A Legacy Forged in Steel: The Story of the Remington 870
The booming report of a shotgun, a familiar sound to hunters, home defenders, and shooting enthusiasts alike, often evokes images of reliability, power, and a rich history. Among the pantheon of legendary firearms, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster stands tall. It’s a name synonymous with rugged dependability, a workhorse of a shotgun that has earned its place in the hands of millions. But is the Remington 870 Fieldmaster still a relevant choice in today’s crowded market of pump-action shotguns? This in-depth review dives deep into the heart of the Fieldmaster, exploring its features, performance, and lasting appeal to help you determine if it’s the right shotgun for your needs.
This isn’t just a review; it’s an exploration of an icon.
The Remington 870 arrived on the scene in the early days of the post-war era, making its debut. It was immediately met with acclaim. Designed as a replacement for Remington’s Model 31, the 870 was a revelation. Its innovative design, featuring a receiver milled from a solid block of steel, and its smooth, reliable pump action, quickly established it as a leader in the pump-action shotgun world. The 870 offered durability and easy operation.
This design proved to be a resounding success. The 870 quickly gained favor with law enforcement agencies, quickly becoming a standard-issue firearm across the country. Civilian markets soon embraced the 870, appreciating its versatility and affordability for hunting and home defense. The 870’s rugged construction and reliability made it a trusted companion in various demanding situations. It’s seen action in the field, on patrol, and in the hands of countless individuals protecting their homes.
The success of the Remington 870 wasn’t just about design; it was about innovation. Remington continuously refined the design, incorporating features and manufacturing processes to enhance its performance and longevity. While the original Wingmaster represented a higher tier of quality, the Fieldmaster offered a more accessible entry point into the world of the 870 experience.
This legacy continues to this day. The Remington 870 remains a highly sought-after shotgun, a testament to its enduring design and unwavering performance. Choosing a Remington 870 means joining a club that has been shaped by decades of reliability and proficiency.
Understanding the Fieldmaster: What Makes it Tick?
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster, while sharing the same fundamental design as its more premium siblings, the Wingmaster, carved its own niche in the market. It represents a balance of affordability and performance. The Fieldmaster distinguishes itself in its materials and finish, offering a more cost-effective approach to manufacturing while maintaining the core reliability of the 870 platform.
Let’s break down the essential features that make up this pump-action workhorse.
At its heart lies the pump action. The action, operated by the user manually, provides a simple and robust system for cycling shells. Pulling the forend rearward extracts the spent shell and ejects it, while pushing it forward chambers a fresh round from the magazine tube. This system is known for its reliability and its ability to function even in the harshest of conditions.
The Fieldmaster typically comes in a variety of gauges, including the popular twelve-gauge, offering a balance of power and availability. However, you can find it in twenty-gauge, and even the smaller .410 bore, making it a viable option for different shooting needs. The barrel length options are also varied. You’ll often find Fieldmaster models with barrels ranging from 18.5 inches, commonly used for home defense, to 26 or 28 inches, ideal for hunting.
The stock and forend materials are typically constructed from synthetic polymers. These synthetic components are resistant to weather, impacts, and require minimal maintenance. This makes the Fieldmaster a practical choice for rough conditions. The receivers are generally crafted from steel, providing the strength necessary to withstand the pressures generated by repeated firing.
The magazine capacity usually holds four rounds in addition to a round in the chamber, giving the firearm a total capacity of five rounds. This capacity is often considered sufficient for hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting.
The sights usually consist of a simple bead sight at the end of the barrel. While effective for close-range shooting, such as bird hunting or home defense, this setup might not be suitable for long-distance precision. However, the 870 Fieldmaster’s design makes it easily adaptable for upgrades, with aftermarket sights like ghost rings or red dots being common modifications.
The overall weight of the Fieldmaster is determined by the gauge and barrel length. Generally, it is manageable enough for most shooters and can be carried comfortably in the field.
Delivering on the Promise: Performance and Handling
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster has earned a reputation for its reliable performance, and the way it handles contributes to this. The manual pump action of the Fieldmaster is generally smooth and easy to operate, providing a direct and intuitive feel. The action feels solid and gives the shooter a good sense of control.
The recoil with the twelve-gauge, while present, is typically manageable due to the firearm’s weight and design. Different loads can, of course, change the recoil intensity. Heavier loads will have more significant recoil. The recoil control also depends on the shooter’s stance and technique. The balance of the Fieldmaster makes it relatively easy to stay on target for follow-up shots.
