Let’s Dive into Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel
The Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel is a game-changer for hunters looking to maximize the accuracy and effective range of their Remington 870 shotgun. This barrel transforms a general-purpose shotgun into a dedicated slug-shooting machine, providing the ability to reach out and touch deer or other game with rifle-like precision. The fully rifled bore spins the slug for enhanced stability, while the cantilever mount provides a rock-solid platform for optics. This is a serious upgrade for any 20-gauge Remington 870 owner seeking superior performance in the field.
Living in Pennsylvania, where shotgun-only zones are common for deer hunting, I needed a reliable and accurate way to harvest deer beyond the typical smoothbore shotgun range. I was consistently frustrated with the inconsistent patterns and limited range of standard shotgun barrels with foster slugs. Minute-of-deer accuracy past 75 yards was a pipe dream.
Unboxing the Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel immediately impressed me. The matte black finish was clean and even, and the barrel felt substantial and well-made. The cantilever mount was firmly attached and appeared ready to accept a scope. The bore was clean and the rifling crisp.
I considered a Hastings Paradox barrel and a few aftermarket options. However, the Remington name and reputation, combined with the competitive price, swayed my decision. I trusted Remington’s quality control, and the integrated cantilever mount was a major selling point over models requiring gunsmithing.
My initial impression was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. I’d heard stories of rifled shotgun barrels being finicky with certain slugs, but I was eager to see if this barrel would live up to its promise of improved accuracy and range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at a local shooting range. I mounted a Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 scope onto the cantilever and zeroed it at 50 yards. The Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel was primarily tested with Hornady SST slugs and Remington AccuTip slugs. The groups tightened up dramatically compared to my old smoothbore.
Conditions were ideal: a sunny, calm day with temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The barrel was easy to install, requiring only the removal of the original barrel and the tightening of the magazine cap. After a few shots to sight in the scope, I was consistently hitting a 3-inch bullseye at 75 yards.
The only issue I encountered was minor. The O-ring receiver, while helpful for shell removal, initially caused a slight drag when cycling the action. After a few boxes of shells, it wore in and smoothed out.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full deer season and numerous range trips, the Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel has proven to be remarkably reliable. The matte black finish has held up well, showing only minor wear marks from handling. Accuracy has remained consistent.
I clean the barrel after each range session and deer hunt, using a standard shotgun cleaning kit and solvent. The rifling is easy to scrub, and there’s been no sign of rust or corrosion. Maintenance is simple.
This barrel far outperforms my previous smoothbore setup. I have confidence taking shots at deer out to 125 yards, a range previously unattainable. The stability and accuracy are impressive.
Breaking Down the Features of Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel
Specifications
The Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel is chambered in 20 gauge. This makes it compatible with all 20-gauge Remington 870 Express shotguns.
The barrel length is 18.5 inches. This shorter length makes the shotgun more maneuverable in tight hunting blinds and dense brush.
The finish is a matte black. This reduces glare and provides a durable, weather-resistant coating.
The bore is fully rifled. This imparts a stabilizing spin on slugs, dramatically improving accuracy and extending range.
The cantilever mount provides a stable platform for mounting optics. This ensures consistent zero and precise aiming.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the barrel’s overall accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. The rifled bore is the key to enhanced accuracy, while the cantilever mount allows for the use of high-magnification scopes for precise aiming at longer ranges. The shorter barrel length contributes to maneuverability in dense environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel performs exceptionally well. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to smoothbore barrels, allowing for consistent hits at ranges previously considered unethical for shotguns.
The barrel’s greatest strength is its ability to transform a standard Remington 870 into a dedicated slug gun capable of rifle-like accuracy. The only weakness is the potential for increased recoil with heavier slugs, but this is a common characteristic of rifled barrels. It exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The materials used are durable, and the barrel feels solid and well-made.
The barrel is user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, requiring only basic tools and mechanical knowledge.
Durability & Maintenance
The Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel is built to last. The heavy-duty steel construction and durable matte black finish ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a standard shotgun cleaning kit is sufficient to keep the barrel in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary accessory for the Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel is an optic. A quality scope with appropriate magnification is essential to take full advantage of the barrel’s accuracy potential.
The cantilever mount is compatible with most Weaver-style scope rings. This provides a wide range of optic mounting options.
Pros and Cons of Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel
Pros
- Significantly improved accuracy over smoothbore shotgun barrels.
- Rock-solid cantilever mount for secure optics attachment.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
- Easy installation requires no gunsmithing.
- Transforms your Remington 870 into a dedicated deer-hunting machine.
Cons
- Can be finicky with certain slug types; requires testing to find the optimal load.
- Increased recoil compared to smoothbore barrels.
Who Should Buy Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel?
This barrel is perfect for hunters in shotgun-only zones seeking to extend their effective range and improve accuracy. Deer hunters who want to ethically harvest game at distances beyond 75 yards will benefit greatly.
This product is not ideal for individuals primarily interested in bird hunting or home defense. It is also not suitable for those who are recoil-sensitive.
A must-have accessory is a quality scope with magnification appropriate for the intended hunting distances. Experimenting with different slug types is also recommended to find the optimal load for your specific barrel.
Conclusion on Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel
The Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel is a worthwhile investment for any serious deer hunter using a 20-gauge Remington 870 in shotgun-only areas. It dramatically improves accuracy and extends effective range, providing the confidence needed to make ethical shots at longer distances.
The price is justified by the significant performance gains and the overall build quality. This barrel transforms your shotgun into a capable and accurate hunting tool.
I would absolutely recommend the Remington 870 Express 20 Gauge Fully Rifled Cantilever Shotgun Barrel to any hunter looking to maximize the potential of their Remington 870. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference in accuracy and confidence in the field!