Remington 870 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Remington 870 Express and the new Fieldmaster?
The Remington 870 Express line has been discontinued. It was replaced by the 870 Fieldmaster, which features significant manufacturing upgrades. The Fieldmaster replaces the rough matte finish of the Express with a smoother, much more rust-resistant satin dark blue finish, incorporates a smoother action right out of the box, and features upgraded walnut furniture.
Q: Can I swap barrels out on a Remington 870 shotgun?
Yes, one of the greatest design strengths of the Remington 870 is its modularity. You can easily transition a single receiver from a 28-inch vent-rib bird barrel down to an 18.5-inch home defense barrel in less than two minutes without needing gunsmithing tools. *Note: Ensure your replacement barrel matches the chamber size (e.g., 12-gauge vs 20-gauge) and frame size of your receiver.*
Q: What sets the 870 Wingmaster apart from other 870 models?
The Wingmaster is Remington's premiere, flagship tier pump shotgun. Unlike the utilitarian Tactical or Fieldmaster models, the Wingmaster features an exquisite, flawless high-gloss blued finish across the steel parts and is paired with fine-grade, highly figured American walnut stocks with custom cut checkering. It also features hand-polished internal action parts for the smoothest mechanical stroke possible.
Q: Are older used Remington 870 shotguns compatible with modern parts?
Generally, yes. The fundamental structural specifications of the Remington 870 receiver and bolt layouts have remained remarkably consistent over decades of manufacturing. Modern stocks, forends, and performance parts will drop seamlessly into older used models. However, pay attention to older 2-3/4 inch chambers versus modern 3-inch or 3-1/2 inch Super Mag chambers before swapping barrels.
Q: How do I know if my Remington 870 can shoot 3-inch or 3.5-inch magnum shells?
The maximum safe chamber length is stamped directly onto the left side of the barrel near the receiver entry point. Standard 870 models typically handle 2-3/4 inch or 3-inch shells. Do not attempt to fire 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells unless both your barrel and your specific receiver model are explicitly stamped to accept them.
