined over decades, resulting in a highly reliable firearm.
3. **Versatile Platform:** The availability of various barrel options and accessories allows users to customize it to their specific needs.
4. **Easy to Maintain:** Its simple design makes it relatively easy to clean and maintain.
5. **Widespread Availability:** The 870 Express is readily available at most gun stores and online retailers.
### Cons/Limitations
1. **Finish Quality:** The matte finish may be prone to scratches and wear.
2. **Cosmetic Imperfections:** Some units may exhibit minor cosmetic imperfections due to cost-saving measures.
3. **Potential for Rust:** The steel receiver may be susceptible to rust if not properly maintained.
4. **Recoil:** Recoil can be significant, especially with heavier loads.
### Ideal User Profile
The Remington 870 Express is best suited for:
* Hunters who need a reliable and versatile shotgun for various game species.
* Sport shooters who participate in clay target shooting or other shotgun sports.
* Home defense enthusiasts who want a dependable firearm for personal protection.
* Budget-conscious shooters who are looking for a good value for their money.
### Key Alternatives
* **Mossberg 500:** A popular alternative to the 870 Express, offering similar features and performance at a comparable price point.
* **Benelli Nova:** A more expensive option known for its advanced features and high-quality construction.
### Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation
The Remington 870 Express remains a solid choice for shooters seeking a reliable, versatile, and affordable pump-action shotgun. While it may have some minor limitations, its overall performance and value make it a worthwhile investment. We recommend the 870 Express to anyone looking for a dependable shotgun for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense.
## Insightful Q&A Section
Here are some insightful questions and answers related to Remington 870 production today:
1. **Has the steel quality changed in the new RemArms 870s compared to the older models?** While it’s difficult to definitively quantify, anecdotal evidence suggests some variation in the finish and potential for quicker wear. However, the core steel composition is reported to be similar, focusing on maintaining structural integrity.
2. **Are there specific serial number ranges to avoid when purchasing a used Remington 870 due to known production issues?** There’s no definitive list, but it’s generally advised to thoroughly inspect any used 870, paying close attention to the action’s smoothness, barrel alignment, and overall finish quality, especially those produced during Remington’s period of financial instability.
3. **What are the key differences between the Remington 870 Express and the Wingmaster models currently being produced?** The Wingmaster typically features a higher level of fit and finish, including polished bluing, a nicer wood stock, and smoother action. The Express is designed as a more budget-friendly option with a more utilitarian finish.
4. **How does the aftermarket support for current production Remington 870s compare to older models?** Aftermarket support remains strong for the 870 platform as a whole. Most accessories and parts designed for older models are compatible with current production versions. However, it’s always wise to confirm compatibility before purchasing.
5. **What is the expected lifespan of a Remington 870 produced under RemArms with proper maintenance?** With proper care and maintenance, a RemArms-produced Remington 870 should provide decades of reliable service. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and prompt repair of any issues will maximize its lifespan.
6. **Are there any known issues with the new Remington 870 actions, such as failures to extract or feed?** Some users have reported occasional issues with extraction or feeding in newer 870s. These issues are often attributed to rough chambers or minor manufacturing imperfections. Thorough cleaning and break-in can often resolve these problems.
7. **What are the most common modifications or upgrades that owners make to their current production Remington 870s?** Popular modifications include adding a tactical light, upgrading the sights, replacing the stock and forend with aftermarket options, and installing an extended magazine tube.
8. **How has the warranty changed under RemArms ownership for the Remington 870?** The warranty terms may have been revised under RemArms ownership. It’s essential to review the specific warranty documentation provided with the firearm to understand the coverage and limitations.
9. **Are there any specific tools or techniques recommended for maintaining a Remington 870 produced after the ownership change?** Standard shotgun cleaning tools and techniques are generally sufficient for maintaining a RemArms-produced Remington 870. However, it’s advisable to use high-quality cleaning solvents and lubricants to protect the firearm from corrosion and wear.
10. **Where can I find reliable information on the latest updates and changes in Remington 870 production?** Reputable gun forums, industry publications, and manufacturer websites are good sources of information on the latest updates and changes in Remington 870 production. Be sure to verify the credibility of the source before relying on the information.
## Conclusion & Strategic Call to Action
In conclusion, while the Remington 870 has undergone changes in production following Remington’s restructuring, it remains a viable and popular shotgun. Understanding the nuances of **Remington 870 production today** is key to making an informed purchase. By considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can confidently navigate the market and find an 870 that meets your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the world of shotguns, the Remington 870 offers a blend of reliability, versatility, and affordability that continues to make it a favorite among firearm enthusiasts.
Now that you have a better understanding of the Remington 870 production today, we encourage you to share your experiences with the 870 in the comments below. Have you purchased a new 870 recently? What are your thoughts on the quality and performance? Your insights can help other shooters make informed decisions. Also, explore our advanced guide to shotgun maintenance for tips on keeping your Remington 870 in top condition.
