Description
Picture this: you’re in a Missouri treestand, a thicket of white oaks to your back, and a mature whitetail is working its way down a creek bed at 80 yards. You need a slug gun that’s as reliable as the sunrise and hits with authority. That’s the mission of the Remington 870 Express, Pump, 12 Ga, 3″ Chamber, 23″ Fully Rifled Barrel with Cantilever, Black, Synthetic Stock, 4Rd. It’s a dedicated, no-nonsense slug-hunting shotgun built on the legendary 870 action, designed for precision with sabot slugs at extended ranges where smoothbores fall off.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t your general-purpose field gun. The 23-inch fully rifled barrel is the heart of the system, imparting a stabilizing spin to modern, high-velocity sabot slugs. This transforms the 12-gauge from a close-quarters powerhouse into a legitimate 100+ yard deer rifle for states with shotgun-only hunting regulations. The cantilever scope mount is integral to the barrel itself, not the receiver. This means your optic stays zeroed with the barrel, a critical feature for consistent accuracy. At a price of $479.20, it delivers serious slug-gun performance without a custom shop price tag.
Built for the Demands of the Field
The synthetic stock and forend shrug off rain, snow, and the bumps and scrapes of a long hunt. The 3-inch chamber gives you flexibility, allowing you to run everything from lighter 2¾-inch practice loads to potent 3-inch magnum slugs for maximum downrange energy. The proven pump action is simple, fast, and utterly dependable in any condition. The four-round capacity (3+1) is the practical sweet spot for most hunting scenarios. This setup is drop-in ready; you mount your preferred optic, like a Leupold or Vortex riflescope, and you’re set. No gunsmithing required to have a slug gun that’s ready for opening day.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel | 23″ Fully Rifled |
| Sights | Cantilever Scope Mount (Scope Not Included) |
| Stock | Black Synthetic |
| Capacity | 4 Rounds (3+1) |
| Action | Pump |
Pros & Cons
Pros: The rifled barrel and cantilever mount system provide exceptional accuracy for a shotgun. The 870 platform is famously rugged and easy to maintain. The synthetic finish is low-maintenance and weather-resistant. It offers a tremendous value for a dedicated slug-hunting tool.
Cons: As a specialized tool, it’s not ideal for shooting shot (birdshot, buckshot) through the rifled barrel. The 23-inch barrel makes it less maneuverable in extremely thick cover compared to an 18-inch home defense model. You will need to budget for a quality scope to complete the system.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This Remington 870 Express is for the hunter who needs to reach out beyond smoothbore range. It’s for the Missouri deer hunter in shotgun-only zones, the hunter pursuing bear or boar in dense woods where a rifle isn’t legal, or the landowner who wants a single, versatile tool for hunting and predator control. It’s for anyone who values proven mechanics over flashy features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot regular birdshot or buckshot through the rifled barrel?
A: It’s not recommended. The rifling will cause the shot cup to spin, creating a doughnut-shaped pattern that is highly ineffective and can damage the barrel’s rifling over time. This gun is specifically designed for use with sabot slugs.
Q: What scope magnification is best for this slug gun?
A: A low-to-mid power variable scope is ideal—something in the 1-4x, 2-7x, or 3-9x range. This gives you a wide field of view for quick shots in timber and enough magnification for precise shots at 125 yards or more.
Q: Is the cantilever mount removable if I want to use iron sights?
A: The cantilever mount is a permanent, integral part of the barrel. This design ensures a rock-solid, repeatable zero. If you prefer iron sights, you would need to source a different barrel without the cantilever mount.
Ready to add this purpose-built slug hunter to your arsenal? This Remington 870 Express is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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