## Remington 870 Production Today: A Comprehensive Guide
The Remington 870 is an American icon, a shotgun revered for its reliability, versatility, and affordability. But with changes in ownership and shifts in the firearms industry, many enthusiasts are asking: what is the state of **Remington 870 production today**? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the current manufacturing landscape of the Remington 870, exploring its history, recent developments, and future prospects. We aim to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information, drawing upon our deep understanding of the firearms industry and the Remington 870’s legacy. You’ll gain a clear understanding of where and how these shotguns are being made, the models currently available, and what the future holds for this legendary firearm.
### A Deep Dive into Remington 870 Production Today
The story of Remington 870 production today is intertwined with the tumultuous recent history of Remington itself. For decades, Remington Arms was a cornerstone of American firearms manufacturing. However, financial difficulties led to its bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition by Roundhill Group in 2020. This transition significantly impacted production processes and locations.
Before the bankruptcy, the primary manufacturing facility for Remington firearms, including the 870, was located in Ilion, New York. This plant had a long and storied history, dating back to the early days of Remington. However, in an effort to streamline operations and reduce costs, Roundhill Group has consolidated production and sought to modernize manufacturing processes.
**Current Production Locations:**
As of 2024, Remington 870 shotguns are primarily manufactured at the RemArms facility in Ilion, New York. While the company has consolidated some operations, the Ilion plant remains the central hub for 870 production. It’s important to note that due to the restructuring, the exact details of the manufacturing process are not publicly available. However, based on industry observations, RemArms has been focusing on improving quality control and efficiency in its production lines. They have also invested in new machinery and technology to enhance the manufacturing process.
**Models Currently in Production:**
RemArms has reintroduced several popular Remington 870 models, including:
* **Remington 870 Express:** The classic, all-purpose model known for its affordability and reliability.
* **Remington 870 Tactical:** A variant designed for home defense and law enforcement applications.
* **Remington 870 FieldMaster:** An upgraded version of the Express model, featuring enhanced finish and improved components.
* **Remington 870 DM (Detachable Magazine):** A more modern variant that accepts detachable magazines.
It’s worth noting that the availability of specific models may vary depending on market demand and production capacity. Check with your local firearms dealer or the RemArms website for the most up-to-date information on available models.
**Quality Control and Improvements:**
One of the biggest concerns following Remington’s bankruptcy was the quality of its firearms. RemArms has publicly stated its commitment to improving quality control and producing firearms that meet the high standards expected of the Remington brand. While it’s still early in the company’s turnaround, there have been reports of improved fit and finish on newer Remington 870 models. However, it’s always advisable to thoroughly inspect any firearm before purchasing it.
**Future Prospects:**
The future of Remington 870 production today looks promising. RemArms is investing in new technology and processes to improve efficiency and quality. Furthermore, the Remington 870 remains a popular and iconic shotgun, ensuring continued demand for the product. As the company continues to rebuild and refine its operations, we expect to see even more improvements in the quality and availability of Remington 870 shotguns.
### The Remington 870: A Timeless Design
The Remington 870 owes its enduring popularity to its simple, robust, and reliable design. It’s a pump-action shotgun that has proven itself in countless hunting fields, shooting ranges, and law enforcement agencies. The 870’s design is based on a solid steel receiver, which provides exceptional strength and durability. The pump-action mechanism is smooth and reliable, allowing for quick follow-up shots. The shotgun is also highly versatile, with a wide range of aftermarket accessories available to customize it for specific purposes.
**Key Design Features:**
* **Solid Steel Receiver:** Provides exceptional strength and durability.
* **Smooth Pump-Action Mechanism:** Ensures reliable cycling of rounds.
* **Versatile Design:** Can be customized for various applications.
* **Wide Range of Accessories:** Allows for personalization and optimization.
The Remington 870’s design has remained largely unchanged over the years, a testament to its effectiveness. While there have been some minor modifications and improvements, the core design principles remain the same. This consistency has made the 870 a favorite among gunsmiths and DIY enthusiasts, as parts are readily available and the shotgun is relatively easy to work on.
### Understanding the RemArms Production Process
While detailed information about RemArms’ current production processes is proprietary, we can infer some key aspects based on industry best practices and publicly available information:
* **Component Manufacturing:** RemArms likely manufactures many of the 870’s components in-house, including the receiver, barrel, and internal parts. They also source some components from external suppliers.
* **Machining and Finishing:** The receiver and barrel are machined to precise tolerances using CNC machines. The parts are then finished to protect them from corrosion and wear.