Accuracy is often considered adequate for the intended purposes of the Fieldmaster. At ranges typically used for hunting or home defense, the 870 can deliver accurate shot patterns. The choice of ammunition and choke will play a key role in this regard.
The reliability of the 870 Fieldmaster is a core selling point. With regular cleaning and maintenance, it can withstand years of use. The simple mechanical design means there are fewer parts to fail.
Maintenance is also straightforward. The Fieldmaster can be easily disassembled for cleaning and reassembly. This makes it easy to maintain and keep it operating at peak performance. With a little knowledge, the shooter can accomplish most maintenance tasks without needing professional help.
The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict
Like any firearm, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster comes with its strengths and weaknesses.
On the positive side, the reliability and durability of the Fieldmaster are hard to beat. It’s been proven in the field and is known for its ability to function in challenging conditions. The affordability of the Fieldmaster is also a key advantage. It is often available at a lower price point than some of its competitors, making it a very attractive option for those on a budget.
Ease of use and maintenance are other critical advantages. The simplicity of the design means that cleaning and maintaining the shotgun is relatively easy. The versatility of the Fieldmaster makes it appropriate for a number of purposes. It’s a solid choice for hunting, home defense, and recreational shooting. The availability of aftermarket parts is also a major plus. There is a wide range of accessories available to customize the shotgun.
There are potential downsides to keep in mind. The construction of some Fieldmaster models might have involved a cost-cutting approach relative to the older Wingmaster models. Some individuals may find the trigger pull to be less than ideal.
Comparing the Contenders: Fieldmaster Versus the Rest
When evaluating the Remington 870 Fieldmaster, it’s vital to consider its position in the shotgun market. Comparing it to other popular pump-action shotguns can highlight its strengths and weaknesses and help in making an informed decision. One of the primary competitors is the Mossberg 500. The Mossberg 500 is also a time-tested pump-action shotgun, known for its reliability and affordability. One of the key differences is the location of the safety, which is located on the top of the receiver on the Mossberg 500.
The Maverick 88, which is made by Mossberg, offers another affordable option. The Maverick 88 is generally built with an even lower price point, making it a good choice for those on a very tight budget.
These competitors provide choices, but ultimately, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster often stands out for its perceived quality and the depth of its aftermarket support. Each of these shotguns suits different individuals and their needs. The final decision comes down to personal preferences and the specific requirements.
Who Should Consider the Remington 870 Fieldmaster?
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster suits a wide range of individuals, making it a versatile choice. It’s often a great fit for hunters. The Fieldmaster’s reliability and durability make it a valuable tool in the field. It’s also a great choice for those looking for a home defense shotgun. The simple and reliable action makes it a good choice for self-defense. It is also well suited to recreational shooters who are looking for a solid, dependable shotgun.
The Fieldmaster might not be the best option for those seeking a shotgun for competitive shooting, who might benefit from a shotgun with a more specialized design. Those seeking the ultimate in refinement might choose the more premium Wingmaster.
Customizing Your 870: Accessories and Options
One of the best aspects of the Remington 870 Fieldmaster is the extensive availability of aftermarket parts and accessories. There are a wide variety of options to customize your shotgun to meet your individual needs.
Stocks and forends are popular upgrades. You can find synthetic stocks or wooden stocks. The tactical stocks with pistol grips are an option. Sights offer another upgrade. You can find a red dot sight or ghost ring sights. Magazine extensions are an option to increase the capacity of the shotgun. Chokes are available to further adjust the shot patterns.
By taking advantage of aftermarket accessories, you can tailor the Remington 870 Fieldmaster to meet your specific needs and elevate your shooting experience.
Pricing and Availability: Getting Your Hands on a Fieldmaster
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster’s price is typically accessible. The exact price depends on the retailer and the specific model.
The shotgun is generally available through local gun stores and online retailers. New and used models are usually available.
Concluding Thoughts: Is the Fieldmaster the Right Choice?
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster is more than just a shotgun; it’s a legacy. It is a testament to a solid design and a dedication to reliability. It continues to prove its value.
This dependable shotgun can be an excellent choice for a wide variety of individuals, offering performance, customization options, and a level of reliability that many competitors struggle to match.
If you’re seeking a reliable, versatile, and affordable pump-action shotgun for hunting, home defense, or recreational shooting, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster is well worth considering. Its proven track record and adaptable nature make it a solid investment that will provide many years of service.
