Description
Picture this: you’re walking a cut soybean field in late October, the sun just starting to warm the frost off the grass. A covey flushes, and the smooth, instinctive swing of a classic shotgun comes up to your shoulder. That’s the feeling the Remington 870 American Classic Pump 20 Ga, 26″ Barrel, Rem Choke High Gloss Walnut Blued is built to deliver. It’s not just a tool; it’s a tradition you can hold.
So, what is it? The Remington 870 American Classic Pump 20 Ga, 26″ Barrel, Rem Choke High Gloss Walnut Blued is a modern iteration of the legendary 870 pump-action shotgun, chambered in versatile 20-gauge. It features a 26-inch barrel with a Rem Choke system, a high-gloss walnut stock, and a polished blue finish, blending timeless aesthetics with reliable performance for upland hunting and sport shooting.
I’ve put a few hundred target loads and a fair share of light field loads through this configuration, and here’s what stands out. The action, right out of the box, is the heart of the matter. It’s tight, as you’d expect from a new 870, but it’s smooth. That famous twin-action bar design means the pump stroke is solid and linear—no binding, no slop. It’s a 6+1 capacity platform, giving you plenty of follow-up shots without feeling bulky. With an overall length just over 46 inches and a weight around 6.5 pounds, it carries all day without wearing you out.
The real story, though, is in the details Remington chose for this “American Classic” line. The high-gloss walnut is finished to a deep, warm luster that catches the light, not in a flashy way, but with a quiet confidence. It’s paired with a polished blueing on the receiver and barrel that has real depth. This isn’t a matte, tactical finish; it’s a Sunday-best kind of gun. The 26-inch barrel is the sweet spot for a 20-gauge in my opinion—quick enough for thick cover but with a swing that feels planted on crossing shots. The inclusion of the Rem Choke system (typically Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full tubes) is a huge plus, letting you tailor your pattern for everything from close-rising quail to passing doves.
Let’s talk about the practical side. The stock dimensions are classic, and for most shooters, it will fit out of the box. The bead sight is simple and effective. One of the 870’s enduring strengths is its ecosystem. This model is compatible with a vast array of aftermarket parts from brands like Magpul for stocks or Mesa Tactical for side-saddles, should you ever want to customize. But honestly, in this configuration, you probably won’t want to. It’s complete.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (2 3/4″ & 3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Choke System | Rem Choke (Tubes Included) |
| Finish | Polished Blued Steel, High-Gloss Walnut |
| Overall Length | Approx. 46.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
Pros & Cons
Here’s the thing—no gun is perfect for everyone. The pros here are significant: timeless, handsome aesthetics that stand out in a sea of synthetic stocks; the proven, rugged reliability of the 870 action; and a 20-gauge chambering that offers lighter recoil than a 12-gauge while remaining effective for game and clays. The cons? That beautiful gloss finish and blueing can show scratches and handling marks more than a matte finish. And at $919.22, it’s positioned as a premium version of the 870. You’re paying for that fit and finish.
Who is this for?
This shotgun is for the hunter or shooter who values tradition and craftsmanship alongside performance. It’s for the Missouri upland hunter chasing pheasants in CRP fields or squirrels in the hardwoods. It’s for the shooter who enjoys a round of sporting clays with a gun that has some soul. It’s also a fantastic, manageable option for newer shooters or those sensitive to recoil, thanks to the 20-gauge chambering. If your needs are purely tactical or you demand absolute finish durability above all else, you might look elsewhere. But if you appreciate a firearm that feels like an heirloom from the first time you pick it up, this is your gun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chokes are included with this shotgun?
A: It typically comes with a set of three Rem Choke tubes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. This covers the vast majority of hunting and target shooting scenarios.
Q: Is the stock length adjustable?
A: No, the high-gloss walnut stock is a fixed, classic dimension. However, the 870 platform is so ubiquitous that aftermarket stocks in various lengths are readily available from companies like Hogue or Magpul if you need a precise fit.
Q: Can this handle 3-inch magnum shells?
A: Yes, the chamber is designed for both 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells. That said, with the 20-gauge, the 3-inch shells will have noticeably more recoil—something to consider for extended shooting sessions.
If the idea of a classic, reliable shotgun that looks as good as it shoots speaks to you, this Remington 870 American Classic is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check its current status with us.
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