* **Assembly:** The various components are assembled by skilled technicians. Quality control checks are performed throughout the assembly process to ensure that the shotgun meets RemArms’ standards.
* **Testing:** Each Remington 870 is test-fired to ensure that it functions correctly and safely. The shotgun is also inspected for any defects before being packaged and shipped.
**Quality Control Measures:**
RemArms has implemented several quality control measures to ensure that its Remington 870 shotguns meet the highest standards. These measures include:
* **Statistical Process Control (SPC):** SPC is used to monitor the manufacturing process and identify any potential problems before they lead to defects.
* **Incoming Inspection:** All incoming components are inspected to ensure that they meet RemArms’ specifications.
* **In-Process Inspection:** Quality control checks are performed throughout the manufacturing process to identify and correct any defects.
* **Final Inspection:** Each finished Remington 870 is thoroughly inspected before being packaged and shipped.
### Remington 870 Express: An In-Depth Look
The Remington 870 Express is the most popular variant of the 870, known for its affordability and reliability. It’s a versatile shotgun that can be used for hunting, sporting clays, and home defense.
**Key Features of the Remington 870 Express:**
1. **Durable Construction:** The 870 Express features a solid steel receiver and a durable synthetic stock and forend.
2. **Smooth Pump-Action:** The pump-action mechanism is smooth and reliable, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
3. **Versatile Chambering:** The 870 Express is available in 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 bore.
4. **Wide Range of Chokes:** The 870 Express accepts Remington’s Rem Choke system, allowing you to customize the shotgun’s pattern for different applications.
5. **Affordable Price:** The 870 Express is one of the most affordable pump-action shotguns on the market.
6. **Easy to Customize:** A wide range of aftermarket accessories are available for the 870 Express, allowing you to customize it to your specific needs.
7. **Reliable Performance:** The 870 Express is known for its reliable performance, making it a popular choice among hunters and shooters.
**User Benefits:**
* **Reliability:** The 870 Express is a reliable shotgun that you can count on in any situation.
* **Versatility:** The 870 Express can be used for a wide range of applications, making it a great all-around shotgun.
* **Affordability:** The 870 Express is an affordable shotgun that won’t break the bank.
* **Customizability:** The 870 Express can be customized to your specific needs, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced shooters.
### Advantages and Benefits of Owning a Remington 870
The Remington 870 offers numerous advantages and benefits to its owners:
* **Unmatched Reliability:** The 870’s simple and robust design ensures consistent performance, even in harsh conditions. Users consistently report decades of dependable service with minimal maintenance.
* **Exceptional Versatility:** From hunting waterfowl to defending your home, the 870 can be adapted to virtually any shotgunning application. Its modular design allows for easy customization with different barrels, stocks, and accessories.
* **Affordable Price Point:** Compared to other high-quality shotguns, the 870 offers excellent value for the money. Its accessible price makes it a popular choice for both novice and experienced shooters.
* **Wide Availability of Parts and Accessories:** The 870’s long production run has resulted in a vast aftermarket of parts and accessories. This makes it easy to maintain, repair, and customize the shotgun to your specific needs.
* **Proven Track Record:** The 870 has been in production for over 70 years and has been used by millions of shooters around the world. Its proven track record speaks for itself.
**Real-World Value:**
The real-world value of the Remington 870 lies in its ability to provide reliable performance and versatility at an affordable price. Whether you’re a hunter, a sporting clays enthusiast, or a homeowner looking for a reliable home defense weapon, the 870 is a great choice. Our analysis reveals these key benefits are the primary drivers behind the 870’s continued popularity.
### Remington 870 Express: A Comprehensive Review
The Remington 870 Express is a workhorse shotgun, but it’s not without its quirks. Here’s a balanced perspective based on our experience and user feedback:
**User Experience & Usability:**
The 870 Express is relatively easy to use, even for beginners. The pump-action is smooth and intuitive, and the controls are simple and straightforward. However, the Express model’s finish can be rough, and the action may require some breaking in to become truly smooth. In our experience, a thorough cleaning and lubrication can significantly improve the action’s smoothness.
**Performance & Effectiveness:**
The 870 Express delivers reliable performance, consistently cycling rounds and delivering accurate shots. It’s capable of handling a wide range of loads, from light target loads to heavy hunting loads. However, the Express model’s basic sights may limit its accuracy at longer ranges.
**Pros:**
1. **Reliability:** The 870 Express is known for its reliability, making it a dependable choice for any situation.
2. **Versatility:** The 870 Express can be used for a wide range of applications, from hunting to home defense.
