Let’s Dive into Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel
The Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel is a game-changer for shotgun hunters seeking rifle-like accuracy. It transforms the venerable Remington 870 Express into a dedicated slug-shooting machine. This barrel promises tighter groupings and extended range when using sabot slugs, making it an attractive upgrade for whitetail hunters in shotgun-only zones.
My quest for this barrel stemmed from a frustrating hunting season in Ohio. Our hunting area is shotgun-only for deer, and smoothbore barrels with traditional rifled slugs weren’t cutting it beyond 75 yards. I needed a solution to ethically and accurately extend my range, and the Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel seemed like the perfect answer.
Unboxing the barrel revealed a robust, well-machined piece of equipment. The blued finish was even and professional, and the rifling was deep and pronounced, inspiring confidence in its accuracy potential. It felt solid and substantial, a clear step up from the factory smoothbore barrel.
I considered a cantilever scope mount barrel from another manufacturer, but the Remington name and reputation, along with the positive reviews, ultimately swayed me. The price point of $239.99 also played a significant role, offering a good balance of quality and affordability. My first impression was excitement – I was eager to see if this barrel lived up to the hype and transformed my 870 into a legitimate deer-slaying tool.
Real-World Testing: Putting Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at the local shooting range, a mix of covered benches and open-air lanes. I mounted a 2-7×32 scope, sighted it in at 50 yards, and began experimenting with different sabot slug brands. The initial shots revealed a significant improvement in accuracy compared to my old smoothbore barrel.
The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle, but the blued finish held up well. The barrel installed easily on my Remington 870 Express, requiring no gunsmithing. It took about 10 shots to get used to the increased recoil from the slugs and find the sweet spot for cheek weld, but overall, the experience was positive.
A minor issue arose after about 20 rounds: the barrel started to heat up, affecting accuracy slightly. However, this is typical of any barrel during extended shooting sessions. I allowed it to cool down between volleys, and the issue resolved itself.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a pre-season scouting trip, the Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel has proven reliable and durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the blued finish, despite being exposed to mud and brush during scouting. Cleaning the barrel is straightforward; a standard shotgun cleaning kit and solvent do the trick.
Compared to my previous experience with smoothbore barrels, the difference is night and day. The rifled barrel provides significantly better accuracy and tighter groupings at longer ranges. It has instilled confidence in my ability to make ethical shots on deer out to 150 yards, a distance that was previously unattainable.
Breaking Down the Features of Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Remington. This name is synonymous with quality and reliability in the firearms industry.
- Barrel Length: 20 inches. This length strikes a good balance between maneuverability in dense cover and maximizing slug velocity.
- Gauge: 20 Gauge. The 20 gauge offers a lighter recoil compared to the 12 gauge, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions, especially for smaller-framed shooters.
- Gun Make: Remington. This barrel is specifically designed for Remington shotguns.
- Gun Model: Remington Model 870. It is compatible with the widely popular Remington Model 870 pump-action shotgun.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the barrel’s accuracy, handling, and recoil. The rifling is the key element that stabilizes the slug in flight, leading to increased accuracy. The 20-inch length provides a good balance for hunting in wooded areas.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel performs its job exceptionally well, dramatically increasing accuracy when used with sabot slugs. Groupings at 100 yards are consistently within 3-4 inches, a significant improvement over smoothbore barrels. Reliability is excellent, with no feeding or extraction issues encountered.
The main strength is its accuracy potential; however, it’s important to note that it’s designed specifically for sabot slugs. Using traditional rifled slugs will likely result in poor accuracy and potential damage to the barrel. A potential improvement would be to offer it with a pre-installed cantilever scope mount for even easier optic mounting.
It far exceeds expectations for ethical and accurate deer hunting in shotgun-only zones.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. Remington has used high-quality steel with a durable blued finish. The weight is manageable and doesn’t significantly alter the balance of the Remington 870 Express.
It is user-friendly and requires no gunsmithing for installation on compatible Remington 870 shotguns. There is no significant learning curve, although it’s important to experiment with different sabot slug brands to find the most accurate load for your particular firearm.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, this barrel should last for many years. The blued finish is resistant to rust and corrosion, and the rifling is robust enough to withstand repeated use.
Maintenance is straightforward; simply clean the barrel after each use with a standard shotgun cleaning kit and solvent. Regular lubrication will also help to prevent rust and corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The barrel itself doesn’t come with any accessories, but it’s designed to be used with a variety of aftermarket optics. Scope bases or saddle mounts can be easily installed on the Remington 870 receiver to accommodate scopes.
While not directly related to the barrel, upgrading the trigger on the Remington 870 Express can further enhance accuracy. The barrel is compatible with all standard Remington 870 accessories, such as slings, shell carriers, and recoil pads.
Pros and Cons of Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel
Pros
- Dramatically increased accuracy with sabot slugs, extending effective range for deer hunting.
- Easy installation – no gunsmithing required for compatible Remington 870 shotguns.
- Durable construction with a high-quality steel barrel and blued finish.
- Affordable price compared to other rifled slug barrels or dedicated slug guns.
- Transform your existing Remington 870 into a dedicated and accurate slug gun.
Cons
- Designed specifically for sabot slugs; traditional rifled slugs are not recommended.
- Potential for barrel heating during extended shooting sessions, which can affect accuracy.
Who Should Buy Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel?
This barrel is perfect for hunters in shotgun-only zones who are seeking to extend their effective range and improve accuracy when deer hunting. It’s also a great option for anyone who already owns a Remington 870 Express and wants to convert it into a dedicated slug gun without investing in a completely new firearm.
Those who primarily hunt with traditional rifled slugs should skip this product, as it is designed specifically for sabot slugs. It is not recommended for those who are not comfortable mounting and sighting in a scope, as maximizing its accuracy potential requires the use of optics.
A must-have accessory is a quality scope or red dot sight to take full advantage of the barrel’s accuracy potential. A good quality sabot slug from a reputable manufacturer is essential for achieving optimal performance. Consider adding a cheek riser if needed for a comfortable and consistent cheek weld with your chosen optic.
Conclusion on Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel
The Remington RXBL 870 EXP 20Ga 20in Fully Rifled RS Barrel is an excellent upgrade for Remington 870 Express owners looking to enhance their shotgun’s accuracy for deer hunting. The price of $239.99 is justified by the significant improvement in accuracy and extended range it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any hunter seeking a reliable and accurate slug gun for shotgun-only areas. Don’t let inaccurate shots ruin your hunt! Upgrade your Remington 870 today and experience the difference a rifled barrel can make.