Introduction
The Remington Model 870, a name synonymous with reliability and performance in the world of shotguns, has earned its place as an icon in the hunting community. Revered for its rugged construction and straightforward pump-action design, the 870 has served generations of hunters, providing a versatile platform for a variety of shooting sports. From the target range to the dense forests and sprawling wetlands, the 870’s reputation for dependability is well-deserved.
But within this legacy lies a powerhouse designed to elevate the hunting experience: the Remington 870 Super Magnum. This variant takes the proven 870 platform and amplifies its capabilities, offering hunters a tool optimized for the challenges of taking down both formidable wild turkeys and elusive waterfowl. This article will delve into the features, performance, and practical applications of the Model 870 Super Magnum, exploring why it continues to be a top choice for serious hunters seeking exceptional results in the field.
Remington 870 Super Magnum Overview
The story of the Remington Model 870 Super Magnum is rooted in the evolution of hunting needs and ammunition technology. Building upon the success of the original Model 870, the Super Magnum emerged as a response to the growing popularity of longer, more powerful shotgun shells. This adaptation allowed hunters to extend their effective range and increase their chances of success, particularly when facing challenging game like turkey and waterfowl. The design philosophy remained true to the 870’s core strengths, ensuring reliability and user-friendliness while accommodating the increased power of the longer shells.
The Remington 870 Super Magnum is known for its rugged reliability. Its pump-action system is inherently robust, designed to function consistently in harsh weather conditions and demanding environments. The steel receiver, a hallmark of the 870’s construction, provides a solid foundation for the action, ensuring durability and longevity. This is a shotgun built to withstand the rigors of hunting season after season.
Regarding specifications, the Model 870 Super Magnum is a 12-gauge shotgun, immediately indicating its power and versatility. The defining characteristic of this model is its chamber length of three and a half inches. This extended chamber allows for the use of three and a half-inch shells, which pack a significant payload of shot. Barrel lengths vary, offering hunters options to tailor the shotgun to their specific hunting needs. From shorter barrels ideal for maneuverability in dense cover to longer barrels that maximize range and pattern density, the 870 Super Magnum offers a broad selection to fit the hunting style of each hunter. Various choke options are available, critical for controlling the spread of shot and optimizing performance for different types of hunting.
Key features that contribute to the 870 Super Magnum’s appeal include its magazine capacity, which allows for multiple shots before reloading. The forend and stock materials vary depending on the specific model, including synthetic and wood options, providing options to fit hunter’s aesthetic preferences and practical needs. Many models are equipped with optional features such as receiver rails to mount optics and sling swivels that enhance its functionality in the field.
Super Magnum Performance for Turkey Hunting
When it comes to pursuing the elusive wild turkey, the Remington 870 Super Magnum shines. The added power of three and a half-inch shells gives turkey hunters a distinct advantage in the field.
Advantages of Long Shells
The primary advantage of three-and-a-half-inch shells for turkey hunting is the enhanced pellet count. More shot translates to denser patterns downrange, which significantly increases the probability of hitting a vital area of the turkey. A denser pattern increases the chances of a clean kill at longer ranges, giving hunters more opportunities and ensuring ethical harvests.
Barrel and Choke Considerations
Selecting the right barrel and choke is paramount in turkey hunting. Shorter barrels provide maneuverability when moving through wooded areas, while longer barrels help in achieving a tight pattern. A tight choke is essential, as it constricts the shot pattern, concentrating the pellets for maximum impact. Extra-full or turkey chokes are commonly used, specifically designed for this purpose. Choosing a quality choke can dramatically improve the range and effectiveness of the Remington 870 Super Magnum for turkey hunting.
Ammunition Selection
Ammunition selection is also critical. Hunters have many choices including lead, tungsten, and bismuth. Lead shot remains a popular and affordable option. Tungsten and bismuth shot are denser than lead, providing more energy and downrange effectiveness. The shot size also plays a crucial role. For turkey hunting, sizes such as four, five, or six are favored, selected based on the hunter’s preference and the size of the turkey.
Shooting Techniques and Tips
Proper shooting techniques are equally important. A stable stance and a consistent cheek weld will help with shot placement. Patterning your shotgun, which involves shooting at a target at different distances to assess the shot pattern, is essential for understanding the effective range of your setup. Knowing how your gun patterns with your chosen ammunition is critical to ethical hunting. Precise shot placement and accurate range estimation are crucial, and these factors determine the success of any hunt.