3. **Affordability:** The 870 Express is one of the most affordable pump-action shotguns on the market.
4. **Customizability:** A wide range of aftermarket accessories are available for the 870 Express, allowing you to customize it to your specific needs.
5. **Proven Track Record:** The 870 has been in production for over 70 years and has been used by millions of shooters around the world.
**Cons/Limitations:**
1. **Rough Finish:** The Express model’s finish can be rough and prone to rust.
2. **Basic Sights:** The Express model’s basic sights may limit its accuracy at longer ranges.
3. **Stiff Action:** The Express model’s action may require some breaking in to become truly smooth.
4. **Recoil:** Recoil can be significant, especially with heavier loads.
**Ideal User Profile:**
The Remington 870 Express is best suited for budget-conscious shooters who need a reliable and versatile shotgun. It’s a great choice for beginners, hunters, and homeowners looking for a dependable home defense weapon.
**Key Alternatives:**
* **Mossberg 500:** The Mossberg 500 is a similar pump-action shotgun that offers comparable performance and features at a similar price point. The Mossberg 500 features a tang safety, which some shooters prefer over the 870’s cross-bolt safety.
* **Benelli Nova:** The Benelli Nova is a more modern pump-action shotgun that features a more ergonomic design and a smoother action. However, the Benelli Nova is also more expensive than the Remington 870 Express.
**Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:**
The Remington 870 Express is a solid and reliable shotgun that offers excellent value for the money. While it’s not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. We recommend the Remington 870 Express to anyone looking for an affordable, versatile, and dependable pump-action shotgun.
### Insightful Q&A About the Remington 870 Production Today
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Remington 870 and its current production:
**Q1: Is the Remington 870 still made in the USA?**
Yes, the Remington 870 is currently manufactured in Ilion, New York, by RemArms, the company that acquired Remington’s assets after its bankruptcy. The company has publicly committed to maintaining production in the United States.
**Q2: Has the quality of the Remington 870 improved since RemArms took over?**
While it’s still relatively early in RemArms’ tenure, there have been reports of improved quality control and fit and finish on newer Remington 870 models. However, it’s always advisable to thoroughly inspect any firearm before purchasing it.
**Q3: What are the most common problems with the Remington 870 Express?**
Some common issues with the 870 Express include a rough finish, a stiff action, and occasional failures to extract. However, these issues can often be resolved with proper cleaning, lubrication, and break-in.
**Q4: Can I use aftermarket parts on a new Remington 870?**
Yes, the Remington 870 has a vast aftermarket of parts and accessories, allowing you to customize it to your specific needs. However, it’s important to ensure that the parts you purchase are compatible with your specific model of 870.
**Q5: What is the best way to clean and maintain a Remington 870?**
The best way to clean and maintain a Remington 870 is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, this involves disassembling the shotgun, cleaning the parts with a solvent, lubricating the parts with a gun oil, and reassembling the shotgun.
**Q6: What is the difference between the Remington 870 Express and the Remington 870 FieldMaster?**
The Remington 870 FieldMaster is an upgraded version of the Express model, featuring enhanced finish, improved components, and a more refined appearance. The FieldMaster is generally more expensive than the Express.
**Q7: Is the Remington 870 a good choice for home defense?**
Yes, the Remington 870 is a popular choice for home defense due to its reliability, versatility, and affordability. A shorter barrel and a pistol grip stock can make it more maneuverable in tight spaces.
**Q8: What is the effective range of a Remington 870?**
The effective range of a Remington 870 depends on the load and choke used. Generally, the effective range is around 40-50 yards with buckshot and 50-75 yards with slugs.
**Q9: Where can I find the serial number on a Remington 870?**
The serial number on a Remington 870 is typically located on the left side of the receiver, near the front.
**Q10: What are some common modifications people make to their Remington 870s?**
Common modifications include adding a shorter barrel, a pistol grip stock, a tactical forend, a side saddle for extra ammunition, and improved sights.
### Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Remington 870
The Remington 870 has earned its place as one of the most iconic and reliable shotguns in American history. Despite the challenges faced by Remington in recent years, **Remington 870 production today** continues under RemArms, ensuring that this legendary firearm remains available to shooters for years to come. With a commitment to improved quality and a continued focus on innovation, the future of the Remington 870 looks bright. The 870’s enduring legacy is a testament to its simple, robust design and its ability to meet the needs of a wide range of shooters. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or a homeowner looking for a reliable home defense weapon, the Remington 870 is a shotgun that you can count on.
Share your experiences with the Remington 870 in the comments below!
