Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a true workhorse of the shotgun world: the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum 12 Gauge. This shotgun has earned its stripes through decades of reliable service in fields, forests, and shooting ranges across the country. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a clay shooting enthusiast, or someone looking for a dependable home defense option, the 870 Express Super Magnum deserves a close look. In this review, we'll cover everything from its key features and specifications to its performance in various scenarios, and even touch on some common upgrades and accessories.

Overview of the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum

The Remington 870 is an American icon, renowned for its robust design, smooth action, and versatility. The Express Super Magnum variant takes that reputation and cranks it up a notch, offering the ability to chamber everything from light 2 3/4-inch shells to the bone-jarring 3 1/2-inch magnums. This adaptability makes it a fantastic choice for a wide range of applications, from bird hunting with lighter loads to tackling waterfowl or even larger game with the heavier stuff. Its widespread availability, combined with a vast aftermarket of parts and accessories, means you can easily customize it to perfectly suit your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a shotgun that can truly do it all, the 870 Express Super Magnum is definitely one to consider. It's built to last, easy to maintain, and offers a level of performance that's hard to beat at its price point. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty details and see what makes this shotgun so special. We’ll explore its features, how it handles, and what you can expect when you take it out to the range or into the field. Stay tuned, because we're about to break down everything you need to know about this American classic.

Key Features and Specifications

When it comes to the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum, understanding its key features and specifications is crucial. This shotgun is built around a receiver milled from a solid billet of steel, ensuring exceptional strength and durability. This robust construction is one of the main reasons why the 870 has such a strong reputation for reliability. The 12-gauge chamber is capable of handling 2 3/4-inch, 3-inch, and 3 1/2-inch shells, providing unparalleled versatility for different shooting scenarios. The standard magazine capacity is typically 4+1 rounds, giving you ample firepower whether you're hunting or using it for home defense. The barrel length usually comes in 26-inch or 28-inch options, allowing you to choose the configuration that best suits your needs – the shorter barrel for tighter spaces and quicker handling, or the longer barrel for improved accuracy at longer ranges. The choke system is another important feature, often utilizing interchangeable Rem Chokes that allow you to adjust the shot pattern for different types of game or target shooting. As for the stock and forend, they are typically made of a durable synthetic material, which is resistant to weather and wear. The finish is usually a matte black, helping to reduce glare and protect the metal surfaces from corrosion. Overall, the combination of these features makes the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum a highly adaptable and dependable shotgun. It's designed to withstand harsh conditions and deliver consistent performance, making it a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and home defenders alike.

Performance and Handling

Alright, let's talk about how the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum actually performs in the field and how it handles. This is where the rubber meets the road, and it's important to know what to expect when you're out shooting. First off, the action on the 870 is generally smooth and reliable, but it might require a bit of breaking in, especially when new. Cycling shells becomes easier with use, and proper lubrication is key to maintaining that smooth operation. The weight of the shotgun helps to absorb recoil, making it manageable even with those stout 3 1/2-inch magnum loads. However, be prepared for a good kick if you're shooting the heavy stuff! The balance is generally good, allowing for comfortable shouldering and aiming. The forend provides a solid grip, and the textured stock helps to keep the shotgun firmly planted against your shoulder. When it comes to accuracy, the 870 Express Super Magnum performs admirably, especially with the right choke installed for the task at hand. Whether you're patterning buckshot for home defense or trying to knock down a distant duck, the shotgun delivers consistent and reliable results. One thing to note is that the Express models sometimes have a reputation for a less refined finish compared to higher-end 870s. This can sometimes lead to minor issues like rough edges or a less-than-perfect bluing. However, these are usually cosmetic and don't affect the overall performance of the shotgun. With proper maintenance and care, the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum will provide years of dependable service, making it a solid choice for any shotgun enthusiast. The key is to get familiar with its handling characteristics and to practice regularly to hone your shooting skills.

Upgrades and Accessories

One of the greatest things about the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum is the sheer number of upgrades and accessories available. This allows you to customize the shotgun to perfectly fit your needs and preferences. Want to improve the trigger? There are plenty of aftermarket trigger kits that can provide a smoother, lighter pull. Looking for a more comfortable stock? Options range from adjustable cheek risers to recoil-reducing systems. A popular upgrade is the addition of a magazine extension, which increases the capacity of the shotgun for home defense or competitive shooting. You can also find a wide variety of sights and optics, from simple bead sights to advanced red dot scopes. A good set of sling attachments can make carrying the shotgun in the field much easier, and different forends can improve your grip and control. The possibilities are almost endless! When choosing upgrades and accessories, it's important to consider what you'll be using the shotgun for. A hunting setup might prioritize a comfortable sling and a choke tube optimized for bird hunting, while a home defense configuration might focus on a magazine extension, a tactical light, and a more aggressive grip. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different combinations to find what works best for you. With a little bit of customization, you can transform your Remington 870 Express Super Magnum into the ultimate shotgun for any situation. Just remember to do your research and choose quality parts from reputable manufacturers to ensure reliable performance.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum to give you a balanced view. On the plus side, this shotgun is incredibly versatile, thanks to its ability to chamber 2 3/4-inch, 3-inch, and 3 1/2-inch shells. This makes it suitable for everything from light target loads to heavy magnum rounds for waterfowl or big game. The 870 is also known for its reliability and durability, with a solid steel receiver that can withstand years of use. The widespread availability of parts and accessories is another major advantage, allowing you to easily customize the shotgun to your liking. And, of course, the price point is very attractive, making it an affordable option for many shooters. However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. The finish on the Express models can be a bit rough, and some users have reported issues with rust if the shotgun is not properly maintained. The action may also require some breaking in to smooth out, and the recoil can be significant, especially with magnum loads. Another potential con is that the 870 Express Super Magnum can be a bit heavy, which may be a concern for some shooters, especially during long days in the field. Overall, the pros of the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum far outweigh the cons, especially when you consider its versatility, reliability, and affordability. But it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks so you can make an informed decision and take proper care of your shotgun.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final verdict on the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum? Overall, this is a fantastic shotgun that offers a lot of value for the money. Its versatility, reliability, and the abundance of aftermarket parts make it a top choice for hunters, sport shooters, and home defenders alike. While it may not have the refined finish of some higher-end shotguns, the 870 Express Super Magnum is a workhorse that's built to last. If you're looking for a shotgun that can do it all and won't break the bank, the Remington 870 Express Super Magnum is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to keep it clean and properly lubricated, and it will provide you with years of dependable service. Whether you're chasing waterfowl, busting clays, or protecting your home, this shotgun is up to the task. It's a true American classic that has earned its place in the hearts of shooters everywhere. So go ahead, give it a try – you might just find your new favorite shotgun!