Let’s Dive into Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend is a simple yet significant upgrade for one of America’s most popular shotguns. Hogue has built a solid reputation for producing quality grips and stocks, and this forend promises to enhance both the feel and control of your Remington 870. Having spent years training law enforcement and advising civilian shooters on firearm customization, I’m keen to see how this relatively inexpensive modification stacks up.
My factory Remington 870 forend was slick and uncomfortable, especially during extended range sessions. I needed a replacement that offered a more secure grip and improved handling. The Hogue forend’s promise of a non-slip, cobblestone texture immediately caught my eye.
Unboxing the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend, I was immediately impressed by the feel of the OverMolded rubber. The texture was aggressive without being abrasive, and the forend felt solid and well-made. The polymer felt robust and ready to withstand some abuse.
Compared to the Magpul MOE forend and the Mesa Tactical LEO forend, the Hogue option stood out due to its simplicity and focus on grip. While the Magpul offers M-LOK slots for accessories, and the Mesa Tactical boasts integrated rails, I prioritized a superior grip surface above all else. This Hogue product seemed like the best solution.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to install it and feel the difference, but also slightly concerned about potential fitment issues, a common problem with aftermarket shotgun parts. I was hoping the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend would meet my needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend at my local outdoor shooting range on a bright, but slightly humid, Saturday morning. The test included a variety of drills, from rapid-fire target acquisition to controlled pairs, and even some clay shooting to assess the forend’s impact on overall handling. The weather that day would prove to be a fine test of the Hogue.
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend proved to be a revelation in the humid conditions. The cobblestone texture provided an incredibly secure grip, even with sweaty hands. I found that cycling the action was much easier and faster than with the slick factory forend.
Installation was straightforward, taking only a few minutes. The fit was snug, but not overly tight, and the action cycled smoothly from the start. The new forend felt natural in my hand, requiring no real adjustment period.
The only minor issue I encountered was the slight increase in length compared to the factory forend. This was noticeable, but not detrimental, and I quickly adapted to it. After first use I was very impressed with the performance of the Hogue.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no signs of cracking, peeling, or any other degradation of the rubber or polymer. The grip remains as secure as the day I installed it.
The forend has held up well to repeated exposure to cleaning solvents and lubricants. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes. The textured surface doesn’t trap dirt or debris, which is a major plus.
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend has significantly outperformed my expectations and my previous experiences with aftermarket shotgun parts. It has transformed the feel and handling of my Remington 870. I am very pleased with my purchase of the Hogue.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend
Specifications
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend is specifically designed for the Remington 870 12 Gauge shotgun. It is constructed from a fiberglass reinforced polymer for strength and durability, with an OverMolded rubber exterior for enhanced grip and comfort. This construction makes for a rugged design.
Key specifications include compatibility with Remington 870 12 Gauge shotguns, a standard length (slightly longer than some factory forends), and the signature Hogue OverMolded cobblestone texture. The fiberglass reinforced polymer assures stability and accuracy. These specifications contribute directly to the improved handling and control offered by the forend.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend excels at providing a secure and comfortable grip, even in adverse conditions. The cobblestone texture is aggressive enough to prevent slippage without being abrasive or uncomfortable. This is a key benefit for sustained use.
The forend is a significant improvement over the slick, factory forend of the Remington 870. The only potential drawback is the slightly increased length, which may not be ideal for shooters with shorter arms or those using side saddles. Overall, I’m very impressed with the performance of the Hogue.
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend meets and exceeds expectations for a simple, yet effective, aftermarket upgrade. It addresses the primary weakness of the factory forend – poor grip – and does so without compromising reliability or ease of use. The Hogue does what it is supposed to do, and does it well.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend is excellent. The fiberglass reinforced polymer provides a solid and durable base, while the OverMolded rubber adds a layer of comfort and grip. The cobblestone texture provides an excellent grip and feels nice to the touch.
The forend feels substantial and well-balanced in the hand. Installation is easy, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of time. The Hogue provides a high level of ergonomic comfort.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction from fiberglass reinforced polymer and OverMolded rubber, the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend is expected to last for many years with proper care. The materials are resistant to most common solvents and lubricants. This is good news to hear.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep the forend in good condition. This ease of maintenance is a significant advantage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend does not come with any accessories. It is a standalone replacement for the factory forend. However, it is compatible with most Remington 870 accessories, such as magazine tube extensions and sling mounts.
While the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend itself does not offer customization options, such as M-LOK slots, it is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory forend. This will allow you to focus on grip and control. The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend is a simple and highly effective accessory.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend
Pros
- Superior Grip: The OverMolded cobblestone texture provides an incredibly secure grip, even in wet or sweaty conditions.
- Enhanced Control: The improved grip translates directly to better control of the shotgun, especially during rapid-fire or recoil-intensive situations.
- Easy Installation: Installation is straightforward and requires only basic tools and a few minutes of time.
- Durable Construction: The combination of fiberglass reinforced polymer and OverMolded rubber ensures long-lasting durability.
- Affordable Upgrade: At around $30, the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- Slightly Increased Length: The forend is slightly longer than some factory forends, which may not be ideal for all shooters.
- Lack of Accessory Mounting Options: The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend does not offer any integrated accessory mounting options, such as M-LOK slots.
Who Should Buy Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend?
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend is perfect for anyone looking to improve the grip and handling of their Remington 870 12 Gauge shotgun. It is an excellent upgrade for home defense users, recreational shooters, and hunters alike. The enhanced grip and control will benefit anyone who uses their 870 regularly.
Those who should skip this product are shooters who prioritize accessory mounting options over grip, or those who prefer a shorter forend. If you need M-LOK slots or Picatinny rails for lights, lasers, or other accessories, you’ll need to consider other options. The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend is not for these users.
A must-have modification to go along with the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend would be a Hogue OverMolded stock to complete the package. These two products work well together.
Conclusion on Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend
The Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend is a simple, yet highly effective, upgrade for the Remington 870 shotgun. It addresses the primary weakness of the factory forend – poor grip – and does so without compromising reliability or ease of use. This will provide the end user with many years of trouble-free use.
At a price of $29.99, the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend represents excellent value for the money. The improved grip and handling are well worth the investment. This will serve you well.
I would highly recommend the Hogue Remington 870 12 Gauge OverMolded Shotgun Forend to anyone looking to improve the performance of their Remington 870. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a superior grip can make! You will not regret this purchase.