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

Published on February 18, 2026
Duration: 11:53

This guide provides expert advice on inspecting a Remington 870 before purchase, drawing on years of experience. It emphasizes checking for common issues like sticky extraction, rough chambers, and inconsistent action cycling, which are more critical than cosmetic appearance. The advice is tailored for potential buyers looking to avoid lemons and ensure a reliable firearm.

Quick Summary

When buying a Remington 870, focus on functional checks like chamber polish, extractor tension, and action smoothness, as quality varies by era and model. Inspect for sticky extraction, rough chambers, corrosion, and inconsistent cycling. Newer RemArms production has also seen manufacturing shifts, making thorough inspection crucial.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Remington 870 Quality Control Overview
  2. 00:18Introduction: Issues Before Buying an 870
  3. 00:49History and Reputation of the Remington 870
  4. 01:15Remington 870 Mechanics and Design
  5. 01:50870 Operation and Accessory Ecosystem
  6. 02:27Consistency Issues Across 870 Eras
  7. 03:19Common Remington 870 Problems: Sticky Extraction
  8. 03:54Rust and Finish Concerns on Express Models
  9. 04:15Current Production and Manufacturing Changes
  10. 04:40Fieldmaster vs. Wingmaster Differences
  11. 05:10Core Mechanics: Fieldmaster & Wingmaster
  12. 05:30Key Inspection Points for Newer 870s
  13. 06:33Practical Inspection Advice: Chamber & Action
  14. 07:16Extractor Importance and Feeding Issues
  15. 08:00Key Factors: Cycling, Extraction, Feeding Under Speed
  16. 08:17Buying Checklist: Treat Like a Used Truck
  17. 09:33Final Buying Advice: Budgeting and Older Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main quality concerns when buying a Remington 870?

Quality can vary by era and model. Look for sticky extraction from rough chambers, corrosion issues on cheaper finishes (especially on Express models), and inconsistent action smoothness. Newer RemArms production has also seen shifts in manufacturing focus.

How can I check for sticky extraction on a Remington 870?

Inspect the chamber for roughness. Cycle dummy rounds to feel the action's smoothness. Sticky extraction occurs when fired shells expand and grip the chamber wall, making ejection difficult, especially when hot and dirty.

What's the difference between a Remington 870 Fieldmaster and Wingmaster?

Mechanically, they are the same, featuring a steel receiver and twin action bars. The Wingmaster is a higher-trim model with polished bluing and nicer walnut stocks, signaling better machining consistency, while the Fieldmaster is a more practical, workhorse variant.

What are the most important functional checks for a used Remington 870?

Prioritize chamber polish, extractor tension, and action smoothness. Check that shell latches are properly staked. Inspect for rough tool marks or scratches inside the receiver. Test cycling, extraction, and feeding under simulated speed.

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