Why a Sling? The Importance of Proper Carry and Control
Introduction
The Remington 870 shotgun. Its name is synonymous with reliability, durability, and performance. A workhorse of a firearm, the 870 has earned its place in the hearts of hunters, law enforcement officers, and home defenders alike. However, owning a Remington 870 is just the beginning. To truly maximize its potential and ensure safe and effective handling, understanding the proper accessories, particularly the right Remington 870 sling attachment, is crucial. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating the world of sling attachments, helping you choose the best option for your needs and ensuring you can carry and utilize your shotgun with confidence.
The Benefits of a Sling
Before diving into the specifics of Remington 870 sling attachment options, let’s emphasize why a sling is so essential. A sling is more than just an accessory; it’s a vital tool that significantly enhances the functionality and safety of your shotgun.
First and foremost, a sling facilitates comfortable and efficient carrying. Imagine spending hours in the field hunting, or navigating a home in a high-stress situation. Without a sling, you’d be constantly holding the shotgun, leading to fatigue and potentially compromising your readiness. A sling distributes the weight, allowing you to keep your hands free for other tasks, like navigating terrain, accessing other equipment, or simply maintaining situational awareness.
Second, a sling contributes to improved weapon control. It allows you to securely stow the shotgun when not in use, ensuring it’s always within easy reach. This is especially critical in home defense scenarios, where quick access and maneuverability are paramount. A well-configured sling allows you to transition from carrying the shotgun to firing it quickly and smoothly.
Third, a sling enhances safety. By keeping the firearm close and controlled, a sling reduces the risk of accidental drops or loss, particularly in challenging environments. It helps prevent the shotgun from interfering with other equipment or becoming a snag hazard. This control is equally valuable whether you are hunting, training, or defending your home.
Understanding Sling Attachment Types: Your Arsenal of Choices
Sling Swivels: The Traditional Choice
Sling swivels represent the classic and often most economical approach to attaching a sling to your Remington 870. These are typically small, rotating metal loops that connect the sling to the shotgun at designated attachment points.
Sling swivels work by inserting them into pre-drilled holes or mounting them on specific components. They allow the sling to pivot, preventing it from twisting and providing flexibility in how you carry the firearm. They are a simple and reliable solution.
Types of Sling Swivels
There are several variations of sling swivels to consider:
- Standard Swivels: These are the basic, workhorse swivels. They’re typically durable and get the job done. They’re a reliable choice for many users.
- Heavy-Duty Swivels: Designed for more demanding use, these swivels offer increased strength and resilience. If you plan to use your 870 in rugged conditions or for extensive training, heavy-duty swivels are worth considering.
- Quick Detach (QD) Swivels: These swivels offer the added convenience of quickly detaching the sling from the shotgun. They incorporate a button or lever that allows you to release the sling from the attachment point rapidly. This can be particularly useful for storage, transportation, or quickly switching between different sling configurations.
Pros and Cons of Sling Swivels
The advantages of sling swivels are clear: they’re simple to understand and often inexpensive to purchase. However, it is important to also consider some potential downsides. The primary downside is that they may not offer the same level of versatility or ergonomic customization as some of the more modern Remington 870 sling attachment options.
Sling Plates and Adapters: Modern Versatility
Sling plates and adapters represent a more modern and versatile approach to attaching a sling. These components typically provide mounting points that integrate seamlessly with the Remington 870’s design, offering a greater range of sling configuration options and enhanced ergonomics.
These plates and adapters are usually made from durable materials like steel or aluminum and come in various configurations to attach to different parts of the shotgun. You can find them in different locations:
- Stock Adapters: These plates are designed to attach to the buttstock of the shotgun. They often replace the factory sling swivel or integrate with the stock’s existing features.
- Receiver Plates: These plates mount between the receiver and the stock. They typically provide a single-point or two-point sling attachment.
- Forend Sling Adapters: Designed for the front of the shotgun, these adapters attach to the forend, giving you even more options to configure your sling.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sling Plates
A major advantage of using sling plates is their adaptability. They allow for a wider range of sling types and configurations. Some sling plates also provide the option for QD swivels, greatly simplifying the process of attaching and detaching your sling. Furthermore, many sling plates are designed to improve ergonomics and improve how you carry the shotgun.
The main drawback is that installation may be slightly more complex than installing standard swivels. Also, sling plates can be more expensive.
Specific Aftermarket Solutions
Beyond the basic types, several aftermarket manufacturers offer specialized Remington 870 sling attachment solutions. These often integrate advanced features and are designed for specific applications.
Brands like Magpul, GG&G, and others offer products designed to enhance the functionality of your Remington 870. These may include:
- Sling attachments integrated into stocks or forends: These streamline the design.
- Multiple attachment points: Giving you added flexibility for various sling configurations.
- QD sling options: Allowing for quick detachment.
- Custom materials and finishes: Adding to the overall appearance and durability.
