A Foundation Built on Trust
The hiss of escaping air, the metallic click of a pump, the resounding boom – these are sounds etched into the history of firearms. And at the heart of this auditory legacy lies a name synonymous with reliability, power, and enduring design: the Remington 870. This iconic pump-action shotgun has secured a place in law enforcement arsenals, home defense setups, and competitive shooting circuits, earning its reputation through decades of unwavering performance. This article delves into the specifics of a particularly versatile configuration: the Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel, exploring its attributes, applications, and the reasons behind its enduring appeal.
The story of the Remington 870 began in the early fifties, as Remington sought to create a successor to its successful Model 31. The design philosophy was clear: build a shotgun that was tough, reliable, and simple to operate. This quest led to the development of the 870, a pump-action shotgun introduced in 1950 that quickly became a standard in the shooting world. Its robust construction and streamlined design quickly won favor, and it continues to be produced today, a testament to its enduring quality. The 870’s design was carefully engineered to minimize the number of moving parts, contributing significantly to its reliability. This also made the 870 comparatively easy to disassemble, clean, and maintain – crucial considerations for both law enforcement and civilian users. The core pump-action mechanism, a hallmark of the 870, provides a fast and efficient means of cycling rounds, offering rapid follow-up shots when they are needed.
Understanding the Build: Design and Key Features
The Remington 870 distinguishes itself through a number of well-considered design elements. The receiver, the heart of the firearm, is typically machined from steel or, in some models, a durable alloy. This provides a robust platform that can withstand the stresses of repeated firing and handling. The pump-action system itself is a marvel of simplicity. A forend, also known as the pump or slide, allows the operator to cycle the action. By pulling the forend rearward, the spent shell is ejected, and by pushing it forward, a fresh round is chambered. The simplicity of this operation is key to the 870’s reliability; there are fewer components to fail. The trigger group is another critical component, typically featuring a simple and dependable design. The trigger pull is generally consistent, and the trigger mechanism itself is built for longevity. The stock and forend, available in a variety of materials like wood, synthetic polymers, or even customized finishes, further add to the shotgun’s versatility.
Beyond the fundamental design elements, the Remington 870 has evolved over the years, offering various options and configurations. The magazine tube capacity, an important factor, is adjusted according to the barrel length and can be modified. The most common types of sights found on a Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel model are bead sights, which are simple to use and quick to acquire. These simple sights are designed for instinctive shooting at close to medium ranges, a primary focus for this configuration.
The Configuration: Focusing on the Eighteen-Inch Barrel
The Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel is an often-chosen configuration for specific purposes. The length of the barrel is a key distinguishing characteristic. An eighteen-inch barrel strikes a balance between maneuverability and practical performance. It provides a shorter overall length, making the shotgun easier to handle in tight spaces and quick to bring to bear on a target. The barrel itself is often constructed from carbon steel, treated for durability and corrosion resistance. While some 870 models may come with interchangeable chokes, the 18-inch barrel often features a fixed choke, usually cylinder bore, which is ideal for close-range engagements.
This barrel length contributes to the versatility of the Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel. The 12-gauge chambering allows for a wide variety of ammunition types. You can use a range of shells like birdshot for practice or small game, buckshot for home defense, or slugs for longer-range accuracy when hunting. The magazine capacity will vary depending on the specific model and the extension tube used, if any, but a standard 18-inch barrel configuration with a traditional magazine tube can typically hold four rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. This combination of ammunition options, barrel length, and magazine capacity contributes to the shotgun’s overall appeal. The weight and balance of the 870 with an 18-inch barrel tend to be manageable, providing a relatively easy-to-handle platform for both experienced shooters and those new to the platform.
Exploring the Uses: Applications for the Eighteen-Inch Barrel
The Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel excels in specific applications, with its combination of power, maneuverability, and reliability making it suitable for various roles.
The Defender in the Home
Home defense is one of the most common reasons for owning a shotgun of this configuration. The short barrel makes it easily maneuverable in hallways and tight spaces. The 12-gauge round delivers significant stopping power, designed to neutralize threats quickly. However, it’s essential to understand the potential drawbacks. Shotguns can over-penetrate walls, posing a risk to those outside of the immediate area. Choosing the correct ammunition is crucial, and buckshot is often the preferred choice for its ability to inflict significant damage with a wider spread at close range. For home defense, many owners supplement their shotgun with accessories, such as tactical lights and slings, to improve the overall functionality and usability of their firearm.
The Guardian on Duty
The 18-inch barrel configuration has also found its place with law enforcement. Its maneuverability is valuable in close-quarters situations, such as building searches or vehicle stops. Officers often use shotguns for door breaching, crowd control, and other specialized applications. The inherent reliability of the 870 makes it an excellent choice for the demanding conditions officers may encounter. The simplicity of the pump-action design allows for reliable operation, even in less than ideal circumstances.
Competition and Recreation
While often associated with defense or law enforcement, the Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel can also be used for sport shooting and target practice. Some shooters enjoy using them in tactical shotgun competitions. The short barrel and manageable weight are assets in these dynamic shooting scenarios, which often involve navigating obstacles and engaging targets quickly. The 870’s robust construction allows for extensive use and is often a favorite choice for practice, offering the opportunity to develop skills.
The Advantages and the Considerations
The advantages of the Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel are numerous. Its maneuverability is a significant benefit, particularly in confined spaces. The 12-gauge round delivers considerable stopping power, giving it the ability to neutralize threats quickly. The reliability and ruggedness of the 870 platform is legendary; it can withstand years of hard use. A wide range of aftermarket accessories are available to customize the shotgun to meet specific needs.
However, it’s important to also consider the disadvantages. The recoil of the 12-gauge can be substantial, especially for novice shooters. The limited range of a shotgun compared to a rifle or pistol can be a disadvantage in some situations. Over-penetration, as discussed, is a serious concern in home defense scenarios, requiring careful consideration of ammunition choices and the surrounding environment. And legal restrictions on firearms ownership vary greatly by jurisdiction. Knowing local laws is paramount.
Comparison: Situating the Remington 870
While the Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel is a strong contender, it’s helpful to compare it to other shotguns in the market. The Mossberg 500/590 series, a direct competitor, offers similar functionality at a similar price point. The Mossberg 500 shares the pump-action design and is also known for its ruggedness. The Benelli Nova offers a more advanced design with a polymer receiver, providing a different feel and potentially increased durability. Each has strengths and weaknesses depending on specific needs. The choice between models often comes down to personal preference and how they fit the shooter.
Maintaining and Caring for the Firearm
To ensure the longevity and reliability of your Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel, proper maintenance is essential. Regular cleaning is key. After each shooting session, thoroughly clean the barrel and action to remove fouling and debris. Lubricate the moving parts with a quality gun oil. Proper storage is also crucial. The firearm should be stored unloaded and in a secure location, such as a gun safe. Always practice safe gun handling principles. Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. Be sure the firearm is unloaded when not in use, and regularly check the gun’s functionality.
Conclusion: The Enduring Value
The Remington 870 12 Gauge 18 Inch Barrel represents a potent combination of power, reliability, and versatility. Its rich history, robust design, and adaptability for diverse applications have cemented its place as a standard. The 18-inch barrel offers a balance of maneuverability and performance, making it a desirable choice for home defense, law enforcement, and sport shooting. While it’s essential to be aware of its limitations, the Remington 870 with the 18-inch barrel remains a powerful and capable firearm that has earned its place among the best shotguns ever produced. Its continued popularity speaks to the enduring value of a well-designed and well-built firearm.
