The Remington 870 is a classic and highly reliable shotgun, known for its versatility and rugged design. However, like any firearm, there’s always room for improvement.
Upgrading your Remington 870 can enhance its performance, usability, and aesthetics, making it even more suitable for your specific needs, whether that's home defense, hunting, or competition shooting.
In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences with some of the best upgrades for the Remington 870, providing detailed reviews, specifications, and user feedback to help you make informed decisions.
Colors Available: Black, FDE (Flat Dark Earth), Orange, Grey
Best Features:
The Magpul SGA Stock and Forearm is a fantastic upgrade for the Remington 870, providing enhanced ergonomics and customization options. The adjustable length of pull (LOP) is a standout feature, allowing you to tailor the shotgun’s fit to your specific preferences and shooting style. The forearm is equipped with M-LOK slots, enabling easy attachment of accessories like lights and grips.
Pros:
Customizable fit with adjustable LOP
Durable and lightweight polymer construction
Easy installation
Improved ergonomics
Cons:
The forearm can be a bit bulky for some users
Higher price point compared to standard stocks
Experience:
Using the Magpul SGA Stock and Forearm has transformed the handling of my Remington 870. The adjustable LOP made a significant difference, especially when transitioning between different shooting positions. The forearm’s M-LOK slots are incredibly convenient for mounting accessories, and the overall build quality is top-notch.
Customer Comments:
Online forums and reviews are filled with praise for this upgrade. Many users highlight the improved handling and customization options, with comments like “best stock upgrade I’ve ever done” and “worth every penny for the added comfort and functionality.”
2. Wilson Combat Tactical Trak-Lock Ghost Ring Sights
Specifications:
Type: Ghost ring sights
Material: Steel
Finish: Matte black
Adjustability: Windage and elevation
Best Features:
The Wilson Combat Tactical Trak-Lock Ghost Ring Sights provide a significant upgrade in terms of aiming precision and speed. The ghost ring rear sight, paired with a fiber optic front sight, allows for quick target acquisition and improved accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions.
Pros:
Enhanced accuracy and target acquisition
Durable steel construction
Adjustable for windage and elevation
Fiber optic front sight for better visibility
Cons:
Requires gunsmith installation for best results
Slightly more expensive than standard sights
Experience:
After installing the Wilson Combat Trak-Lock Sights, I noticed a marked improvement in my shooting accuracy, especially during rapid fire. The ghost ring sighting system is intuitive and makes target transitions smoother. The fiber optic front sight is highly visible, even in dim lighting, which is a great advantage for home defense scenarios.
Customer Comments:
Users often mention the drastic improvement in their shooting performance after installing these sights. Comments such as “game changer for my 870” and “best investment for accuracy” are common, with many recommending professional installation for optimal alignment.
3. Remington 870 Magazine Extension Tube
Specifications:
Material: Steel
Capacity Increase: 2-4 additional rounds
Finish: Parkerized or blued
Includes: Extension tube, spring, follower, and clamp
Best Features:
A magazine extension tube is an essential upgrade for anyone looking to increase the firepower of their Remington 870. This extension adds between 2 to 4 extra rounds, depending on the model, making it ideal for both tactical and hunting applications. The steel construction ensures durability and reliability.
Pros:
Increased ammunition capacity
Durable steel construction
Easy installation
Includes necessary components
Cons:
Adds weight to the shotgun
May require modification to the magazine spring retainer
Experience:
Installing the Remington 870 Magazine Extension Tube was straightforward and provided a noticeable advantage in capacity. The extra rounds can make a significant difference in both competitive and defensive situations, offering peace of mind knowing you have additional firepower readily available.
Customer Comments:
Many users appreciate the straightforward installation and the additional capacity. Reviews often highlight the value for money, with remarks like “perfect upgrade for home defense” and “a must-have for any 870 owner looking to increase capacity.”
4. Vang Comp Systems Barrel and Porting
Specifications:
Material: Steel
Length: Various options available (18.5”, 20”, 22”)
Porting: Yes
Choke: Fixed or interchangeable
Best Features:
The Vang Comp Systems Barrel and Porting upgrade significantly enhances the performance of the Remington 870. The porting reduces recoil and muzzle rise, allowing for faster follow-up shots. Additionally, the precision-machined barrel improves shot pattern consistency, making it a favorite among competition shooters and tactical users.
