Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend Review

Let’s Dive into Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend

The Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend promises to be a practical upgrade for your 20-gauge shotgun. This forend, made by Choate Tool, aims to provide a more stable grip and the added benefit of Picatinny rail sections for accessory mounting. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, especially given the limited options available for 20-gauge shotguns.

I had been searching for a way to modernize my old Remington 870 Wingmaster 20-gauge for home defense. A simple light mount was the primary goal, but finding a reliable and affordable forend that offered that functionality proved challenging. Most aftermarket accessories are designed for the 12-gauge, leaving 20-gauge owners with slim pickings.

Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the forend’s lightweight feel. The fiberglass-filled polymer construction seemed sturdy enough, but I was a bit skeptical about how it would hold up to repeated recoil. The simple black ribbed composite material design looked functional, if not particularly flashy.

Compared to similar products, there weren’t many direct competitors specifically for the 20-gauge 870. I considered some universal rail adapters that attach to the existing forend, but they always felt like a compromise. I chose the Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend because it offered a complete replacement with integrated rail mounting options.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The forend felt comfortable in hand, and the inclusion of a forend wrench was a nice touch. It was definitely an upgrade over the plain factory forend, and I was excited to get it installed and test it out.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend at my local shooting range. It was a moderately cold day, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I put about 100 rounds through my Remington 870 Wingmaster, ranging from light target loads to heavier game loads.

The forend performed surprisingly well in terms of grip and stability. Even with gloved hands, the ribbed texture provided a secure hold. The added Picatinny rail allowed me to mount a tactical flashlight, significantly improving visibility in low-light conditions.

Initially, there was a slight learning curve getting used to the new forend’s feel. It was a bit slimmer than the original, but after a few rounds, it felt natural. No major issues arose during the first use, though I did notice a slight looseness after extended firing, which required occasional tightening of the forend nut.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend has proven to be a reliable and functional upgrade. I have used it on multiple hunting trips in varying weather conditions, including rain and snow. It has also become my go-to setup for home defense drills.

The forend has held up remarkably well to repeated use and recoil. There are no visible signs of cracking or significant wear and tear. The fiberglass-filled polymer construction seems more durable than I initially anticipated.

Maintenance is incredibly simple; I typically just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use. The polymer material resists dirt and grime, making it easy to keep clean. It’s proven to be a worthwhile addition, far exceeding my initial, somewhat skeptical expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend

Specifications

The Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend is designed specifically for the Remington 870 20-gauge shotgun. It boasts a durable fiberglass-filled polymer construction for lightweight strength. The key feature is the ability to attach Picatinny rails at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions, allowing for versatile accessory mounting.

This feature matters because it enables users to customize their shotgun with lights, lasers, or other tactical accessories. The forend is made in the USA and replaces the factory forend directly. One section of Picatinny rail is included.

Performance & Functionality

The Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend performs its job admirably, providing a stable and comfortable grip. The added rail sections allow for easy attachment of accessories, enhancing the shotgun’s versatility. While it is lightweight, it might not provide the same level of recoil absorption as heavier, more expensive options.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity, affordability, and ease of installation. A minor weakness is the occasional need to retighten the forend nut after prolonged use. However, for the price, it meets and even exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend is designed with functionality in mind. The ribbed texture provides a secure grip, and the slim profile feels comfortable in hand. The lightweight polymer construction doesn’t add significant weight to the shotgun.

The design is straightforward and user-friendly, with no real learning curve. Installation is simple and can be done with basic tools. The provided forend wrench is a valuable inclusion.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its fiberglass-filled polymer construction, the Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend is expected to last for years with proper care. It’s resistant to most common solvents and oils, making maintenance a breeze. Minor scratches may occur with heavy use, but they won’t affect its functionality.

Maintenance is incredibly simple, requiring only occasional cleaning. The polymer material is resistant to dirt and grime, and it doesn’t require any special treatments. This forend is designed for durability and ease of maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend comes with one section of Picatinny rail. This allows users to immediately mount accessories like lights or lasers. The forend is compatible with any standard Picatinny rail accessories.

There aren’t many direct customization options beyond the accessories that can be mounted on the rails. However, the ability to add lights, lasers, or foregrips significantly enhances the shotgun’s functionality. The key customization lies in the user’s choice of Picatinny-compatible accessories.

Pros and Cons of Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend

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Who Should Buy Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend?

The Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend is perfect for Remington 870 20-gauge owners looking to modernize their shotgun without breaking the bank. It’s especially well-suited for home defense users and hunters who want to add a light or laser. Tactical shooters looking for a lightweight and functional upgrade will also appreciate it.

Those who should skip this product are individuals seeking maximum recoil absorption or those who prefer the aesthetics of wood furniture. Must-have accessories include a reliable tactical light and potentially a vertical foregrip for enhanced control.

Conclusion on Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend

Overall, the Choate Tool Remington 870 Lightweight 20 Gage Forend is a solid and affordable upgrade for your 20-gauge shotgun. It provides improved grip, stability, and the added benefit of Picatinny rail sections for accessory mounting. The price is definitely justified, especially considering the limited options available for 20-gauge shotguns.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to enhance the functionality of their Remington 870 20-gauge without spending a fortune. For $21.99, it’s a worthwhile investment that can significantly improve your shooting experience. Upgrade your Remington 870 today and experience the difference!