Description
I was about 14 when I first felt the solid ker-chunk of a Remington 870’s action. It was my uncle’s old Wingmaster, and it felt like a piece of farm equipment—in the best way possible. Dependable, simple, and utterly effective. That’s the legacy the Remington 870 Express Deer, Pump, 12 Ga, 3″ Chamber, 20″ Barrel, Black, Wood Stock, Rifle Sights, 4Rd carries forward, but it’s built for a specific job: putting venison in the freezer. Here’s my take after putting hundreds of rounds through various 870s over the years.
The Remington 870 Express Deer is a purpose-built, no-frills pump-action shotgun configured for hunting. It features a 20″ barrel with rifle sights for slug accuracy, a 3″ chamber for versatile ammunition, a classic wood stock, and a 4-round capacity. It’s a rugged, reliable, and affordable tool designed for deer hunters in brush and timber.
Let’s talk about that 20-inch barrel. In the dense oak-hickory forests and river bottoms we have here in Missouri, a long barrel is a liability. The shorter profile of this 870 makes it quick to shoulder and easy to maneuver through thickets without snagging on every branch. Paired with the rifle-style sights—a square-notch rear and blade front—you have a setup that transitions from a fast swing on a moving target to a precise, aimed shot with a rifled slug. The balance is just right, and at around 7.5 pounds, it’s substantial enough to soak up recoil but not so heavy it’s a burden on a long still-hunt.
The heart of it is the 870 action itself. It’s been proven for decades. The twin action bars provide a smooth, bind-free pump stroke that you can run hard if you need a fast follow-up shot. The Express finish is a utilitarian matte black that resists glare and light scratches, and the stained hardwood stock gives it a classic, honest look. It’s a workhorse, not a show pony. One of the best things? It’s drop-in ready. You can take it from the box, give it a proper cleaning and lubrication, and head to the range or the woods. It’s compatible with the vast ecosystem of 870 accessories—from magazine tube extensions to stocks and sling mounts from brands like Magpul and Mesa Tactical.
Here are the key specifications laid out cleanly:
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 20″ |
| Sights | Rifle-Style (Rear Notch, Front Blade) |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Stock | Hardwood |
Pros & Cons
The pros are straightforward: legendary reliability, a perfect configuration for brush hunting, excellent value for the price—which sits at a very fair $379.00—and timeless, functional aesthetics. The cons? The Express finish isn’t as corrosion-resistant as a premium coating, so you need to keep it oiled, especially in our humid Missouri seasons. The factory stock might be a bit long or short for some shooters, but that’s easily swapped. The action can be a little stiff out of the box, but it wears in nicely with use.
Who is this for?
Look, this is for the hunter who needs a dedicated slug gun for whitetail in tight cover. It’s for the landowner who wants a reliable tool for predator control. It’s even for the home defender who appreciates the sheer authority of a 12-gauge, though the rifle sights are a hint at its primary intent. It’s not a target shotgun or a waterfowl gun, but within its designed role, it’s incredibly hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun shoot buckshot effectively for deer hunting?
A: Absolutely. The 20″ cylinder or improved cylinder bore (common on these models) is ideal for buckshot patterns at short to moderate ranges in heavy cover. Always pattern your specific gun with the load you plan to use.
Q: Is the barrel rifled for slugs?
A: No, this model features a smoothbore barrel. It is designed for use with rifled slugs (Foster-type slugs), which are stabilized by their design. For saboted slugs and maximum accuracy, you’d want a dedicated rifled barrel, which can often be purchased as an accessory.
Q: What’s the real-world capacity?
A: The magazine tube holds 4 rounds of 2 3/4″ shells. With one in the chamber, that’s 5 total. With 3″ shells, capacity may be reduced by one. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases when ordering online to your local dealer.
If you’re after a proven, no-nonsense shotgun built for hunting in our part of the country, the Remington 870 Express Deer is a solid choice. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states. See if it’s the right fit for your rack.
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