When was the Remington 870 Made?
The Remington 870 is one of the most iconic and widely used shotguns in the world. With over 10 million units sold since its introduction, it’s no wonder that many people want to know when it was made. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Remington 870 and answer the question: When was the Remington 870 made?
Early Years: 1880s-1930s
The Remington Arms Company was founded in 1816 by Eliphalet Remington, and it has been a major player in the firearms industry ever since. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Remington produced a range of firearms, including rifles, handguns, and shotguns. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the company began working on a new shotgun design that would eventually become the Remington 870.
The Birth of the 870: 1933-1950
In 1933, Remington introduced the Model 10, a pump-action shotgun that was designed to compete with other popular shotguns of the time. The Model 10 was a solid performer, but it had some limitations. Remington continued to refine the design, and in 1950, the company introduced the Model 870, which was designed to be a more versatile and reliable shotgun.
The First Generation: 1950-1971
The first generation of the Remington 870 was produced from 1950 to 1971. During this time, the shotgun was made with a steel receiver, a wooden stock, and a 12-gauge barrel. The 870 was an instant success, and it quickly became a favorite among hunters, law enforcement, and military personnel.
The Second Generation: 1971-1990
In 1971, Remington introduced the second generation of the 870, which featured a aluminum alloy receiver, a synthetic stock, and a range of new barrel options, including 20-gauge and 410-gauge. This generation of the 870 was also notable for its Magnum model, which was designed to handle more powerful cartridges.
The Third Generation: 1990-Present
In 1990, Remington introduced the third generation of the 870, which featured a new trigger system, a re-engineered receiver, and a range of new options, including Tactical and Law Enforcement models. Today, the Remington 870 is still in production, and it remains one of the most popular shotguns in the world.
Model Options and Variations
Over the years, Remington has produced a range of 870 models and variations, including:
• Wingmaster: A high-end model with a wooden stock and chrome-plated barrel
• Marshall: A police and military model with a synthetic stock and blued barrel
• Tactical: A civilian model with a synthetic stock and rifle-style scope mount
• Special Purpose: A model designed for hunting and sporting purposes
Specifications and Dimensions
Here are the specifications and dimensions for the Remington 870:
Model | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Gauge | Capacity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Standard | 18-28 inches | 39-43 inches | 7.5-8.5 pounds | 12, 20, 410 | 4-6 shells |
Conclusion
The Remington 870 has been in production for over 70 years, and it has become an iconic symbol of American gun culture. With its long history, range of model options, and versatility, it’s no wonder that the 870 remains one of the most popular shotguns in the world. Whether you’re a hunter, a law enforcement officer, or a civilian looking for a reliable and effective shotgun, the Remington 870 is a great choice.
References
- Remington Arms Company website
- Gun Digest website
- Outdoor Life website
- Shooting Illustrated website