Make the Most of Your Remington 870 Buttstock Shell Holder

A buttstock shell holder gives a Remington 870 a convenient place to carry spare shotgun ammunition without crowding the action. For trap, clay, bird and general field shooting, quick access to a few 12-gauge shells can reduce interruptions at the bench or in the field. It is an accessory, though, not a substitute for safe firearm handling, secure storage or a correctly loaded magazine.

The right design depends on the exact 870. Gauge, stock shape, shell length and mounting style all matter. A carrier that suits a standard synthetic stock may not fit a tactical stock, an adjustable recoil stock or a 20-gauge model. Check the firearm’s markings, the Remington manual and the holder’s instructions rather than assuming every aftermarket carrier is universal.

Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane each operate under different firearms legislation. NSW shooters hold a firearms licence and must follow state storage and transport requirements. Victorian firearm purchases normally involve registration through a licensed dealer, while Queensland acquisitions can require a permit to acquire. The rules applying where the firearm will be kept matter more than a general Australian assumption.

Customs clearance is a separate issue when importing a firearm or ammunition into Australia. Personal travel exemptions do not automatically allow a sporting gun into the country; an approved import permit and customs documentation are needed, even for temporary visits. The store’s US Federal Firearms Licence (FFL) dealer shipping arrangement is not an Australian licence, and eligible direct shipping of ammunition or magazines does not remove import restrictions.

Match the Carrier to Your Remington 870

Check the gauge before selecting a shell carrier. Most Remington 870s in the Australian market are 12-gauge, but 20-gauge variants exist and use different ammunition. A carrier labelled for 20-gauge shells should not be assumed to hold 12-gauge shells safely. Match both the gauge and the shell length approved for the firearm, including any distinction between 2¾-inch and 3-inch ammunition.

The stock determines how the holder attaches. Some models use accessory slots, screws, clamps or an adhesive mounting pad, while rubber-loop designs wrap around the stock. Elastic loops are easy to fit, although retention can change with cartridge dimensions, oil and temperature. Do not confuse a buttstock-mounted carrier with a side-saddle shell holder, which is designed to attach to the barrel instead.

Fit the Holder Without Disturbing the Action

Install the holder with the 870 unloaded, its action open and its muzzle directed safely. Identify whether it uses a stock slot, a strap-and-base arrangement or a screw-on plate. Follow the specified mounting position and avoid the cheek weld, adjustable comb, recoil pad and sling attachment, where movement or pressure could interfere with the shooter.

Confirm that the carrier does not obstruct the trigger guard, magazine, bolt release or safety. It must not foul the stock during recoil, restrict cheek-piece adjustment or pull unevenly against the shoulder. Tighten fasteners evenly to the manufacturer’s instructions rather than applying maximum force to a plastic stock.

With no ammunition in the firearm, move the action through its travel and return it to the open position. Operate the carrier and check that each stored shell can be removed without force. At the range, use eye and hearing protection, then watch for rubbing, looseness or shells catching on a clip. Remove an interfering holder before shooting and seek advice from a qualified gunsmith if compatibility remains uncertain.

Load for Quick Access and Safe Handling

Seat each shell fully in its loop or clip, close the cover if the carrier has one and confirm that the ammunition is secure before moving the gun. A shell carrier is a spare-ammunition holder, not a feeding device, so do not force cartridges into it or expect it to replace the magazine. Marking the gauge on the outside also helps prevent the wrong shells being selected at a busy shooting bench.

Use only the shell length and type approved for the 870. Avoid mixing ammunition with visibly different brass, crimps or hull markings, and inspect exposed ends for corrosion or damage before each outing. Carry the number of spare rounds you expect to use, and transport ammunition in a locked container when local requirements call for it.

At a stand or field shelter, keep the firearm’s muzzle in a safe direction and bring one shell to the loading point at a time. Do not leave loose ammunition accessible to children or unauthorised people. After the shoot, recover unused rounds and inspect the carrier for grit, heat damage or a stretched band that no longer grips a shell securely.

Inspect the Carrier Before Every Outing

A shell carrier can develop problems long before the 870 does. Elastic loops stretch, clips loosen, and straps trap sand or coastal salt. Empty the holder after each session, remove any grit and check that each shell releases cleanly. Replace a carrier that has become slick, brittle or unable to retain a cartridge rather than relying on it as a backup.

If the 870 fails to feed after fitting a new holder, unload it safely and inspect for an obstruction before blaming the firearm. Remove spare shells from the carrier and check the chamber, magazine and action using normal safe-handling procedures. A binding action, a persistent fault or uncertainty about the cause calls for a qualified gunsmith, not extra force or repeated attempts to cycle a loaded chamber.

Owners adding another Remington can browse the Remington semi-automatic handguns selection alongside their shotgun equipment. Australian licence, registration, storage and transport requirements still apply to that purchase, just as the relevant state rules must be checked for the 870 and its ammunition.

Protect the Holder and Your Ammunition

Australian heat, humidity and salt air are hard on inexpensive fittings and exposed ammunition. Clean a polymer or rubber carrier with a damp cloth and mild soap, then allow it to dry fully. Avoid petrol, strong solvents and immersion unless the manufacturer explicitly permits them. Replace stretched rubber, cracked plastic or corroded metal instead of patching it, and keep ammunition in a sealed can with a sound gasket.

Check mounting screws and clamps periodically, especially after a heavy recoil session or a long drive on corrugated roads. Set them to the specified tension rather than as tight as possible. Clean the 870 according to its manual, keep the bore free of oil and prevent solvents from reaching the stock-mounted accessory. Store the firearm unloaded in approved secure storage, and keep ammunition locked and separate as required by local law.

Order Compatible Gear with Confidence

Before checkout, match the chosen holder to the 870’s gauge and stock, then check the store’s current product description and shipping terms. Customer accounts bring order details together and provide order tracking, while 24/7 support covers product, purchase and delivery questions. Firearms are sent to the customer’s chosen FFL dealer, and eligible ammunition and magazines may qualify for direct shipping under store policies. Confirm that international delivery and Australian import permission cover your order.

Browse the Remington shotguns, ammunition and compatible accessories, create a customer account and select the carrier that fits your model and intended shells. Eligible service members and veterans can review the military discount guide for current verification requirements and terms before paying. The store also promotes cryptocurrency discounts, so check the reduction shown at checkout rather than assuming every payment method receives the same saving. Contact 24/7 support for product or delivery checks, complete the secure checkout and follow the purchase through your account.