Let’s Dive into Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend
The Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend isn’t just another aftermarket shotgun part; it’s a tangible upgrade to a classic platform. Hogue is renowned for their commitment to quality and ergonomic design, and this forend is a prime example. It promises enhanced grip, improved handling, and a noticeable boost in overall shooting comfort for your 20-gauge Remington 870.
I’ve always been a fan of the Remington 870, but the factory forend on my 20-gauge youth model always felt a little…lacking. It was functional, sure, but it never inspired confidence, especially when shooting in adverse weather conditions or wearing gloves. I needed a forend that provided a secure grip, improved pump action, and didn’t break the bank.
Upon unboxing the Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend, the first thing that struck me was the quality of the OverMolded rubber. It felt substantial, grippy, and clearly built to withstand years of use. The weight was negligible, meaning it wouldn’t negatively impact the balance of my shotgun. The fit and finish were excellent, showcasing Hogue’s dedication to precise manufacturing.
I considered a few other options, including Magpul’s MOE forend and some generic polymer offerings. However, the Hogue stood out due to its reputation for superior grip and its classic, understated aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the lines of the Remington 870. Plus, the price point was incredibly appealing.
Initially, I was excited about the potential for improved handling, but also a bit apprehensive about the installation process. After all, some aftermarket parts require significant gunsmithing, which I prefer to avoid. However, my initial excitement far outweighed any concerns.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend was at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on clay targets. The weather was mild, but the humidity was high, making for potentially slick conditions. Installation was a breeze; it took me less than five minutes with only basic tools.
The difference in handling was immediately noticeable. The OverMolded rubber provided a secure, comfortable grip, even with sweaty hands. The pump action felt smoother and more controlled, allowing for faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
After the first box of shells, I noticed a slight improvement in my scores, likely due to the enhanced grip and control. There were no unexpected issues; the forend performed exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including a few upland bird hunts in varying weather conditions, the Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite exposure to rain, mud, and the occasional bump against trees.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime. The OverMolded rubber has retained its grippiness and shows no signs of cracking or peeling. It’s significantly outperformed the original factory forend, which always felt flimsy and prone to slipping.
Compared to other aftermarket shotgun parts I’ve used, the Hogue stands out for its combination of durability, comfort, and affordability. It’s a tangible upgrade that enhances the shooting experience without requiring extensive modifications or a hefty investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend
Specifications
- Fits: Remington 870 20 Gauge shotguns. This ensures a precise, snug fit on the intended platform.
- Gauge: 20. This is specifically designed for the smaller gauge, providing optimal ergonomics and function.
- Material: OverMolded rubber over a rigid internal frame. This provides a comfortable, non-slip grip while maintaining structural integrity.
- Design: Contoured for enhanced grip and control. This promotes better handling and improved shooting accuracy.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the shooter’s ability to effectively and comfortably operate the shotgun. The correct fit ensures proper function, while the material provides a secure grip in all conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend significantly enhances the user’s grip and control of the shotgun. This translates to smoother pump action, faster follow-up shots, and improved accuracy. The OverMolded rubber provides a secure, comfortable grip even in wet or gloved conditions.
The primary strength of this forend is its enhanced grip and improved pump action. A potential weakness might be the lack of accessory mounting options, which some shooters may desire. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a basic, functional forend upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the OverMolded rubber seamlessly bonded to a rigid internal frame. The forend is lightweight and feels comfortable in hand, even during extended shooting sessions. It replaces the original factory forend without any modifications.
The design is inherently user-friendly, requiring no special skills or tools for installation. The ergonomic contours provide a natural, comfortable grip for a wide range of hand sizes.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend is designed to last for years of regular use. The OverMolded rubber is resistant to cracking, peeling, and degradation from exposure to the elements.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The simple design ensures easy disassembly and reassembly for thorough cleaning, if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend is a standalone product and doesn’t come with any additional accessories. It’s designed to directly replace the factory forend, providing an immediate upgrade to grip and handling.
While it doesn’t offer integrated accessory mounting options, it’s compatible with various aftermarket accessories designed for the Remington 870, such as sling mounts and magazine tube extensions. However, users desiring picatinny rails for lights or lasers may need to consider other forend options.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: The OverMolded rubber provides a secure, non-slip grip in all conditions.
- Improved Handling: The contoured design promotes better control and smoother pump action.
- Easy Installation: Replaces the factory forend quickly and easily with basic tools.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials designed to withstand years of use.
- Affordable Upgrade: Offers a significant improvement in performance without breaking the bank.
Cons
- Limited Customization: No integrated accessory mounting options.
- Basic Design: Lacks the tactical features of more advanced forends.
Who Should Buy Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend?
This forend is perfect for hunters, recreational shooters, and anyone looking to improve the handling and ergonomics of their Remington 870 20 gauge shotgun. It’s an ideal upgrade for those seeking a comfortable, reliable, and affordable solution for enhanced grip and control.
Those who need picatinny rails for mounting lights, lasers, or other accessories should skip this product. Also, individuals looking for advanced tactical features might find this forend too basic.
A must-have modification to complement this forend would be a quality sling to improve carry comfort and weapon retention.
Conclusion on Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend
The Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend is a fantastic upgrade for any Remington 870 20 gauge owner seeking enhanced grip, improved handling, and increased shooting comfort. It provides a tangible improvement in performance without requiring extensive modifications or a significant investment.
At $34.99, the price is more than justified for the quality and performance it delivers. I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone looking to upgrade their Remington 870 20 gauge.
If you’re ready to experience a noticeable improvement in your shotgun’s handling and ergonomics, I urge you to give the Hogue Remington 870 20 GA. OverMold Shotgun Forend a try. You won’t be disappointed.
