Remington's Model 870: A combat-proven pump-action legacy
For nearly seven decades, the Remington Model 870 has stood as one of the most enduring pump-action shotguns ever produced, bridging civilian ranges and battlefields. Its reputation for reliability under harsh conditions made it a natural choice for military forces, particularly the United States armed services that adopted it in the mid-20th century. The shotgun's modular design and smooth action allowed it to adapt to changing tactical philosophies.
The 870's military story is a chronicle of evolving combat doctrine, where the 12-gauge found roles from trench clearing to modern room entry. Understanding that history gives Australian shooters and militaria enthusiasts a deeper appreciation of the platform when they encounter surplus variants or modern tactical models. It also explains why the shotgun remains a fixture in defence force armouries and training manuals long after its 1950 commercial debut.
While Australia has its own distinct firearms landscape shaped by the National Firearms Agreement and state-level regulations, the cultural exchange between Australian and American military traditions runs deep. Joint exercises, shared training philosophies, and decades of alliance cooperation mean ADF members often encounter the same platforms that have defined American combat history. The Model 870 is one such platform, with its legacy felt at ranges from Holsworthy to Townsville.
For collectors and shooters, modern sporting and tactical versions of the 870 remain widely available through specialist importers. Caring for these shotguns requires understanding the maintenance routines that have kept the platform operational across generations. A useful primer on how to use a bore snake for quick cleaning of your Remington barrel helps owners keep the action running smoothly.
Origins and adoption by US forces
Remington introduced the Model 870 in 1950 as a successor to the Model 31, aiming to deliver a more streamlined shotgun suitable for sport and duty use. Its forged steel receiver, twin action bars, and teardrop-shaped forearm quickly distinguished it from competing designs. Military evaluators soon recognised these features translated directly into a rugged combat tool.
The US military formally adopted the Model 870 as the M870 in 1966, designating it for guard duty, prisoner control, and base security. Air Force security police were early adopters, valuing the shotgun's devastating short-range pattern. Army and Marine units drew limited numbers for rear-echelon security roles where a rifle was deemed excessive.
Adoption across services was uneven, with Navy Seabees and shore patrol units receiving limited M870 allocations for perimeter and riot-control duties. This patchwork distribution reflected the shotgun's secondary status but highlighted its specialised utility.
Vietnam and the shotgun's combat reputation
By the late 1960s, the Model 870 had arrived in significant numbers in Vietnam, where it carved out a fearsome reputation among tunnel rats, base defenders, and convoy escorts. Dense jungle terrain favoured short-range engagements where a pump-action shotgun outperformed full-power rifles. Australian Diggers who served alongside American allies occasionally encountered the 870 in joint operations and brought back stories of its effectiveness.
The standard combat load was 00 buckshot, although specialised units experimented with rifled slugs and flechette rounds. Maintenance in the humid, muddy conditions was relentless, and troops developed field routines for clearing debris from the action. Those lessons filtered back into Remington's commercial literature.
The shotgun's psychological impact was as significant as its physical one. The unmistakable sound of a pump being worked became associated with imminent room clearing, a tactic that saw widespread use as US forces adapted to guerrilla warfare. By the war's end, the 870 had earned a combat record that ensured its place in future procurement decisions.
Variants developed for military and law enforcement
Remington's engineers responded to operational feedback by producing tactical variants tailored to specific mission profiles. The Model 870 Mark 1, introduced in the late 1970s, added a speed-feed stock and extended magazine tube, transforming the shotgun into a purpose-built combat weapon. Police and federal agencies were first buyers, but military special operations units soon followed.
