Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard Review

The Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard Made a Bold First Impression

The Remington 870 is arguably the most ubiquitous shotgun in America, and for good reason. It’s reliable, customizable, and proven in countless scenarios, from law enforcement to hunting. When I heard Strike Industries was releasing the Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard, a full aluminum foregrip, I knew I had to get my hands on it.

As a seasoned gear specialist, I’m always searching for enhancements that not only improve functionality but also add a touch of rugged style. I’ve always found the factory polymer forend on my 870 to be… adequate, but nothing special. I was looking for something more durable, more ergonomic, and something that offered more options for accessory mounting.

The Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard arrived in a simple, no-frills package. Picking it up, the first thing I noticed was the weight; it has a substantial feel, hinting at its solid construction. The hard anodized 6061 Aluminum gave it a premium look and feel that immediately impressed me.

I considered a few other aftermarket forends before settling on this one. Magpul’s polymer forend is a popular choice, known for its affordability and M-LOK slots, but I wanted the added durability and rigidity of aluminum. Midwest Industries offers aluminum forends as well, but the Strike Industries design and the promise of enhanced ergonomics swayed me. My initial excitement was definitely justified; this feels like a serious upgrade.

Real-World Testing: Putting Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard was at my local shooting range. I wanted to run some drills and get a feel for it under controlled conditions. The weather was typical for early spring – damp and slightly chilly.

The difference was immediately noticeable. The contoured cuts and semi-matte finish provided a much more secure grip, even with wet hands. Pumping the action felt smoother and more controlled, and the integrated hand stops gave me a confident grip, preventing my hand from slipping forward. I experienced no issues during the first range session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including a muddy dove hunt and a few tactical shotgun courses, the Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard continues to impress. The hard anodized finish has proven to be incredibly durable. I’ve experienced no significant wear or scratches, despite some rough handling.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth is all it takes to remove any dirt or grime. Compared to the factory polymer forend, the Strike Industries VOA Handguard feels like a significant step up in terms of durability and overall feel. It definitely outperforms the original in every aspect.

Breaking Down the Features of Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard

Specifications

• Material: Constructed from hard anodized 6061 Aluminum. This offers superior durability and resistance to wear and tear compared to polymer alternatives.
• M-LOK Compatibility: Features M-LOK slots for versatile accessory mounting. These slots allow for the attachment of lights, lasers, sling mounts, and other tactical accessories.
• Integrated Hand Stops: Includes front and rear hand stops. These maximize grip and control during pump action, especially in high-stress situations.
• Ergonomic Design: Boasts an advanced ergonomic design with contoured cuts and a semi-matte finish. This ensures a comfortable and secure grip, even in adverse conditions.
• Construction: Forged using an intensive extrusion mold process and precision CNC milled. The high level of machining results in a robust and high-quality forend.

These specifications are important because they translate directly into improved performance and usability. The aluminum construction provides unmatched durability in comparison to factory polymer parts. The M-LOK system provides unparalleled flexibility for accessory mounting.

Performance & Functionality

The Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard excels in both performance and functionality. It provides a secure and comfortable grip, enhancing control during rapid firing sequences. The M-LOK slots are strategically placed, offering a multitude of customization options without adding unnecessary bulk.

The integrated hand stops are a welcome addition, offering a tactile reference point for consistent hand placement. The only potential area for improvement might be offering different hand stop profiles for varying hand sizes. Overall, the Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard exceeds my expectations and is well worth the investment.

Design & Ergonomics

The Strike Industries design is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The 6061 Aluminum gives it a premium feel, and the contoured cuts provide a comfortable and natural grip. The weight is balanced well, adding a bit of heft without making the shotgun feel unwieldy.

There is a slight learning curve when transitioning from a traditional polymer forend, mainly due to the more aggressive grip texture. However, it didn’t take long to become accustomed to it. The design is very user-friendly, and the installation was surprisingly simple, taking less than 10 minutes.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction and hard anodized finish ensure the Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard is built to last. I fully expect it to withstand years of hard use without showing significant signs of wear. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe down after each range session is all that’s required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard does not come with any included accessories, but its M-LOK compatibility opens up a world of customization options. You can easily attach lights, lasers, vertical grips, and sling mounts from various manufacturers. I personally paired it with a Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount 2 weapon light and a Magpul RSA QD sling mount.

The M-LOK system is compatible with a wide range of accessories, making it easy to find components that suit your specific needs. This ensures your shotgun can be tailored to any mission or application.

Pros and Cons of Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard?

The Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard is perfect for tactical shooters, law enforcement professionals, and hunters who demand a durable and customizable forend. It’s ideal for anyone looking to upgrade the ergonomics and functionality of their Remington 870 shotgun.

Those primarily concerned with weight or on a tight budget may want to consider a polymer forend instead. Also, those who prefer a more traditional look might not appreciate the modern, tactical aesthetic of the Strike Industries VOA Handguard. A must-have accessory is a quality weapon light; the M-LOK slots make it easy to mount a light for low-light situations.

Conclusion on Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard

Overall, the Remington 870 Valor Of Action VOA Handguard is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone looking to enhance the durability, ergonomics, and customization options of their Remington 870 shotgun. The price is justified by the high-quality construction and improved performance.

I would absolutely recommend it to anyone serious about their shotgun setup. If you’re ready to take your Remington 870 to the next level, the Strike Industries VOA Handguard is a fantastic choice. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!

Check Best Price HERE