The Remington 870 is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. But a question frequently asked by both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike is: how many rounds does a Remington 870 hold? The answer, unfortunately, isn't a single number. The capacity depends on several factors.
Factors Affecting Remington 870 Capacity
Several factors influence the number of shells a Remington 870 can hold:
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Magazine Tube Length: This is the most significant factor. Remington 870s are available with various magazine tube lengths, impacting the number of shells they can accommodate. Shorter barrels generally mean shorter magazine tubes and thus fewer rounds. Longer barrels typically allow for longer tubes and higher capacity.
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Gauge: The gauge of the shotgun (e.g., 12 gauge, 20 gauge) also affects capacity. 12-gauge shotguns, being larger, typically hold more shells than 20-gauge models, even with the same magazine tube length.
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Shell Length: The length of the shells used (e.g., 2 ¾ inch, 3 inch) also plays a role. Longer shells often reduce the overall capacity of the magazine tube.
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Modifications: Aftermarket modifications, such as extended magazine tubes, can significantly increase the capacity beyond the factory standard. Conversely, some modifications might slightly reduce capacity.
Typical Remington 870 Capacities
While exact numbers vary based on the factors above, here's a general idea of the capacity ranges you might find:
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Standard 12-Gauge Remington 870: Typically holds between 4 and 7 rounds, depending on the magazine tube length. A common configuration holds 5+1 (5 in the tube, 1 in the chamber).
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Standard 20-Gauge Remington 870: Generally holds fewer rounds than its 12-gauge counterpart, often in the range of 3 to 6 rounds, again depending on the magazine tube length.
Understanding "+1"
You'll often see capacities listed as "5+1" or "7+1." The "+1" refers to the single round already loaded in the chamber, ready to fire. The number before the "+" represents the number of shells in the magazine tube.
Importance of Knowing Your Remington 870's Capacity
Knowing your specific Remington 870's capacity is crucial for several reasons:
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Safe Handling: Understanding how many rounds your shotgun holds helps in practicing safe gun handling techniques, including unloading procedures.
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Ammunition Management: Accurate capacity knowledge ensures you have enough ammunition for your intended purpose, whether hunting, sport shooting, or home defense.
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Legal Compliance: Be aware of your local and state laws concerning magazine capacity restrictions for shotguns.
Determining Your Remington 870's Capacity
The most reliable way to determine your Remington 870's capacity is to:
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Check the Owner's Manual: The manual that came with your shotgun should specify the capacity.
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Examine the Gun: Carefully count the number of shells your magazine tube can hold. Remember to add one for the chamber.
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Consult a Gunsmith: If you're uncertain, a qualified gunsmith can accurately determine your shotgun's capacity.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always handle firearms safely and responsibly, following all applicable laws and regulations. Consult with a qualified expert before handling any firearm.
