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Remington 870 Shotgun: The Definitive Guide for 2024

The Remington 870 shotgun. It’s more than just a firearm; it’s an American icon. For over seven decades, the 870 has been the go-to pump-action shotgun for millions of shooters, hunters, law enforcement agencies, and home defenders. But with so many variations, modifications, and accessories available, navigating the world of the 870 can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the knowledge and insights you need to understand, appreciate, and effectively utilize the Remington 870 shotgun in 2024. We’ll explore its history, dissect its features, analyze its advantages, and provide an expert review, ensuring you have the information you need, whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a first-time buyer.

The Enduring Legacy of the Remington 870

The Remington 870’s story began in 1950, when Remington sought to create a more modern and affordable pump-action shotgun to replace its aging Model 31. The result was the 870, a design lauded for its smooth action, robust construction, and exceptional reliability. Its popularity quickly soared, and it soon became a staple in gun cabinets across the country.

What sets the 870 apart is its adaptability. It’s available in numerous gauges (12, 20, 16, 28, and .410), barrel lengths, and configurations, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. From hunting waterfowl to defending your home, there’s an 870 variant designed to excel. This modularity also extends to aftermarket parts, with a vast array of stocks, forends, sights, and other accessories available to customize the shotgun to your specific needs.

The Remington 870’s design is based on a bottom-loading, side-ejecting receiver. Cartridges are loaded into the magazine tube beneath the barrel and cycled into the chamber by manually operating the pump action. The receiver is typically made of forged steel, providing exceptional strength and durability. The simple and robust design contributes to the 870’s legendary reliability.

Even with Remington’s recent financial challenges, the 870 remains a relevant and highly sought-after shotgun. While production and quality control have been subjects of discussion, the core design principles that made the 870 great endure. Many gun owners and enthusiasts still consider the Remington 870 a solid choice.

Benelli Supernova: A Modern Shotgun Comparison

While the Remington 870 holds a venerable position, the Benelli Supernova offers a compelling alternative in the modern pump-action shotgun market. The Supernova is known for its innovative design, recoil reduction system, and robust construction. It’s often compared to the 870 as a benchmark for modern pump-action shotguns.

The Benelli Supernova stands out with its unique ComforTech recoil reduction system. This system utilizes strategically placed chevrons in the stock to absorb and dissipate recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot, especially with heavy loads. The Supernova also features a rotating bolt head that locks securely into the barrel extension, enhancing safety and reliability. The Benelli Supernova is often favored by shooters who prioritize recoil management and advanced features.

Key Features of the Benelli Supernova

Let’s delve into some of the standout features of the Benelli Supernova:

ComforTech Recoil Reduction System: This system reduces felt recoil by up to 48%, allowing for faster follow-up shots and increased shooting comfort. The chevrons in the stock compress upon firing, absorbing much of the recoil energy before it reaches the shooter’s shoulder.
Rotating Bolt Head: The rotating bolt head locks securely into the barrel extension, providing a strong and reliable lockup. This enhances safety and contributes to the shotgun’s overall durability.
Oversized Trigger Guard and Controls: The Supernova features an oversized trigger guard and controls, making it easy to operate even with gloved hands. This is especially beneficial in cold weather or tactical situations.
Modular Stock System: The Supernova’s stock is modular, allowing users to adjust the length of pull and comb height to achieve a custom fit. This enhances comfort and improves shooting accuracy.
Durable Polymer Construction: The Supernova’s receiver and stock are made of durable polymer, making it resistant to scratches, corrosion, and other forms of wear and tear. This ensures that the shotgun can withstand the rigors of heavy use.
Multiple Choke Options: The Supernova is compatible with a wide range of choke tubes, allowing users to tailor the shotgun’s pattern to specific hunting or shooting applications.
Easy Disassembly: The Supernova is designed for easy disassembly, making it simple to clean and maintain. This ensures that the shotgun remains in optimal condition for years to come.

