The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 Made a Bold First Impression
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 promises enhanced control and a more aggressive look for the venerable Remington 870 shotgun. Offered by TacStar, this grip aims to improve handling and provide a more secure interface for tactical applications. The advertised ease of installation and durable ABS polymer construction piqued my interest, as I’ve been looking for a way to modernize my trusty 870 for home defense and range use.
I was searching for a way to improve the handling of my Remington 870 without undergoing expensive gunsmithing. The factory forend felt a little slick and offered limited gripping options, especially when wearing gloves. I’d seen several competitors, including Hogue and Magpul forends, but the TacStar offered a compelling combination of price and purported ease of installation.
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 arrived in a simple cardboard box, new as advertised, containing only the grip itself and minimal instructions. My initial impression was that the ABS polymer felt sturdy but perhaps a bit more “plastic-y” than I expected. The texture was grippy enough, but the overall fit and finish seemed somewhat basic compared to higher-end alternatives.
Compared to the Magpul MOE forend, which I considered, the TacStar is significantly less expensive. The Hogue OverMolded forend, another contender, felt more premium in hand but lacked the “tactical” styling I was somewhat drawn to. I ultimately chose the TacStar for its budget-friendly price point and the promise of a simple, straightforward upgrade.
I was cautiously optimistic upon unboxing. The low price tempered my expectations, but I was hoping for a noticeable improvement in handling and control. Whether the TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 could deliver on its promise remained to be seen.
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 shooting range. I wanted to evaluate its performance with a variety of loads, from light target rounds to heavier buckshot. The weather was dry and sunny, providing optimal conditions for testing.
The grip proved to be functional, although not without some minor drawbacks. Control was noticeably improved, especially during rapid firing. However, the ABS polymer felt a little slicker than I’d hoped when my hands became sweaty.
Installation proved to be more involved than expected. I encountered the same issue as one of the previous users: the grip was too tight to slide freely. A little bit of grinding was necessary before I was able to assemble it properly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range trips and a few practice sessions at home, the TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 has held up reasonably well. There are no cracks or signs of significant wear, despite regular use. The finish, however, has begun to show some minor scuff marks.
Durability appears to be adequate for its intended purpose. It’s certainly not indestructible, but it has withstood the recoil of hundreds of rounds without issue. I’ve made sure to clean it regularly with a mild solvent and a soft cloth.
Cleaning and maintenance are relatively straightforward. The smooth ABS polymer is easy to wipe down, and there are no intricate crevices to trap debris. Compared to the factory forend, the TacStar provides a more secure and controllable grip, but the lower-quality feel is apparent.
Breaking Down the Features of TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870
Specifications
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 is designed specifically for the Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun. It is constructed from durable ABS polymer, aiming to balance weight and impact resistance. Its primary function is to replace the factory forend, providing a more ergonomic and tactically styled gripping surface.
The material selection is crucial for recoil absorption and longevity. The ABS polymer offers a decent compromise between cost and durability. The ergonomic design allows for enhanced handling and control, particularly during rapid cycling of the action.
Performance & Functionality
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 performs its primary function of providing a more secure grip adequately. It enhances control during pump action and aids in recoil management. The enhanced grip purchase is useful in tactical scenarios.
Its strengths lie in its ease of installation (after some minor modification, potentially) and improved grip. The weakness is in the lower-quality feel of the plastic. Overall, it meets expectations for its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable, given the price. The ABS polymer is lightweight but feels somewhat cheap compared to more premium materials. The grip is generally comfortable in hand, though extended use can cause some fatigue due to the lack of significant texturing.
There is a slight learning curve due to the modified grip angle. Seasoned 870 users may need some time to adjust. After getting used to the modified grip, the action can be cycled faster, which is beneficial.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 should last for several years of moderate use. The ABS polymer is resistant to most common solvents and oils. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a wipe down with a damp cloth.
Repair is not typically an option; replacement is the most likely course of action if damaged. However, the low price makes this a reasonable consideration. The grip can withstand a decent amount of abuse before showing signs of degradation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 does not come with any included accessories. Customization options are limited, although some users may choose to add grip tape for enhanced texture. It is designed as a standalone replacement forend, not as a platform for attaching other accessories.
The grip is compatible with any standard Remington 870 12-gauge receiver. Other customization options (like rails or light mounts) must be achieved using aftermarket products designed for standard Remington 870 forends.
Pros and Cons of TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870
Pros
- Improved Grip and Control: Provides a more secure and ergonomic grip compared to the factory forend, especially during rapid firing.
- Aggressive Tactical Look: Enhances the visual appeal of the Remington 870 with a more modern and aggressive aesthetic.
- Affordable Upgrade: Offers a cost-effective way to improve handling and control without breaking the bank.
- Lightweight Design: The ABS polymer construction keeps the overall weight of the shotgun manageable.
- Easy to Clean: The smooth surface is easy to wipe down and maintain.
Cons
- Fit and Finish Issues: May require some grinding or modification for proper installation, as reported by other users.
- Lower-Quality Feel: The ABS polymer feels less premium compared to higher-end alternatives like Hogue or Magpul.
- Color Mismatch: As mentioned by another user, the black color may not perfectly match the factory Remington 870 finish.
Who Should Buy TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870?
Perfect for: Home defense enthusiasts looking to improve the handling and control of their Remington 870 without spending a fortune. It’s also suitable for recreational shooters who want to add a tactical look to their shotgun.
Who should skip this product? Those seeking premium materials, a perfect fit, or extensive customization options should consider higher-end alternatives. If color matching is critical, be prepared for a potential mismatch.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Grip tape can enhance the texture and improve grip, especially in wet or sweaty conditions.
Conclusion on TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870
The TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 offers a budget-friendly upgrade for the Remington 870 shotgun. It provides improved grip and control at an affordable price. While the fit and finish may not be perfect, and the ABS polymer feels somewhat basic, it delivers on its core promise of enhancing handling.
The price is justified for those seeking a functional upgrade without investing in higher-end options. I would recommend it to budget-conscious shooters who are comfortable with potentially needing to do some minor fitting.
Overall, the TacStar Tactical Front Shotgun Grip Remington 870 is a decent value proposition for those seeking an inexpensive and functional upgrade to their Remington 870. If you want to give your 870 a tactical makeover and improve its handling without emptying your wallet, this grip is worth considering. Consider adding it to your cart now to take the first step toward enhanced shotgun control.