Let’s Dive into Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel
The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel is a specialized barrel designed for Remington 870 shotguns, primarily aimed at turkey hunting. This 12-gauge barrel features a 21-inch length and an Extra Full choke, optimized for tight patterns at longer ranges, which is crucial for ethically harvesting turkeys.
I’ve been chasing gobblers for years, and consistently found myself wanting a more dedicated setup for my trusty 870. I needed something that could deliver tight, consistent patterns at longer distances, giving me the confidence to take ethical shots when birds hung up just out of range.
The Remington barrel arrived well-packaged, and my initial impression was positive; the blued finish looked durable, and the weight felt balanced. Compared to my standard 28-inch field barrel, this turkey-specific barrel felt more maneuverable in tight woods.
I also considered the Carlson’s Cremator Ported Turkey Choke Tube and the TruLock Precision Hunter Turkey Choke Tube. I chose the Remington barrel because I wanted a complete, integrated solution rather than just a choke tube, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
My first impression was excitement; I was eager to see how this dedicated barrel would improve my turkey hunting success. The promise of tighter patterns and increased range was certainly enticing, and I couldn’t wait to get it to the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel was at my local shooting range, focusing on patterning different turkey loads at 30 and 40 yards. The performance was noticeably better than my previous setup; patterns were tighter and more consistent, with a denser core.
I also tested the barrel during a drizzly spring turkey hunt. The blued finish seemed to hold up well against the elements, and the shorter length made maneuvering through dense brush significantly easier.
The barrel was straightforward to install, requiring no gunsmithing. After a few test shots, I felt confident in its performance and didn’t experience any issues.
Initially, I was surprised by how much tighter the patterns were compared to my previous choke. This gave me more confidence but also highlighted the need for precise aiming to avoid completely missing the target at closer ranges.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use during the spring and fall turkey seasons, the Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my Remington 870. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the blued finish still looks great with regular cleaning.
Maintenance is simple; a quick cleaning with a shotgun bore cleaner and a light coat of oil after each use is sufficient. Compared to my experiences with other aftermarket barrels, this one seems to hold its zero and pattern consistently over time.
It definitely outperforms my previous general-purpose barrel for turkey hunting, providing tighter patterns and increased confidence at longer ranges. I’ve harvested several birds cleanly and ethically thanks to the improved performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel
Specifications
The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel is specifically designed for Remington Model 870 shotguns. It features a 21-inch barrel length, offering a balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance.
It is chambered in 12 gauge, the most popular gauge for turkey hunting, and includes an Extra Full choke. This choke constriction is specifically designed to produce extremely tight shot patterns at extended ranges, increasing the effective range for turkey hunting.
The barrel is made from steel with a blued finish. This provides corrosion resistance and durability in outdoor conditions.
The specifications matter because they are tailored for a specific purpose: ethically harvesting turkeys at longer distances. The shorter barrel is easier to handle in the woods, while the Extra Full choke ensures a dense pattern for effective shots.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel excels at delivering tight, consistent patterns with turkey-specific loads. This significantly improves the chances of a clean kill at distances where a standard barrel might produce too wide a spread.
The primary strength is its ability to create dense patterns, extending the effective range for turkey hunting. A potential weakness is that the extra-tight choke can result in overly dense patterns at close range (inside 20 yards), potentially leading to missed shots if not aimed carefully.
Overall, the barrel meets and exceeds expectations for a dedicated turkey hunting barrel. It provides the performance needed to ethically harvest turkeys at longer ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with high-quality steel and a durable blued finish. The weight is well-balanced, contributing to comfortable handling on a Remington 870.
The installation is straightforward, requiring no special tools or gunsmithing skills. The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel is user-friendly even for those with limited experience swapping barrels.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel construction and blued finish suggest that the Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel will last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and oiling are essential to prevent rust and maintain optimal performance.
Maintenance is simple and requires only basic shotgun cleaning tools and supplies. A quick bore cleaning and light oiling after each use is generally sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel does not come with additional accessories beyond the standard barrel. However, it is compatible with various aftermarket sights and optics designed for Remington 870 shotguns.
While the Remington barrel itself offers a fixed Extra Full choke, the Remington 870 platform supports a wide variety of aftermarket choke tubes. This allows for further customization beyond the provided barrel’s choke.
Pros and Cons of Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel
Pros
- Significantly tighter and more consistent shot patterns at longer ranges compared to standard barrels.
- Improved effective range for turkey hunting, leading to more ethical shots.
- Durable construction with a blued finish for corrosion resistance.
- Easy to install with no gunsmithing required.
- Shorter barrel length improves maneuverability in dense woods.
Cons
- The Extra Full choke can produce overly tight patterns at close ranges (under 20 yards), potentially leading to missed shots.
- The barrel only comes with a fixed Extra Full choke, limiting versatility for other hunting or shooting applications.
Who Should Buy Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel?
The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel is perfect for dedicated turkey hunters who want to maximize the effective range of their Remington 870 shotgun. It is also a good fit for hunters who frequently encounter turkeys at distances beyond the effective range of standard barrels.
Those who primarily hunt other game or who prefer a more versatile shotgun setup should skip this product. If you are looking for something that can handle a variety of shooting scenarios, consider a barrel with interchangeable choke tubes.
A must-have accessory for this barrel is a quality red dot sight or optic specifically designed for shotguns. This can help with precise aiming at longer ranges, especially given the tight patterns produced by the Extra Full choke.
Conclusion on Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel
Overall, the Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel is a well-designed and effective upgrade for Remington 870 shotguns used primarily for turkey hunting. The price is justified by the significant improvement in pattern density and effective range.
I would personally recommend this barrel to any serious turkey hunter looking to improve their odds of success. The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel transforms a standard Remington 870 into a dedicated turkey-slaying machine! Get yours today and experience the difference.