Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage Review

The Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage Made a Bold First Impression

The Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage – it’s a name that echoes through decades of hunting camps and shooting ranges. It’s a shotgun that many of us grew up with, a reliable workhorse that just gets the job done. What I’m looking at here isn’t the shotgun itself, but the GTSW86 20GA 1” BLACK OXIDE swivel kit designed to enhance its functionality. At a price of $31.49, it promises to add sling attachment points to a classic firearm.

For years, I’ve carried my Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage during upland bird hunts and the occasional deer drive. Its biggest shortcoming has always been sling attachment points. Other shotguns come standard with swivel studs. Adding a sling makes carrying it through dense brush and up steep inclines significantly easier. This little kit aims to solve that problem, and at a reasonable price.

Upon opening the package, I was immediately struck by the simplicity of the design. The kit contains a magazine cap replacement with a swivel stud, a 3/4″ wood screw rear swivel stud, and a pair of GT Locking Swivels. The black oxide finish seemed durable enough, and the swivels felt sturdy. My initial thought was, “Finally, a simple and affordable way to sling my Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage!”

Compared to other sling attachment methods, like those that clamp onto the magazine tube or require gunsmithing, this kit seemed like the most straightforward and least intrusive option. The clamp-on types often feel bulky and can sometimes interfere with pump action. I chose this kit because I wanted a clean, factory-like installation without permanently altering the shotgun.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It looked simple, functional, and hopefully, durable. The proof, however, would be in the installation and the field performance. I hoped it would live up to the legacy of the Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage it was designed for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of this swivel kit was on a pheasant hunting trip in South Dakota. The terrain was a mix of rolling hills and dense cover. The Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage with the new sling was put through its paces immediately. I was grateful to have my hands free.

The sling made a huge difference. Maneuvering through thick brush was far easier. Before, I’d be constantly adjusting my grip on the shotgun. Now, it stayed securely slung across my back. Even in light rain, the swivel kit held up well, showing no signs of rust or loosening.

Installation was straightforward. It only took a few minutes using basic tools. After installation, however, I noticed the rear stud felt slightly loose in the stock. I tightened it further. Otherwise, the kit seemed to function as intended during the first outing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple hunting trips and range sessions, the Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage swivel kit has proven to be reasonably reliable, but with a caveat. The front swivel stud, integrated into the magazine cap replacement, has remained rock solid. The rear swivel stud, however, requires constant attention.

I’ve noticed that the rear swivel stud tends to loosen after extended use, particularly when subjected to recoil from heavier loads. This requires frequent tightening. The wood screw design simply doesn’t hold up as well as a properly installed machine screw with a threaded insert would. Minor cosmetic wear can also be noticed.

Cleaning and maintaining the kit is simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s needed to prevent rust. The swivels themselves operate smoothly and haven’t exhibited any issues. Compared to other sling attachment methods I’ve used in the past, this kit offers a balance of simplicity and functionality, but it falls short in long-term reliability due to the rear swivel design.

Breaking Down the Features of Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage

Specifications

The Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage swivel kit, specifically the GTSW86 20GA 1” BLACK OXIDE version, comprises three key components. These components add secure sling attachment points to the firearm. The kit includes a magazine cap replacement with an integrated swivel stud. It also features a 3/4″ wood screw rear swivel stud, and one pair of GT Locking Swivels. The kit is designed specifically for 20-gauge models and does not fit 3-1/2″ magnums.

The magazine cap replacement replaces the factory cap and provides a secure attachment point for the front of the sling. The 3/4″ wood screw rear swivel stud is designed to be screwed directly into the stock of the Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage. The GT Locking Swivels offer a secure and reliable connection between the sling and the swivel studs. These swivels are constructed from durable metal and feature a locking mechanism to prevent accidental detachment.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the compatibility and functionality of the kit. The gauge specificity ensures a proper fit on the Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage. The wood screw design of the rear stud impacts its long-term stability. The quality of the swivels determines the overall security of the sling attachment.

Performance & Functionality

The Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage swivel kit performs adequately in providing sling attachment points, but its long-term reliability is questionable. The front swivel stud, integrated into the magazine cap replacement, functions perfectly. It provides a stable and secure attachment point. The GT Locking Swivels operate smoothly and securely.

The weak point is the rear swivel stud. The wood screw design is prone to loosening. This requires frequent tightening. This can be a significant drawback, especially during extended hunting trips or tactical situations where a secure sling is essential.

The kit meets the basic expectation of adding sling attachment points. Its overall performance is hindered by the inferior rear swivel stud design. A better design such as a stud with machine screw threading into a metal bushing would provide more security.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage swivel kit is simple and functional. The magazine cap replacement integrates seamlessly with the shotgun’s existing components. The black oxide finish blends well with the firearm’s aesthetics. The GT Locking Swivels are easy to operate, even with gloved hands.

The wood screw design of the rear swivel stud is the primary ergonomic flaw. It does not provide a secure and long-lasting attachment point. The constant need for tightening can be frustrating and detract from the overall user experience.

The kit requires minimal effort to install. There is a small learning curve associated with positioning and tightening the rear stud. The overall design is satisfactory, but could be improved with the use of stronger screw.

Durability & Maintenance

The front swivel stud and the GT Locking Swivels appear to be reasonably durable and should last for many years with proper care. The weak link is the rear swivel stud. The wood screw design is susceptible to wear and tear. It will require periodic replacement.

Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning and light lubrication of the swivels will ensure smooth operation. The rear swivel stud should be inspected frequently and tightened as needed.

The longevity of the kit hinges on the durability of the rear swivel stud. Consider buying a more robust aftermarket replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage swivel kit comes with all the necessary components for installation: the magazine cap replacement, the rear swivel stud, and a pair of GT Locking Swivels. It does not offer any additional accessories or customization options.

The kit is compatible with any standard sling that utilizes swivel attachments. The swivels themselves can be replaced with aftermarket options if desired. It is not compatible with slings that require specialized mounting hardware.

Pros and Cons of Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage

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Who Should Buy Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage?

This swivel kit is perfect for hunters and recreational shooters who want a simple and affordable way to add a sling to their Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage. It is especially well-suited for those who primarily use the shotgun for upland bird hunting or other applications where a lightweight and easily maneuverable firearm is desirable.

Those who demand the utmost reliability and durability should skip this product. Consider investing in a more robust sling attachment system that utilizes a machine screw with threaded insert for the rear swivel stud. This would add better overall long-term reliability.

A must-have modification would be to replace the rear wood screw swivel stud with a higher-quality stud that uses a machine screw and threaded insert. This will significantly improve the stability and durability of the sling attachment.

Conclusion on Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage

The Remington 870 Express, 20 Guage swivel kit offers a simple and affordable solution for adding sling attachment points. Its primary drawback is the unreliable wood screw design of the rear swivel stud.

The price of $31.49 is justified for the convenience and functionality it provides. The overall value is diminished by the need for frequent tightening and the potential for eventual replacement of the rear swivel stud.

I would cautiously recommend this kit to budget-conscious shooters who are willing to accept its limitations. I would also suggest that they consider upgrading the rear swivel stud for improved reliability. If you need sling attachments and you’re on a budget, this is an okay choice. Just be aware of its limitations.

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