Introduction
The Remington 870. A name synonymous with reliability, versatility, and a legacy spanning decades. This iconic pump-action shotgun has earned its place as a favorite among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian gun owners alike. Its robust design, straightforward operation, and adaptability have made it a true American classic. But for those looking to optimize their 870 for specific purposes, particularly home defense or close-quarters engagements, the choice of barrel can be critical. This article delves into the world of the 18-inch barrel for the 870, exploring its advantages, applications, and how to select the right one to meet your needs.
Understanding the Eight-Seventy 18-Inch Barrel
The heart of any shotgun’s performance is its barrel. The 18-inch barrel, in the context of the Remington 870, offers a specific set of characteristics and capabilities. Let’s examine them closely.
This particular length, eighteen inches, is often chosen for a balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. Crafted from high-quality materials, typically steel, these barrels are designed to withstand the pressures generated by firing various shotgun shells. They are often constructed with either a blued or parkerized finish to protect them from corrosion and wear.
Furthermore, these barrels are compatible with different gauges. The most common is the twelve gauge, offering a potent blend of power and readily available ammunition. Other compatible gauges might include twenty gauge or others depending on the model and manufacturer. The specific chambering should always match the receiver of your 870 for safe and proper function.
Purpose and Applications of this Barrel Length
The primary role of the eighteen-inch barrel is often geared toward scenarios where rapid target acquisition and handling in confined spaces are paramount. Because it is shorter than standard sporting or hunting barrels, this length offers significant advantages in several areas.
For home defense, the shorter overall length makes it much easier to maneuver through hallways, around corners, and in other tight environments. The shooter can bring the shotgun to bear more quickly, improving their reaction time in a stressful situation. Furthermore, in a home defense scenario, the shorter barrel is often deemed more practical and less likely to snag on furniture or other obstacles.
Historically, this barrel length has also seen widespread use by law enforcement agencies. Its balance of firepower and maneuverability makes it an effective tool for patrol officers and tactical units. Officers appreciate the ability to carry the shotgun comfortably in a patrol car and deploy it quickly when needed.
Beyond these specific applications, the eighteen-inch barrel offers significant utility for general self-defense purposes. It can be carried in a vehicle or used for personal protection while hiking or camping. Its versatility makes it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable defensive firearm.
Benefits of the Eight-Seventy Eighteen-Inch Barrel
The decision to equip your Remington 870 with an eighteen-inch barrel comes with a collection of key advantages.
The most obvious benefit is its enhanced maneuverability. The shorter overall length allows for quicker target acquisition and faster transitioning between targets. This is especially useful in dynamic, fast-moving situations. The barrel swings effortlessly, allowing for a more agile and responsive shooting experience.
It is easier to handle in tight spaces, as mentioned before. The shorter barrel translates to a shorter overall length, making it simpler to navigate hallways, rooms, and other enclosed areas. This is a crucial consideration for home defense.
The eighteen-inch barrel can offer advantages in portability, especially in comparison to the longer barrels often found on hunting models. While it won’t be exceptionally concealable, the reduced overall length makes it slightly easier to transport and carry.
Let’s delve into some performance considerations. While the overall range of the shotgun isn’t vastly altered, the patterns can be somewhat affected depending on the choke. The effective range for typical shotgun loads will remain sufficient for most self-defense applications. The patterns, however, can open up slightly due to the shorter barrel. This is where proper choke selection becomes even more crucial. We’ll discuss that further.
Selecting the Ideal Eight-Seventy Eighteen-Inch Barrel
Choosing the right eighteen-inch barrel for your 870 involves considering several factors.
One of the most important considerations is the choke. The choke constricts the shot pattern, controlling the spread of the pellets. Fixed chokes are permanently attached to the barrel, offering a specific pattern. Removable chokes provide greater versatility, allowing you to change the constriction based on your needs. For example, a more open choke (like cylinder bore) is often preferred for close-range engagements, while a tighter choke (like modified or full) can be used to extend the effective range a bit. Make sure the choke system is compatible with the loads you intend to use.
The finish and material play a critical role in the barrel’s durability and resistance to corrosion. Blued barrels have a classic appearance and provide good protection against rust. Parkerized finishes offer a durable, matte surface that helps to reduce glare and provides excellent corrosion resistance. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and your intended use.
The choice of sights is also key. Many eighteen-inch barrels come with a bead sight, which is a simple, front-sight post. Some barrels are equipped with ghost ring sights, which provide a larger sight picture and can be faster to acquire in high-stress situations. Some may include rails to mount optics. Select a sight system that suits your shooting style and the intended application.
For those choosing a barrel with removable chokes, the threads need to be in good condition. These threads dictate your ability to swap out chokes. Ensure that they are machined precisely and that the chokes fit properly.
When it comes to brands, several manufacturers have a solid reputation for producing high-quality eighteen-inch barrels for the 870. Remington, of course, produces factory barrels. Aftermarket manufacturers also offer excellent options, often with features such as threaded chokes, different sight configurations, and a variety of finishes. These aftermarket options include well-known brands. It is important to choose a reputable brand. Research reviews and feedback before making your decision.
You can typically find these barrels at online gun stores and local gun shops. The price range of these barrels varies depending on the manufacturer, features, and finish. Expect to pay a reasonable amount.
Installation and Maintenance
While the installation process of an eighteen-inch barrel is generally straightforward, it’s always advisable to familiarize yourself with the Remington 870 and to follow all safety instructions.
In most cases, the installation involves simply unscrewing the magazine cap and removing the existing barrel, then sliding the new barrel into place and securing it. Some barrels may require additional components or adjustments. It is highly recommended to have a professional gunsmith perform the installation. This ensures that the barrel is correctly installed and that your shotgun functions safely and reliably.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the longevity and performance of your eighteen-inch barrel. After each shooting session, thoroughly clean the barrel with a bore brush and solvent. Wipe down the exterior, paying attention to areas that might accumulate debris. Proper lubrication is essential to protect against corrosion.
Comparing this Barrel Length to Other Options
Let’s compare this barrel length with other options you might consider for your Remington 870.
Compared to longer barrels, the eighteen-inch barrel offers significantly improved maneuverability and handling in close quarters. However, longer barrels can offer a slight advantage in terms of effective range and tighter shot patterns at longer distances. The choice depends on your primary intended use.
This barrel length is longer than many barrels. The legalities surrounding these are critical and they are handled on a state by state basis. Always research the specific laws in your location before making any modifications.
The Remington 870 has various shotgun platforms. Each platform has its pros and cons, so it is important to do your research.
Conclusion
In summary, the eighteen-inch barrel is a highly practical and versatile upgrade for the Remington 870. Its enhanced maneuverability, suitability for home defense, and effectiveness in close-quarters engagements make it a popular choice for many gun owners. Careful consideration of choke selection, finish, and sights will help you choose the perfect barrel to suit your specific needs.
Consider the role you need your shotgun to fill, and the eighteen-inch barrel may be exactly what you need. With the proper barrel, your Remington 870 will become a even more powerful and efficient tool.
