Why would I start out a best of series with the 870? I am not going to say it is the best duck hunting gun made, but I will say it is the most reliable. I have been a guide for almost twenty years now, and it is amazing how much of beating these guns will take. I have witnessed in my life an 870 that was sunk under the water for one whole week on accident. We finally found the gun after searching for that long. We pulled it out and wiped it up and it was all good. We loaded a shell in the gun and fired it multiple times. I would call the 870 “The Ultimate Guides gun”! The reason being is if it can make it through a few seasons with a duck guide then it can make it a lifetime with a part time duck hunter. A few facts and features about the 870:
- Over 10 million have been sold since 1949 when they were introduced.
- There are two versions of the 870. There is the Wingmaster edition. It is a little more expensive. It is made from better wood and has some nice designs on it. The express version is a no-frills version of the original Wingmaster. Although less expensive than the Wingmaster, the Express is equally reliable in the waterfowl trenches. The Express also has a super mag version.
- The simple pump action is one of the best ever made.
- It weighs in at around eight pounds.
- 870 express has a super mag version for 3.5 inch shells for duck, goose, and turkey hunting
- One of the best guns you will ever buy for under $500.
If you ever listen to anything you ever read from me, buy this gun. I don’t care if it is your everyday gun. Just buy it and have it is as a backup when your other one fails.
Remington 870 Wingmaster
Remington 870 Express
Remington 870 Express Super Magnum