Pros:
Reduced recoil and muzzle rise
Improved shot pattern consistency
High-quality steel construction
Various length options
Cons:
Higher cost compared to standard barrels
Professional installation recommended
Experience:
Switching to a Vang Comp Systems barrel has been one of the best decisions for my Remington 870. The reduced recoil and improved shot patterns have made shooting more comfortable and accurate. The quality of the craftsmanship is evident, and the performance boost is well worth the investment.
Customer Comments:
Feedback from other users mirrors my experience, with many noting the reduced recoil and improved accuracy. Comments such as “worth the upgrade for any serious shooter” and “dramatic improvement in handling” are common.
5. Streamlight TLR-1 HL Weapon Light
Specifications:
Lumens: 1000
Material: Anodized aluminum
Battery Life: 1.5 hours (continuous run time)
Mounting System: Rail clamp system
Best Features:
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL is a powerful weapon light that delivers 1000 lumens of bright white light, making it an excellent addition for home defense or tactical use. Its durable anodized aluminum construction ensures it can withstand rough handling, and the rail clamp system allows for easy attachment and removal.
Pros:
Extremely bright 1000 lumens output
Durable construction
Easy to mount and remove
Ambidextrous operation
Cons:
Battery life could be longer
Adds some weight to the shotgun
Experience:
The TLR-1 HL has proven to be an invaluable tool for low-light situations. The 1000 lumens output is more than sufficient to illuminate targets and disorient potential threats. The ease of mounting and the robust build quality make it a reliable choice for my Remington 870.
Customer Comments:
Online reviews consistently praise the Streamlight TLR-1 HL for its brightness and durability. Users often highlight its effectiveness in home defense scenarios, with comments like “blindingly bright” and “excellent build quality.”
6. Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier
Specifications:
Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
Capacity: 4-6 shells
Finish: Matte black
Mounting: Receiver mount
Best Features:
The Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier provides a convenient and secure way to carry extra shells on your Remington 870. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, it is both lightweight and extremely durable. The carrier mounts directly to the shotgun’s receiver, ensuring that additional ammunition is always within reach.
Pros:
Convenient and secure shell storage
Durable aluminum construction
Lightweight design
Easy to install
Cons:
Can add bulk to the shotgun
Higher price point compared to plastic carriers
Experience:
Having the Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier on my Remington 870 has greatly improved my reloading efficiency. The carrier holds the shells securely, yet they are easy to access when needed. Its robust construction gives me confidence that it will hold up under heavy use.
Customer Comments:
Users appreciate the convenience and durability of the Sureshell Carrier, often noting how it enhances their reloading speed. Comments such as “essential for tactical applications” and “built like a tank” are common.
FAQs
Q: Do these upgrades fit all models of the Remington 870? A: Most of the upgrades mentioned are compatible with all Remington 870 models, but it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility with your specific shotgun.
Q: Can I install these upgrades myself? A: Many of the upgrades can be installed by the user with basic tools, but some, like the Wilson Combat Sights and Vang Comp Systems Barrel, may require professional installation for optimal performance.
Q: Will these upgrades affect the warranty on my Remington 870? A: It’s possible that modifying your shotgun with aftermarket parts could void the warranty. It’s advisable to check with Remington or the manufacturer of the upgrade for specific warranty information.
Q: Are these upgrades suitable for both home defense and hunting? A: Yes, the upgrades mentioned can enhance the performance
of your Remington 870 for a variety of applications, including home defense, hunting, and competition shooting. However, certain upgrades may be more beneficial for specific uses.
Q: How do I maintain these upgraded parts? A: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your upgraded parts functioning properly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and lubrication to ensure longevity and reliability.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Remington 870 can significantly enhance its performance, versatility, and overall user experience. From improved ergonomics with the Magpul SGA Stock and Forearm to increased firepower with the Magazine Extension Tube, each upgrade offers unique benefits tailored to different shooting needs. The Wilson Combat Ghost Ring Sights and Vang Comp Systems Barrel elevate accuracy and handling, while the Streamlight TLR-1 HL and Mesa Tactical Sureshell Carrier add tactical advantages.
Based on my experiences and the feedback from other users, these upgrades not only fit the Remington 870 perfectly but also transform it into a more effective and enjoyable firearm. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a new owner, these upgrades are worth considering to get the most out of your Remington 870.