Remington 870 Express Slug 20GA 18.5 Barrel

Description

The Remington 870 Express Slug 20GA 18.5 Barrel is a specialized, budget-friendly shotgun designed for slug hunting and home defense. It’s a pump-action 20-gauge built on the legendary 870 platform, featuring a short 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrel optimized for firing rifled slugs. This configuration offers a potent, low-recoil package at a practical price point, making it a solid value for specific uses.

Key Features

• Purpose-Built Slug Barrel: The 18.5″ cylinder bore barrel is designed for optimal accuracy with rifled slugs, eliminating the choke constriction found on birdshot barrels.
• Proven 870 Reliability: Built on the iconic, time-tested Remington 870 action known for its durability and simple operation.
• 20-Gauge Advantage: Delivers effective stopping power with significantly less recoil than a 12-gauge, making it more manageable for smaller-framed shooters.
• Express Value Finish: Features a durable, no-frills finish and synthetic stock that keeps the cost down while maintaining core functionality.
• Compact & Maneuverable: The short barrel length makes it easy to handle in tight spaces like a blind or a home’s hallway.

Specifications & Details

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Specification	Detail
Gauge	20 Gauge
Action	Pump Action
Barrel Length	18.5 Inches
Barrel Type	Cylinder Bore (Slug)
Overall Length	Approx. 39 Inches
Capacity	4+1 Rounds
Stock	Synthetic

Here’s the thing—this isn’t a do-everything field gun. The fixed cylinder bore choke means it won’t pattern birdshot well at distance. Its entire design is focused on one job: launching slugs accurately and reliably. With a total weight around 7 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all day but has enough heft to soak up the 20-gauge’s mild kick. The synthetic stock is tough and weather-resistant, a practical choice for the Missouri woods. At $384.73, it sits in a sweet spot between bare-bones budget guns and more expensive hunting models. This model is drop-in ready for a sling, with swivel studs already installed, and it ships to Missouri and compliant US states.

Who This Shotgun Is For

This shotgun is built for the hunter on a budget who needs a dedicated slug gun for whitetail in shotgun-only zones, or for a homeowner seeking a straightforward, low-recoil defensive tool. It’s ideal for younger or smaller-statured shooters who find 12-gauge recoil punishing. It’s also a perfect candidate for a truck or cabin gun where its simple mechanics and slug-specific design offer reliable performance without fuss. If you need one gun for both ducks and deer, look elsewhere—but if you need an affordable, specialized tool for a specific task, this 870 Express delivers.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Excellent value for a dedicated slug platform; legendary 870 reliability and aftermarket support; 20-gauge reduces recoil fatigue; short barrel is highly maneuverable; synthetic stock withstands harsh conditions. The price is a major advantage when you consider the cost of buying a separate slug barrel for a standard 870.

Cons: The cylinder bore barrel is useless for bird hunting; Express finish is functional but not refined; some may find the 4+1 capacity limiting; not threaded for chokes, so its use is fixed. You’re trading versatility for a lower price and a focused design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I shoot buckshot or birdshot through this slug barrel?

A: You can, but you shouldn’t expect good patterns. The cylinder bore has no choke constriction, so birdshot will spread very wide, very quickly, making it ineffective for hunting. Buckshot may pattern loosely. This barrel is engineered specifically for slugs.

Q: Is the 20-gauge powerful enough for deer hunting?

A: Absolutely. With modern sabot or rifled slugs, a 20-gauge is a highly effective deer cartridge within typical shotgun-range distances (under 100 yards). It delivers ample energy with less recoil, allowing for more accurate follow-up shots—a real benefit.

Q: Can I add a longer barrel for other types of hunting?

A: Yes. One of the biggest benefits of the Remington 870 platform is its modularity. You can easily swap this 18.5″ slug barrel for a longer, choked barrel from Remington or brands like Carlson’s or Hastings for waterfowl or upland hunting. It’s a simple process requiring no gunsmithing.

For a no-nonsense, budget-conscious slug gun or manageable home defense shotgun built on a proven platform, the Remington 870 Express Slug 20GA is a hard value to beat. Check availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.