First Thoughts on the ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black
The Remington 870 is arguably one of the most prolific and versatile shotguns ever made, finding its way into hunting blinds, law enforcement agencies, and home defense arsenals across the globe. The ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black stock system aims to bring the venerable 870 into the modern era with enhanced ergonomics, adjustability, and weather resistance. With its six-position collapsible stock, pistol grip, and adjustable cheek riser, this upgrade promises to transform the feel and functionality of a classic shotgun.
I had been looking for a way to improve the handling of my old 870 for a while. The factory stock was functional, but its length of pull was always a bit awkward for me, and I wanted something more adaptable for different shooting scenarios. I needed something that would hold up to the rigors of frequent use and the unpredictable conditions of the outdoors, so weather-resistant polymer seemed like the perfect choice.
Upon unboxing, the ProMag stock felt surprisingly lightweight yet solid. The carbon-fiber reinforced polymer construction gave it a sturdy feel, and the black finish looked clean and professional. The pistol grip was noticeably more ergonomic than the factory stock, and the adjustable buttstock and cheek riser offered promising customization options.
Compared to similar offerings from companies like Magpul, the ProMag system seemed to offer a comparable feature set at a slightly more accessible price point. I chose it primarily for its adjustable cheek riser and the included interchangeable recoil pad inserts, which I thought would significantly improve comfort and recoil management. My initial impression was positive; I was excited to get it installed and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black at my local shooting range, focusing on target acquisition and handling drills. The weather was mild, but the range was a bit dusty, providing a mild stress test for the finish and moving parts.
The adjustable stock immediately improved my shooting posture and made it easier to shoulder the shotgun quickly and consistently. The pistol grip provided a more secure and comfortable hold, and the adjustable cheek riser allowed me to achieve a perfect cheek weld for optimal sight alignment. There were no immediate issues, and the enhanced ergonomics made a noticeable difference in my accuracy and speed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black has held up exceptionally well. I’ve taken it on multiple hunting trips, exposed it to rain and mud, and subjected it to the usual bumps and scrapes of outdoor use.
The polymer construction has proven to be incredibly durable, showing no signs of cracking or significant wear. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and grime. Compared to my previous experiences with traditional wooden stocks, the ProMag system requires significantly less maintenance and is far more resistant to the elements.
Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black
Specifications
- The ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black is specifically designed as a stock system upgrade for the Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun. It directly replaces the factory stock and forend.
- It’s constructed from a proprietary, lightweight, carbon-fiber reinforced polymer material. This makes it both durable and resistant to weather and standard gun solvents/oils.
- The system features a six-position, collapsible buttstock. This allows for adjustable length-of-pull to accommodate shooters of varying sizes.
- It includes an ergonomic pistol grip with a storage compartment for small items. This allows for convenient storage of small tools or spare parts.
- The stock system comes with a tunable, interchangeable-insert recoil pad. It offers both soft and firm inserts for customized recoil absorption.
- A detachable cheek riser is also included, allowing for improved cheek weld and sight alignment. This caters to different shooting styles and optics setups.
- The stock system is finished in black. This gives it a sleek, tactical appearance.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the comfort, handling, and overall performance of the shotgun. The adjustable stock and cheek riser allow for a customized fit, while the polymer construction ensures durability and weather resistance. The enhanced ergonomics improve shooter control and reduce fatigue, making it a significant upgrade over the factory stock.
Performance & Functionality
The ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black excels in its primary function: improving the ergonomics and adaptability of the Remington 870 shotgun. The adjustable stock allows me to quickly adjust the length of pull based on my clothing or shooting position, providing a more comfortable and consistent shooting experience.
The pistol grip offers a more secure and natural grip compared to the factory stock, which enhances control and reduces felt recoil. The cheek riser provides a perfect cheek weld, improving sight alignment and accuracy.
The biggest weakness is perhaps the aesthetic; some traditionalists may not appreciate the modern, tactical look. However, the performance benefits outweigh this subjective concern.
Overall, the ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black meets and exceeds my expectations. It transforms the handling of the shotgun and provides a significant upgrade in terms of comfort and adaptability.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the carbon-fiber reinforced polymer feeling solid and durable. The stock is lightweight, which helps to reduce overall weight of the shotgun.
The pistol grip is comfortable and well-textured, providing a secure hold even in wet conditions. There is a slight learning curve to adjusting the stock and cheek riser, but once dialed in, it’s intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black is designed for long-term durability. The polymer construction is resistant to scratches, dings, and the elements, ensuring that it will hold up to years of use.
Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any dirt or grime. The polymer is also resistant to most gun solvents and oils, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black comes with interchangeable recoil pad inserts (soft and firm) and a detachable cheek riser. This allows for some degree of customization right out of the box.
While the stock system itself doesn’t directly accommodate additional accessories like rails or sling mounts, the Remington 870 platform is highly customizable. Numerous aftermarket accessories, such as Picatinny rails, sling adapters, and forend replacements, can be added to further enhance its functionality. It’s fully compatible with any Remington 870 accessory that doesn’t require the original stock configuration.
Pros and Cons of ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black
Pros
- Adjustable Length of Pull: The six-position collapsible stock allows for a customized fit for shooters of all sizes and shooting positions.
- Ergonomic Pistol Grip: Provides a more comfortable and secure grip, enhancing control and reducing felt recoil.
- Durable Polymer Construction: Withstands harsh conditions and resists scratches, dings, and the elements.
- Adjustable Cheek Riser: Allows for optimal cheek weld and sight alignment, improving accuracy.
- Easy Installation: The stock system is relatively easy to install, requiring minimal tools and expertise.
Cons
- Aesthetic: The tactical look may not appeal to traditionalists who prefer the classic wood stock appearance.
- Limited Accessory Mounting Options: The stock system itself doesn’t offer built-in mounting options for accessories like rails or sling mounts.
Who Should Buy ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black?
The ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black is perfect for:
- Tactical Shooters: Those who prioritize ergonomics, adjustability, and modern aesthetics.
- Home Defense Enthusiasts: The pistol grip and adjustable stock provide improved control and maneuverability in close-quarters situations.
- Hunters: The adjustable stock allows for comfortable shooting with varying layers of clothing.
- Shooters Seeking Improved Recoil Management: The included recoil pad inserts can help to reduce felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
Those who should skip this product:
- Traditionalists: Shooters who prefer the classic look and feel of a traditional wooden stock may not appreciate the modern, tactical design.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: While reasonably priced, there are cheaper stock options available, although they may lack the features and durability of the ProMag system.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- Sling Adapter: A sling is essential for carrying the shotgun comfortably and securely in the field.
- Picatinny Rail Forend: Adding a Picatinny rail forend allows for the attachment of accessories like lights and lasers.
Conclusion on ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black
The ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black is a significant upgrade for the classic Remington 870 shotgun. It combines modern ergonomics, durable construction, and customizable features to enhance the shooting experience.
At a price of $93.99, the value proposition is excellent. It offers a comparable feature set to more expensive options while providing a noticeable improvement in comfort and performance.
I would highly recommend the ProMag Remington 870 Shotgun Polymer Black to anyone looking to modernize their Remington 870 shotgun and improve its handling and adaptability. It’s a worthwhile investment that will enhance your shooting experience for years to come. Upgrade your 870 today and experience the difference!