The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 Made a Bold First Impression
The Remington 870 is a shotgun that has a home in the hearts (and gun safes) of millions, revered for its rugged reliability and versatility. But sometimes, even a classic needs a little tweaking. That’s where the TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 comes in, promising enhanced control and a more aggressive stance. This isn’t just another accessory; it’s a potential game-changer for how you wield your 870.
I’ve always felt the standard forend on my 870 was a bit lacking, especially during rapid-fire drills or when wearing gloves in cold weather. I was searching for a grip that would provide better purchase and allow for faster follow-up shots. I yearned for improved control and a more modern aesthetic.
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 arrived in a simple, no-frills cardboard box. The grip itself felt surprisingly solid and well-made for the price. The texture seemed aggressive enough to provide a secure hold. Initial impressions leaned towards excitement. The design looked practical.
I considered other options, like the Magpul MOE forend or the Hogue OverMolded forend. Ultimately, the TacStar won out due to its lower price point and seemingly more aggressive texture. The promise of improved control without breaking the bank was too tempting to resist.
Overall, my initial thoughts were positive. The grip felt sturdy, looked aggressive, and promised to solve a nagging issue I had with my 870. Time would tell if it lived up to the hype, but my first impression was one of cautious optimism and anticipation for what I thought could be a solid upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 was at my local outdoor range. I ran through a few drills involving rapid target acquisition and controlled pairs. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing the grip.
The difference was immediately noticeable. The aggressive texture provided a far more secure grip than the factory forend. Recoil management felt significantly improved. I was able to stay on target more easily and cycle the action much faster.
There was a slight adjustment period as I got used to the new grip angle. It took about 20-30 rounds to really dial in my technique. Other than that, the installation was easy, and the TacStar front grip performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 has held up remarkably well. It has seen action in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and dusty environments. The grip has maintained its texture and hasn’t shown any signs of significant wear and tear.
Cleaning the grip is relatively straightforward. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. I haven’t needed to use any harsh chemicals or specialized cleaning products. The TacStar grip is a low-maintenance upgrade that delivers consistent performance.
Previously, I had used a standard Remington 870 with the factory forend for years. The TacStar grip offers a significantly better shooting experience. The improved control and faster cycling times have made a noticeable difference in my overall accuracy and speed.
Breaking Down the Features of TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870
Specifications
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 is a replacement forend designed to enhance grip and control on the venerable Remington 870 shotgun. It’s constructed from a durable, injection-molded polymer. The grip features an ergonomic design with aggressive texturing for a secure hold.
- Material: Injection-molded polymer ensures durability and resistance to the elements.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Remington 870 12 gauge shotguns.
- Installation: Drop-in replacement for the factory forend, requiring no gunsmithing.
- Texturing: Aggressive texturing provides a positive grip in all conditions.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall functionality and user experience. The durable polymer ensures longevity, while the aggressive texturing enhances control, especially in adverse conditions. Easy installation means anyone can upgrade their 870 without specialized tools.
Performance & Functionality
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 performs its primary function – enhancing grip and control – exceptionally well. The aggressive texturing ensures a solid hold, even when wearing gloves or shooting in wet conditions. It allows for faster and more controlled cycling of the action, which translates to faster follow-up shots.
- Strengths: Superior grip, enhanced control, easy installation, and durable construction are all strong points.
- Weaknesses: Some users might find the aggressive texturing too abrasive. The user feedback indicated that the color match with factory black synthetic components may not be perfect, leading to an aesthetic mismatch.
Overall, the TacStar grip meets and exceeds expectations. It addresses the common complaint of a slippery or inadequate factory forend. It provides a significant improvement in control and usability.
Design & Ergonomics
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 features an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand. The grip angle is slightly more vertical than the factory forend, which promotes a more natural and aggressive shooting stance.
The build quality is excellent. The polymer feels robust and well-made. The weight is comparable to the factory forend, so it doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the shotgun.
There is virtually no learning curve. Installation is straightforward, and the grip feels natural and intuitive from the first time you use it.
Durability & Maintenance
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 is built to last. The durable polymer construction can withstand years of use and abuse. The finish is resistant to scratches and abrasions.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep the grip clean and functional. There are no small parts or intricate mechanisms to worry about.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 is primarily a standalone upgrade. It does not come with any additional accessories. There are no inherent customization options beyond choosing between different colors (if available).
However, the grip is compatible with most standard Remington 870 accessories, such as magazine tube extensions and sling attachments. This allows you to further customize your shotgun to meet your specific needs. The user feedback indicated that some grinding may be necessary to fit the grip with other aftermarket parts, which is not ideal.
Pros and Cons of TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870
Pros
- Dramatically improved grip and control, especially in adverse conditions.
- Easy installation – a simple drop-in replacement.
- Durable polymer construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price point makes it an accessible upgrade for any Remington 870 owner.
- Enhanced ergonomics promotes a more natural and aggressive shooting stance.
Cons
- Aggressive texturing may be too abrasive for some users.
- The color may not perfectly match factory Remington synthetic components, potentially causing a visual mismatch.
- Some users may require slight modification (grinding) to ensure proper fit with other aftermarket parts.
Who Should Buy TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870?
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 is perfect for:
- Home defense enthusiasts looking for enhanced control and faster follow-up shots.
- Tactical shooters who need a reliable grip in all conditions.
- Hunters who want a more secure hold when wearing gloves.
- Anyone who finds the factory Remington 870 forend inadequate.
Who should skip this product?
- Shooters who prefer a smooth, less aggressive grip texture.
- Individuals who are extremely particular about color matching and aesthetics.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality weapon light to take advantage of the enhanced control in low-light situations.
- Sling attachments to provide greater versatility and carry options.
Conclusion on TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 is a worthwhile upgrade for any Remington 870 owner seeking enhanced control and improved ergonomics. It provides a significantly better grip than the factory forend. The durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
The price is justified. The benefits outweigh the minor drawbacks. It’s an affordable way to improve the functionality and usability of your shotgun.
I would personally recommend the TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 to anyone looking to enhance their Remington 870. It transforms the feel and performance of this classic shotgun. The improvement is worth the investment.
If you’re ready to take your Remington 870 to the next level, then pick up a TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870. Experience the difference for yourself!