The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 Made a Bold First Impression
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 promises to modernize arguably two of the most iconic shotgun platforms in American history. This rail mount, manufactured by Leapers, aims to provide Remington 870 and 1100 owners with a simple, no-gunsmithing-required solution for mounting optics and accessories. It’s a product designed for those looking to increase the versatility of their shotguns without permanently altering the firearm.
My personal journey to finding the Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 stemmed from a desire to modernize my aging Remington 870 Wingmaster. I primarily use the shotgun for home defense and the occasional turkey hunt, and felt limited by its iron sights. The idea of easily adding a red dot sight or even a weapon light was incredibly appealing.
Upon receiving the Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100, the first thing I noticed was its surprisingly light weight. The aircraft-grade aluminum construction gave it a sturdy feel without adding significant heft to the shotgun. The matte black hard coat anodize finish looked durable and matched the existing finish of my 870 well.
I considered other options, like permanently attaching a rail via drilling and tapping, or using a saddle-style mount. However, I wanted something that was reversible and didn’t require professional gunsmithing. The Leapers UTG PRO appeared to offer the best balance of features, ease of installation, and affordability.
My initial impression was positive. The rail mount looked well-made and the included hardware seemed complete. I was eager to see how it would perform on the shotgun and if it truly lived up to its “no gunsmith required” promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 primarily at an outdoor shooting range. I wanted to evaluate its stability and ability to maintain zero after repeated shotgun blasts. The weather was clear and sunny, providing ideal conditions for sighting in a red dot optic.
The installation process was straightforward. The instructions were clear, and the included tools were adequate for the job. Mounting the rail took about 15 minutes. I then mounted a red dot sight and proceeded to zero it at 25 yards.
The initial rounds fired with the rail mounted were encouraging. The red dot remained securely attached, and the rail showed no signs of shifting or loosening. I ran a mix of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs through the 870 to really test the mount under different recoil scenarios. There were no immediate issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 has proven to be a reliable addition to my 870. I’ve taken the shotgun out on a couple of turkey hunts, and the rail has held up well to the bumps and scrapes of being carried in the field.
The finish has resisted scratching and the screws have remained tight. I did make it a point to re-torque the screws after the first range session, and I recommend others do the same. Periodic checks are a good practice.
Cleaning the shotgun with the rail installed is easy. The rail doesn’t interfere with the normal disassembly process, and it wipes down easily with a CLP-soaked rag. Compared to my previous setup with just iron sights, the Leapers UTG PRO provides a significant advantage in terms of versatility and accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100
Specifications
Proudly Designed and Made in USA: This instills confidence in the product’s quality and manufacturing standards. It’s reassuring to know that the rail mount was made with American craftsmanship.
Precision Machined from Aircraft Grade Aluminum with Matte Back Hard Coat Anodize: The use of aircraft-grade aluminum ensures strength and durability while keeping the weight down. The hard coat anodize finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and a non-reflective surface.
6.1 in. Extended Length with 14 Picatinny Rail Slots: This provides ample space for mounting a wide variety of optics and accessories. The flexibility of 14 slots is beneficial for achieving proper eye relief and desired accessory placement.
Low Profile with See Thru Design for Use of Front Bead Sight: The low-profile design minimizes interference with the shotgun’s handling. The see-through design allows the user to still utilize the front bead sight as a backup sighting system.
Contoured Bottom Perfectly Fits Remington 870/1100 with Drilled and Tapped Receiver: The contoured bottom ensures a secure and stable fit on the receiver. This is crucial for maintaining zero and reliable performance.
Includes Assembly Screws and Tools for Simple and Friendly Installation, No Gunsmith Required: The inclusion of all necessary hardware and tools makes installation easy for even novice gun owners. The “no gunsmith required” aspect is a major selling point.
Performance & Functionality
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 performs its job admirably. It provides a stable and secure platform for mounting optics and accessories, significantly increasing the shotgun’s versatility. It’s a simple solution to modernizing legacy weapon systems.
The strengths of this product lie in its ease of installation, durability, and affordability. The primary weakness is that the see-through channel for the front bead sight is very narrow. This makes it difficult to use the bead sight effectively, particularly with some larger aftermarket beads.
The product generally meets expectations. However, the limitations with the front bead sight are worth noting.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent for the price point. The aluminum construction feels solid, and the finish is well-applied. The weight is minimal, so it doesn’t negatively impact the shotgun’s balance.
The design is user-friendly, and the installation process is straightforward. There’s no significant learning curve, making it accessible to most gun owners.
Durability & Maintenance
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 appears to be built to last. The aluminum construction and durable finish should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with standard gun cleaning solvents is sufficient to keep the rail in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 is compatible with a wide range of Picatinny-compatible accessories. This includes red dot sights, scopes, weapon lights, lasers, and foregrips.
The rail is also compatible with accessories from various brands, making it a versatile platform for customization. The 14 rail slots provide ample options for accessory placement, ensuring optimal ergonomics and functionality.
Pros and Cons of Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100
Pros
- Easy Installation: The included tools and clear instructions make installation a breeze for even novice gun owners.
- Durable Construction: The aircraft-grade aluminum and hard coat anodize finish provide excellent strength and corrosion resistance.
- Affordable Price: At $12.49, the Leapers UTG PRO is an extremely affordable way to modernize a Remington 870 or 1100.
- Increased Versatility: The Picatinny rail allows for the mounting of a wide variety of optics and accessories.
- Low Profile Design: The low profile minimizes interference with the shotgun’s handling and balance.
Cons
- See-Through Channel Limitation: The see-through channel for the front bead sight is very narrow, making it difficult to use effectively.
- Tool Quality: While functional, the included tools are basic and may not be suitable for repeated use.
Who Should Buy Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100?
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 is perfect for:
- Home defense enthusiasts looking to add a red dot sight or weapon light to their shotgun.
- Hunters who want to improve their accuracy and target acquisition in low-light conditions.
- Casual shooters who want to experiment with different optics and accessories.
- Budget-conscious gun owners seeking an affordable way to modernize their Remington 870 or 1100.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who require a rock-solid, permanently attached rail system for heavy-duty applications.
- Individuals who rely heavily on their front bead sight and find the narrow see-through channel unusable.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality red dot sight or holographic sight.
- A weapon light for home defense or hunting in low-light conditions.
- Consider a set of higher quality gunsmithing tools for optimal installation and maintenance.
Conclusion on Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100
The Leapers UTG PRO Picatinny Rail Mount for Remington 870/1100 is an excellent value for the money. It provides a simple, affordable, and effective way to modernize two of the most popular shotgun platforms in history. While the see-through channel for the front bead sight has limitations, the overall benefits of increased versatility and ease of installation outweigh this drawback.
The price is absolutely justified. For under $15, you get a durable, functional, and easy-to-install rail mount that significantly enhances the capabilities of your shotgun.
I would definitely recommend the Leapers UTG PRO to anyone looking to add optics or accessories to their Remington 870 or 1100 without breaking the bank or requiring professional gunsmithing. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference a Picatinny rail can make!