Super Magnum Performance for Waterfowl Hunting
The Remington 870 Super Magnum is equally at home when waterfowl hunting. The ability to chamber three-and-a-half-inch shells also provides the waterfowl hunter with superior advantages.
Shells for Waterfowl
The advantages of three-and-a-half-inch shells for waterfowl hunting are similar to those for turkey hunting. The increased pellet count creates denser patterns, increasing the chance of clean kills on fast-moving birds. This additional reach is particularly valuable over a spread of decoys, allowing hunters to extend their effective range and take shots with greater confidence.
Barrel and Choke Selection
For waterfowl hunting, barrel length and choke selection depends on the specific style of hunting. Modified or improved modified chokes offer versatility, while specialized waterfowl chokes can optimize patterns for various load types and distances.
Ammunition for Ducks and Geese
Ammunition selection is especially important. Hunters must choose non-toxic shot shells, as lead shot is prohibited for waterfowl hunting. Steel, tungsten, and bismuth shot are popular choices. Steel shot is the most affordable option, but tungsten and bismuth are denser, offering improved downrange performance. Shot sizes such as two, three, and four are commonly used, the ideal size depending on the type of waterfowl and the hunting conditions.
Shooting Skills
Shooting techniques for waterfowl hunting require a different approach than turkey hunting. Hunters need to lead the target, accounting for the bird’s speed and distance. Swinging through the bird smoothly helps the shooter align their shot with the target. This technique requires practice. Hunters must adjust their approach depending on the hunting situation, such as decoying, pass shooting, or shooting birds that are at varying distances.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the 870 Super Magnum
The Remington 870 Super Magnum offers a compelling package of benefits, however, it is important to understand the factors that influence a hunter’s decision.
The Upsides
The advantages of the 870 Super Magnum are numerous. It is very versatile, allowing it to be used for both turkey and waterfowl hunting. The shotgun’s reliability and durability are well-known, and it is designed to withstand harsh conditions. A wide range of accessories, from stocks and forends to optics mounts and sling swivels, are available. Finally, this model is readily available and generally affordable compared to some higher-end semi-automatic shotguns.
The Downsides
There are also some disadvantages. The recoil from three-and-a-half-inch shells can be substantial, which requires practice. The pump-action is slower than semi-automatic shotguns, which might impact follow-up shots. The pump-action design can also be a disadvantage. The shotgun’s size and weight can be noticeable, especially after long periods of carrying it in the field.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and reliability of your Remington 870 Super Magnum. Regular cleaning and lubrication are key. After each hunt, you should clean the barrel, action, and choke threads, removing any fouling or debris. Lightly lubricate the moving parts to keep the action running smoothly. This prevents rust and corrosion. Properly storing the shotgun in a dry, secure location will also protect it.
Comparison with Other Shotguns
The Remington 870 Super Magnum stands in comparison to other shotguns.
Model Variants
Compared with other Remington 870 variants, the Super Magnum stands out thanks to its longer chamber and the use of larger shells.
Pump vs. Semi-Auto
The Remington 870 Super Magnum also finds itself compared with semi-automatic shotguns. Semi-automatic shotguns offer the advantage of quicker follow-up shots and less felt recoil due to the automated reloading action. However, they can be more complex mechanically and often cost more. The pump-action 870 Super Magnum offers simplicity, reliability, and a more affordable price point.
Other Shotguns
Various shotguns are available that specialize in waterfowl and turkey hunting. The best option for the hunter comes down to personal preference, budget, and hunting style.
Conclusion
The Remington 870 Super Magnum remains an excellent choice for both turkey and waterfowl hunters. Its combination of reliability, versatility, and effective performance in the field has cemented its place as a trusted tool. From the dense forests where turkeys roam to the wetlands where waterfowl congregate, this shotgun empowers hunters to meet the challenges of the hunt with confidence.
The 870 Super Magnum offers the right balance of power and reliability, whether you are a seasoned hunter or new to the sport. Its proven track record, combined with its ability to handle long shells, makes it a versatile choice. The hunter who chooses the Remington 870 Super Magnum invests in a shotgun that will perform reliably for years to come, becoming a trusted companion on countless hunting adventures. If you are looking for a reliable, effective shotgun for turkey and waterfowl hunting, the Remington 870 Super Magnum is worth serious consideration.