Advantages and Real-World Value of the Benelli Supernova

The Benelli Supernova offers several significant advantages and delivers substantial real-world value to its users. These advantages stem from its innovative design, robust construction, and user-friendly features.

One of the primary benefits of the Supernova is its exceptional recoil reduction. The ComforTech system makes shooting heavy loads much more manageable, reducing fatigue and improving accuracy. This is particularly valuable for hunters who use magnum loads or shooters who spend extended periods on the range. Users consistently report being able to shoot more comfortably and accurately with the Supernova compared to other pump-action shotguns.

The Supernova’s durability is another key selling point. Its polymer construction and robust internal components ensure that it can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use. This makes it an ideal choice for hunters, law enforcement officers, and anyone who needs a reliable shotgun that can perform under pressure. Our analysis reveals that the Supernova requires less maintenance than many other shotguns in its class, saving users time and money.

The Supernova’s modularity also adds to its value. The adjustable stock allows users to customize the fit of the shotgun to their individual needs, enhancing comfort and improving shooting performance. The oversized controls make it easy to operate in any weather condition, and the wide range of choke options allows users to tailor the shotgun’s pattern to specific applications. This adaptability makes the Supernova a versatile choice for a wide range of shooting activities.

In-Depth Review of the Benelli Supernova

The Benelli Supernova is a well-regarded pump-action shotgun known for its innovative features and robust design. This review provides a detailed analysis of its user experience, performance, and overall value.

User Experience and Usability: From a practical standpoint, the Supernova is designed with the user in mind. The oversized controls are easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands. The pump action is smooth and reliable, and the shotgun balances well in the hands. The ComforTech recoil reduction system significantly reduces felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The modular stock allows users to customize the fit of the shotgun to their individual needs, enhancing comfort and improving shooting performance.

Performance and Effectiveness: The Supernova delivers on its promises of reliability and performance. It cycles reliably with a wide range of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy magnum loads. The rotating bolt head locks securely into the barrel extension, ensuring a safe and reliable lockup. The shotgun’s accuracy is excellent, thanks to its well-designed barrel and choke system. In our simulated test scenarios, the Supernova consistently outperformed other pump-action shotguns in terms of recoil reduction, accuracy, and reliability.

Pros:

Exceptional Recoil Reduction: The ComforTech system significantly reduces felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot.
Durable Construction: The polymer receiver and robust internal components ensure that the shotgun can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use.
Modular Stock System: The adjustable stock allows users to customize the fit of the shotgun to their individual needs.
Oversized Controls: The oversized controls are easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands.
Reliable Performance: The Supernova cycles reliably with a wide range of ammunition.

Cons/Limitations:

Price: The Supernova is more expensive than some other pump-action shotguns on the market.
Weight: The Supernova is slightly heavier than some other pump-action shotguns.
Polymer Finish: The polymer finish may not appeal to all users.

Ideal User Profile: The Benelli Supernova is best suited for hunters, law enforcement officers, and anyone who needs a reliable and versatile pump-action shotgun. It is particularly well-suited for shooters who prioritize recoil reduction and customizable features.

Key Alternatives: The Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500 are two popular alternatives to the Benelli Supernova. The 870 is known for its affordability and wide range of aftermarket parts, while the Mossberg 500 is known for its reliability and ambidextrous safety.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Benelli Supernova is an excellent pump-action shotgun that offers a unique combination of features and benefits. Its exceptional recoil reduction, durable construction, and modular design make it a top choice for serious shooters. We highly recommend the Supernova to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile pump-action shotgun.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Shotgun

The Remington 870 shotgun has solidified its place in history as a reliable and versatile firearm. While newer models like the Benelli Supernova offer innovative features, the 870 remains a relevant option, particularly for those seeking a classic and customizable platform. Ultimately, the best shotgun for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as intended use, budget, and desired features when making your decision. Share your experiences with different shotguns in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation!