The Remington 870 is an undisputed legend in the world of shotguns. Renowned for its rugged reliability and versatile design, it has served countless hunters, law enforcement officers, and home defenders for decades. However, even a classic can be improved, and one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for enhanced control and performance is focusing on the Remington 870 forend.
While the factory forend is functional, it often leaves room for improvement in terms of ergonomics, grip, and accessory mounting. Upgrading this critical component can dramatically transform your shooting experience, offering a more secure hold, better recoil management, and the ability to customize your shotgun for specific applications.
Why Your Remington 870 Forend Matters More Than You Think
The forend is your primary point of contact with the shotgun, aside from the pistol grip or buttstock. It dictates how you pump the action, how you manage recoil, and how quickly you can get back on target. A poorly designed or ill-fitting forend can lead to:
- Reduced control: Slippery or uncomfortable surfaces can make it difficult to maintain a firm grip, especially under stress or in adverse weather conditions.
- Slower follow-up shots: Inefficient pumping can hinder your speed and overall performance.
- Fatigue: An ergonomic forend can reduce hand and arm strain during extended shooting sessions.
- Limited customization: Many factory forends offer no provisions for mounting lights, lasers, or other essential accessories.
Investing in a quality Remington 870 forend upgrade isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about optimizing your shotgun for peak performance and user comfort.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Remington 870 Forend
Before diving into specific types of forends, it’s crucial to understand what factors should guide your decision.
Material and Durability
Forends are typically made from various materials, each with its own advantages:
- Polymer/Synthetic: Lightweight, durable, and often more affordable. Modern polymers are incredibly robust and resistant to impact and weather.
- Wood: Offers a classic look and feel, but can be heavier and more susceptible to environmental factors if not properly treated.
- Aluminum: Extremely strong and rigid, often found in tactical forends that incorporate rail systems. Can be heavier than polymer.
Consider your primary use case. If it’s a field gun that will see harsh conditions, a durable synthetic or aluminum might be preferable. For a classic hunting shotgun, wood might be the aesthetic choice.
Ergonomics and Grip Texture
This is perhaps the most critical aspect. A good forend should feel natural in your hand, providing a secure and comfortable grip. Look for:
- Aggressive texturing: Helps maintain grip even with wet hands or gloves.
- Contoured shapes: Some forends are designed with specific finger grooves or palm swells for enhanced comfort and control.
- Length: A longer forend might offer more leverage for pumping, while a shorter one can reduce overall weight.
Accessory Mounting Options
For tactical or home defense applications, the ability to mount accessories is paramount.
- M-LOK/KeyMod: These modular attachment systems allow you to add rails, lights, lasers, and slings precisely where you need them without adding excessive bulk.
- Picatinny Rails: Some forends come with integrated Picatinny rails, offering a robust mounting platform, though they can be bulkier than M-LOK.
- Integrated Lights/Lasers: A few specialized forends have lights or lasers built directly into the unit, streamlining your setup.
Popular Remington 870 Forend Upgrade Options
Let’s explore some common and highly effective forend upgrades.
- Enhanced Polymer Forends
Many aftermarket companies offer polymer forends that improve upon the factory design. These often feature:
More aggressive texturing: For superior grip.
Improved ergonomics: Contours and shapes designed for better hand placement.
Integrated M-LOK or KeyMod slots: Allowing for modular accessory attachment.
These are excellent all-around upgrades that provide a significant boost in control without adding much weight or cost.
- Tactical Forends with Rail Systems
For those who need to mount a variety of accessories, tactical forends are the way to go. These are typically made from aluminum or heavy-duty polymer and feature:
Extensive M-LOK/KeyMod slots or Picatinny rails: Offering maximum flexibility for lights, lasers, vertical grips, and other tactical gear.
Robust construction: Built to withstand the rigors of tactical use.
Often longer: Providing more surface area for accessories and potentially better pumping leverage.
A well-designed Remington 870 forend with a rail system can transform your shotgun into a highly adaptable tool for any scenario.
- Integrated Light Forends
Some manufacturers offer forends with powerful LED lights built directly into the unit. This provides a seamless, low-profile lighting solution that eliminates the need for external mounts and bulky light bodies. While often more expensive, they offer:
Streamlined design: No snag points or added bulk.
Dedicated power source: Often with intuitive activation switches.
Powerful illumination: Essential for low-light engagements.
- Custom Wood Forend
For enthusiasts who appreciate classic aesthetics and a custom feel, handcrafted wood forends are an option. While they typically don’t offer modern accessory mounting, they provide:
Unique appearance: Beautiful grain patterns and finishes.
Custom fit: Can be shaped for specific hand sizes.
Classic appeal: Perfect for restoring or enhancing a traditional Remington 870.
Actionable Tips for Installing Your New Forend
Upgrading your Remington 870 forend is a relatively straightforward process, but a few tips can ensure a smooth installation:
- Gather the right tools: You’ll typically need a forend wrench (specific to the 870), a vise with padded jaws, and possibly a punch set.
- Consult your shotgun’s manual: Always refer to your Remington 870 owner’s manual for disassembly and reassembly instructions.
- Watch video tutorials: There are numerous helpful videos online demonstrating forend removal and installation.
- Lubricate components: A light coating of gun oil on the action bars and magazine tube can aid in smooth operation.
- Test functionality: After installation, cycle the action several times to ensure smooth operation and proper lock-up.
Conclusion
The Remington 870 remains a powerhouse shotgun, but even the best can benefit from thoughtful upgrades. By focusing on your Remington 870 forend, you unlock a world of possibilities for enhanced control, improved ergonomics, and versatile accessory mounting. Whether you’re a hunter, a competitive shooter, or someone who relies on their 870 for home defense, choosing the right forend upgrade can profoundly impact your shotgun’s performance and your overall shooting experience. Take the time to consider your needs, explore the options, and transform your classic shotgun into an even more capable and comfortable firearm.
Author Bio:
The author is a seasoned firearms enthusiast and experienced shooter with over two decades of practical experience across various disciplines, including hunting, competitive shooting, and tactical applications. With a deep understanding of firearm mechanics and ergonomics, they specialize in evaluating and recommending performance-enhancing upgrades for popular platforms. Their passion lies in helping fellow shooters optimize their equipment for maximum control, reliability, and precision, ensuring a safer and more effective experience at the range or in the field.
