Introduction
The Remington 870. Just the name conjures images of tactical prowess, reliable performance, and an enduring legacy within the world of shotguns. It’s a name synonymous with American firearms, a workhorse that has served in the hands of law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike for generations. Its robust design, simple mechanics, and widespread availability have made it a favorite for everything from home defense to competitive shooting. But even the legendary 870 can be improved, and one of the most effective upgrades is the forend. This critical component directly impacts the shooter’s control and overall experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Remington 870 forend upgrades and examine a particularly popular option: the Magpul forend. We’ll explore why upgrading your Remington 870 with a Magpul forend is a smart move and dissect its features, installation process, performance benefits, and overall value. Get ready to elevate your 870 to its full potential.
Why Upgrade Your Remington 870 Forend?
Before we focus on the Magpul forend, it’s essential to understand why upgrading the forend on your Remington 870 is such a worthwhile endeavor. The original forend, while functional, often leaves room for improvement. Depending on the specific model and year of your 870, you might find its standard forend lacking in several key areas. In many cases, the factory forend is constructed from plastic, which, although durable enough for general use, might not provide the most secure or comfortable grip. The surface might be slick, especially when wet or under stress, hindering your ability to control the firearm effectively. The ergonomics of the original design may also be less than ideal. The shape and texture might not perfectly conform to your hand, leading to fatigue during extended shooting sessions and potentially affecting your accuracy.
But the desire for a better forend goes beyond just comfort. The right upgrade can transform your shotgun from a functional tool into a precision instrument. This is where the benefits of an aftermarket forend really shine, and the Magpul forend is a prime example.
The advantages of choosing a high-quality forend upgrade are significant. Firstly, an upgraded forend offers greatly enhanced grip and control. The Magpul forend, for example, features a meticulously designed texture that ensures a secure purchase in all conditions. This improved grip allows for faster and more positive manipulation of the pump action, allowing you to acquire your target more quickly. It also gives you greater confidence during high-stress situations.
Secondly, improved ergonomics is a major benefit. A well-designed forend will conform to the natural shape of your hand, minimizing strain and fatigue, especially during extended range sessions or training exercises. This comfort translates directly into better performance, allowing you to maintain a consistent shooting form. The Magpul forend’s shape and profile are crafted for ergonomic excellence.
Another key advantage is the potential for increased modularity. The Remington 870 Magpul forend incorporates the innovative M-LOK system. This allows you to easily attach a wide array of accessories, like lights, lasers, forend grips, and sling mounts. This modularity lets you customize your shotgun to suit your specific needs and preferences. This adaptability is vital for creating a tactical advantage or simply making your firearm more user-friendly.
Finally, durability is a primary consideration. Magpul is known for its use of high-quality, impact-resistant materials. Their forends are built to withstand the rigors of hard use and adverse conditions. Whether you’re training at the range or using your 870 for home defense, you can be confident that the Magpul forend will perform reliably for years to come.
Magpul Forend Features and Design
Let’s delve deeper into the specific features and design elements that make the Remington 870 Magpul forend a favorite among shotgun enthusiasts. Magpul has invested significant resources into creating a forend that delivers on both function and form.
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Magpul forend is the quality of its materials. It’s constructed from a high-strength, reinforced polymer. This material is exceptionally durable and resistant to impacts, abrasions, and the stresses of daily use. This translates to a product that won’t crack, chip, or fail under demanding conditions.
The texture and grip of the Magpul forend are carefully considered. It incorporates a non-slip surface pattern. This texture, often referred to as “TSP” (Trapezoidal Surface Pattern) provides an excellent grip even when wet, covered in oil, or wearing gloves. This is critical for maintaining control of the pump action under pressure. The pattern also allows for a secure and comfortable grip that enhances the shooter’s control.
The ergonomic design of the Magpul forend is another key strength. Magpul has designed their forend with a slim and streamlined profile to fit most shooters’ hands comfortably. The rounded shape and slightly flared sides contribute to a natural hand position, which helps to reduce fatigue and improve control. The thoughtfully designed shape of the Magpul forend helps the shooter manipulate the pump action more efficiently.
The inclusion of the M-LOK system is arguably one of the most innovative features of the Magpul forend. The M-LOK system is a modular attachment system that allows you to easily mount a variety of accessories to your forend. This includes weapon lights, tactical lasers, vertical grips, hand stops, and sling attachments. The versatility offered by M-LOK allows shooters to fully customize their Remington 870 to fit their individual needs.