Another milestone came with the MCS (Modular Combat Shotgun) configuration, offering interchangeable barrels, magazine extensions, and stock options. This modularity appealed to elite units such as the US Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces, who often operated far from logistics support. The 870 Police Magnum and later the 870 Express Tactical democratised these features.
| Variant | Primary User | Key Features | Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| M870 Standard | US Air Force Security Police | 18" or 20" barrel, 6+1 capacity | 1966–1980s |
| Model 870 Mark 1 | Federal agencies, special operations | Speed-feed stock, extended magazine | 1978–1990s |
| Model 870 MCS | Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces | Interchangeable barrels and stocks | 1990s–present |
| Model 870 Breacher | SWAT, military engineers | Heavy-walled barrel, breacher stand-off | 2000s–present |
This table illustrates how the platform evolved from a general-issue security weapon into a suite of specialised tools tailored to mission-specific demands.
The Model 870 in modern special operations
Post-9/11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan reaffirmed the shotgun's value in close-quarters battle. US special operations forces deployed the 870 in door-breaching roles, where its ability to destroy hinges and locks with minimal overpressure made it ideal for hostage rescue. Australian special forces, working alongside US counterparts in places like Uruzgan, observed these tactics firsthand and incorporated compatible equipment into their own counter-terrorism training.
Modern accessories have extended the platform's capabilities. Picatinny rails for red-dot optics, weapon-mounted lights, and side-saddle shell carriers have turned the 870 into a hybrid tool blending traditional reliability with contemporary sighting systems. These upgrades have proven popular with allied trainers across the Indo-Pacific region.
The enduring lesson from recent conflicts is that simplicity remains a virtue in close combat. The 870's manual of arms can be taught in minutes and mastered in hours, an advantage when training partner forces under time pressure. That pedagogical simplicity explains why procurement officers continue to consider the platform.
Why Australian Defence Force personnel recognise the 870
Australian service members may not have formally adopted the Model 870 in the same numbers as their American counterparts, but familiarity with the platform is widespread. Many ADF ranges, including those at Puckapunyal and Singleton, use 870 variants for training breaching teams. Veterans who completed joint courses with US Marine units often return home with a working knowledge of the shotgun's capabilities.
Local gun shops in Wagga Wagga, Wacol, and Bandiana occasionally stock tactical 870s alongside the more common over-and-under sporting models favoured by field shooters. Pricing remains competitive, although import duties and the need for a compliant Category D or Category B licence add steps to the purchasing process. Shooters in Queensland and Victoria who pursue tactical disciplines often cite the 870 as their preferred training platform.
Collectors should note that military-surplus 870s rarely enter the Australian market in significant numbers, with most examples arriving through private imports. Documentation, including importer records, becomes essential for verifying authenticity. Engaging with a knowledgeable dealer familiar with both American military history and local licensing requirements simplifies the process.
Collector and shooter considerations down under
Owners of tactical 870s in Australia should familiarise themselves with the National Firearms Agreement and any state-specific overlays before acquiring accessories or modifying magazine capacity. The platform's detachable magazine configurations may attract additional scrutiny in jurisdictions that categorise shotguns by capacity and feed system. Staying compliant protects both the collector's investment and their standing within the shooting community.
Maintenance routines vary depending on whether the shotgun sees range use or display. Range users benefit from regular bore cleaning and a wipe-down after exposure to salt air at coastal ranges like Creswick or Cecil Hills. Display-only owners should cycle the action periodically and store the firearm in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent corrosion.
Practical advice for new owners considering the platform:
- Verify licensing requirements with your state firearms registry before purchasing a tactical configuration
- Source spare parts through established Australian distributors to ensure compatibility
- Join a local shotgun discipline club, such as IPSC shotgun, to develop skills safely
- Invest in quality ear and eye protection rated for the sustained noise of pump-action training
- Keep records of serial numbers and purchase documents, especially if the shotgun has military provenance
For those looking to add a Remington shotgun to their collection, browse the Remington shop for a curated selection of modern variants suited to Australian conditions. Active and veteran service members should also explore Remington's military discount: who qualifies and how to use it, which outlines eligibility and the verification process for current and former ADF personnel. The discount makes a meaningful difference on higher-end tactical configurations with extended magazines and optic-ready receivers.