Remington 870: The Brutal Truth They Don’t Put On The Box!

Published on January 11, 2026
Duration: 17:54

This guide, informed by an expert with deep technical knowledge of firearms manufacturing, details how to enhance the reliability of a Remington 870 shotgun. It focuses on addressing common issues found in post-2007 models, such as rough chambers and inferior internal parts. By following these steps, owners can transform a potentially problematic firearm into a dependable tool.

Quick Summary

Post-2007 Remington 870 Express shotguns often suffer from quality issues like surface rust and sticky extraction due to inferior black oxide finishes and rough chambers. Reliability can be improved by polishing the chamber, replacing the MIM extractor with a machined part, and upgrading the magazine follower.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Remington 870 Reputation
  2. 00:48History & Iconic Status
  3. 02:24Quality Decline (2007-2020)
  4. 04:22Finish & Corrosion Issues
  5. 06:09Reliability & Manufacturing Shortcuts
  6. 07:54Triggers & Controls
  7. 09:33Ammo Sensitivity
  8. 12:42How to Fix an 870
  9. 16:07Buying Advice & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the quality decline in Remington 870 shotguns after 2007?

Following Cerberus Capital Management's acquisition of Remington in 2007, the focus shifted to short-term profits. This led to experienced machinists being replaced, quality control being scaled back, and the introduction of cost-saving measures like inferior finishes and Metal Injection Molded (MIM) parts, resulting in issues like rust and sticky extraction.

How can I improve the reliability of a post-2007 Remington 870?

To enhance reliability, owners should polish the shotgun's chamber using fine-grit sandpaper (320-600) and steel wool to remove tool marks. Replacing the brittle MIM extractor with a machined unit and upgrading the plastic magazine follower are also crucial steps for ensuring consistent performance.

Are older Remington 870 models better than newer ones?

Generally, yes. Pre-2007 Remington 870 Wingmaster and Police Magnum models are often considered superior due to better finishes like traditional bluing or Parkerizing, which offer superior corrosion resistance. They also typically feature machined internal parts, contributing to greater reliability compared to the post-2007 Express models.

What are common issues with the Remington 870 Express finish?

The black oxide finish used on many post-2007 Remington 870 Express models is porous and prone to attracting moisture, leading to rapid surface rust. This is a significant departure from the more durable blued or Parkerized finishes found on older Wingmaster and Police models, which provided much better protection against corrosion.

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