The Magpul forend is available in a range of color options, including black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE), OD Green, and Stealth Gray, allowing you to personalize your shotgun’s appearance. This provides shooters with an opportunity to match their forend to their existing gear or simply choose a color that appeals to their personal preferences.
Installation Guide
Installing the Magpul forend on your Remington 870 is a straightforward process that can be completed with a few basic tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Before you start, ensure your Remington 870 is unloaded. Remove the barrel from the receiver for ease of access. Then, collect the tools you’ll need: a flathead screwdriver (or the appropriate tool for your specific forend retention mechanism), a punch, and a hammer. Having some gun oil and a clean rag handy is also a good idea.
Start by removing the existing forend. Depending on your 870 model, this might involve removing a retaining nut or pin. Carefully examine the existing forend’s attachment mechanism and use the appropriate tool to loosen and remove it.
With the retaining device removed, you should be able to slide the original forend off the magazine tube.
Next, install the new Magpul forend. Align the Magpul forend on the magazine tube and slide it into place. If the installation involves a retaining nut, tighten it securely using the appropriate tool, making sure not to over-tighten. If your forend has a pin system, align the forend correctly and then drive the pin in with the hammer and punch until it is fully seated.
Once the Magpul forend is securely in place, reinstall the barrel on your Remington 870. Ensure it is properly attached and that the action cycles smoothly. Function test the shotgun by manually cycling the action a few times. Make sure the action is smooth and there are no obstructions.
During the installation process, you might encounter some specific challenges. Different Remington 870 models may use slightly different retaining systems. Carefully inspect your shotgun and consult the Magpul forend instructions for your specific model. If you are having any difficulty, make sure to check online for helpful videos or instructions.
Performance and Real-World Use
So, how does the Magpul forend impact the performance of your Remington 870 in real-world scenarios? The differences are immediately noticeable. The improved grip, thanks to the textured surface, translates to faster and more confident pump action. You’ll find that you can cycle the action more smoothly and quickly, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
In home defense situations, the enhanced grip and ergonomics can make a significant difference. The ability to quickly and confidently manipulate the pump action is essential. The Magpul forend gives you a superior advantage in high-stress scenarios. The M-LOK system allows you to attach a weapon light, significantly improving your situational awareness in low-light conditions.
At the range, the Magpul forend’s ergonomic design allows you to shoot for longer periods without experiencing hand fatigue. This is particularly beneficial during extended training sessions or competitive shooting. The improved grip can also contribute to more accurate shooting, as it allows you to maintain better control of the firearm.
The weight of the Magpul forend is relatively lightweight. Its minimal weight will not drastically change the balance of your 870.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Let’s summarize the advantages and disadvantages of upgrading your Remington 870 with a Magpul forend.
The pros are undeniable. The Magpul forend delivers substantial benefits, including enhanced ergonomics, a superior grip, the advantages of the M-LOK modularity, and impressive durability. All of these factors contribute to a more enjoyable and effective shooting experience.
However, there are a few potential drawbacks. The cost of the Magpul forend is relatively low compared to some other upgrades. While the installation is generally simple, it’s possible that some might find the installation process to be challenging, particularly if they lack experience.
The overall value proposition of the Magpul forend is excellent. It provides a significant upgrade to your Remington 870 for a reasonable investment. The improved performance, increased comfort, and enhanced functionality make it an worthwhile upgrade for any 870 owner.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Remington 870 with a Magpul forend is a smart and effective way to enhance its performance and user experience. From its ergonomic design and superior grip to its durable construction and the versatility of the M-LOK system, the Magpul forend delivers a multitude of benefits. The improved handling, increased comfort, and potential for customization make it a must-have upgrade for anyone serious about their Remington 870. Whether you use your 870 for home defense, hunting, or recreational shooting, the Magpul forend will provide a noticeable and positive difference. The Remington 870 Magpul Forend is a great value, providing improved control and function for a small cost.
If you’re looking to elevate your 870, don’t hesitate to explore the options offered by Magpul. Give your Remington 870 the upgrade it deserves and experience the difference firsthand. Enhance your control, boost your performance, and unlock the full potential of your legendary shotgun.
