Before You Buy a Remington 870 in 2026, Watch This First

Published on February 18, 2026
Duration: 11:53

This guide provides expert advice from Tad of Line45 on inspecting a Remington 870 before purchase. It emphasizes checking critical mechanical components like the chamber, extractor, and action smoothness, rather than just cosmetic appeal. The advice is crucial for buyers navigating potential quality variations across different production eras and models, especially considering recent manufacturing changes.

Quick Summary

Before buying a Remington 870, inspect critical components like the chamber, extractor, and action smoothness. Newer models may have cosmetic shortcuts, so prioritize mechanical function. Be aware of production shifts and potential quality variations across different eras and models.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Remington 870 Quality Varies
  2. 00:18Introduction to Remington 870 Issues
  3. 00:49History and Reputation
  4. 01:15Core Mechanics
  5. 01:50Operation and Accessories
  6. 02:27Consistency Issues
  7. 03:19Common Extraction Problems
  8. 03:54Rust and Finish Concerns
  9. 04:15Current Production and Location Shifts
  10. 04:40Fieldmaster vs Wingmaster
  11. 05:10Mechanical Similarities
  12. 05:30Buying Tips for Newer Models
  13. 06:33Inspection Advice
  14. 07:16Extractor and Feeding Issues
  15. 08:00Key Factors to Inspect
  16. 08:17Buying Checklist
  17. 09:33Final Buying Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key mechanical components to inspect on a Remington 870 before buying?

When inspecting a Remington 870, focus on the chamber for smoothness, the extractor's tension and staking, the shell latches for alignment, and the overall smoothness of the action when cycling dummy rounds. Rough tool marks inside are also a red flag.

How has the production of the Remington 870 changed recently?

Following bankruptcy, Remington 870 production restarted under RemArms in Ilion, NY, with newer models sometimes referred to as 'cleanup' builds. There are also plans to shift manufacturing from New York to Georgia, which could impact production standards.

What is the difference between a Remington 870 Fieldmaster and Wingmaster?

Mechanically, the Fieldmaster and Wingmaster are the same. The Wingmaster typically features a higher trim level with polished bluing and nicer walnut stocks, while the Fieldmaster is a more practical workhorse with practical finishes.

What common issues should buyers look out for on a Remington 870?

Common issues include sticky extraction due to rough chambers, especially with certain shell types under pressure. Budget models may also suffer from corrosion problems due to cheaper finishes, requiring diligent maintenance.

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