These specialized solutions can represent a significant investment but can offer unparalleled performance and customization options. They are often targeted towards specific needs.
Selecting the Right Attachment: Matching Your Needs
Determining Your Purpose
Choosing the right Remington 870 sling attachment is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires careful consideration of your individual needs and how you plan to use your shotgun.
The primary factor influencing your choice is how you intend to use your Remington 870. Consider these scenarios:
- Hunting: A comfortable and reliable sling is essential. Two-point slings are common, offering good weight distribution. QD swivels may be beneficial for quickly removing the sling when setting up or taking down a blind.
- Home Defense: Quick access and maneuverability are critical. Single-point slings can be advantageous for close-quarters situations, allowing the shotgun to hang freely.
- Tactical/Military: Durability, versatility, and the ability to adapt to different situations are key. Two-point slings with QD capabilities are a popular choice.
- Sport Shooting: The emphasis is often on comfort, speed, and efficient transitions. Consider a sling that offers comfortable carry and allows quick transitions between shooting positions.
Matching Sling Types
The type of sling you choose is closely related to the type of attachment you select.
- Two-Point Slings: These slings attach to two points on the shotgun, typically at the front of the forend and the rear of the stock. They offer good weight distribution and are suitable for carrying the shotgun for extended periods. Two-point slings are common for hunting, law enforcement, and some tactical applications.
- Single-Point Slings: These slings attach to a single point on the shotgun, usually at the rear. They allow the shotgun to hang freely in front of you, making them advantageous for close-quarters maneuverability. Single-point slings are often favored for home defense and close-quarters battle (CQB).
Make sure that the chosen Remington 870 sling attachment accommodates the style of sling you want to use. For example, a single-point sling requires an attachment point at the rear, while a two-point sling requires attachment points at both the front and rear.
Installation and Skill
Installation methods vary depending on the type of attachment you choose. Some installations are straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of your time. Other installations may require more advanced gunsmithing skills.
Always read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning any installation. Some attachment options, like those that require drilling or modification of the shotgun, might be best handled by a qualified gunsmith.
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing a Basic Sling Swivel
Preparation
Installing a basic sling swivel is a great starting point, offering a simple and reliable way to attach a sling to your Remington 870. This installation is easy and requires minimal tools.
Ensure your firearm is unloaded and that the area you are working in is clean and well-lit. If your 870 already has swivels, you might need to remove the old ones.
What You’ll Need
- Sling swivels (of the appropriate size and style for your 870)
- Screwdriver (Phillips head and/or slotted, depending on the swivel)
- Optional: Screws
- A vise (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Finding the Mounting Points: Locate the pre-drilled holes or mounting points on your 870. The stock typically has a hole near the buttplate, while the forend often has a hole near the front.
- Attaching the Swivels: Insert the swivel into the hole. Use a screwdriver to secure the screw. Make sure not to over-tighten the screw, as you could damage the stock or forend. If the holes are too tight, a drop of oil may help.
- Testing: Once the swivels are in place, test them by rotating them and ensuring they are securely fastened.
Considerations for Sling Plate Installation
A Note on Sling Plate Installation
Installing a sling plate is another option to consider. This offers increased versatility in terms of sling selection and carry options. Because the mounting of a sling plate can differ based on the manufacturer, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The basic premise is to utilize the original hardware (like the stock bolt) and replacing it with the sling plate and its connecting hardware. Ensure the proper hardware is used and that everything is tightened, but not over-tightened.
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Sling Attachment
Regular Inspection
Once you’ve installed your Remington 870 sling attachment, proper maintenance is crucial for its longevity and reliable function.
Regularly inspect the sling attachment for wear and tear. Check the swivels for any looseness or damage, and look for signs of fraying or damage to the sling itself. Make sure any fasteners are secure.
Cleaning and Lubrication
Cleaning and lubrication are crucial for the longevity of your attachments. Occasionally, you may need to clean and lubricate your swivels. Wipe off any dirt or debris and apply a light coat of gun oil to the moving parts.
Troubleshooting
Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Swivel Loosening: Retighten the swivel screws. Consider using thread locker if the problem persists.
- Sling Tearing: Replace the sling immediately if you see any tearing or fraying.
- Inadequate Carrying: If your shotgun and sling move when walking, or tend to bang or become difficult to keep in line, consider adjusting the sling. You may need to adjust the length, or consider using a different carry method or adjustment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Remington 870 sling attachment is an important step in optimizing your shotgun for your intended use. Whether you opt for the simplicity of traditional swivels, the versatility of sling plates, or the advanced features of aftermarket solutions, the right attachment will improve carrying comfort, weapon control, and overall safety.
Remember to carefully assess your needs, research your options, and follow installation instructions. Prioritize safety throughout the process. Always handle firearms responsibly.
Now, go forth and equip your Remington 870 with the perfect sling setup! Your shotgun is waiting.
