Description
You’re woken by a sound that doesn’t belong—a heavy thump downstairs, the distinct scrape of a window forced against its frame. In the dark, seconds stretch. You need a tool that’s immediate, instinctive, and utterly dependable. That’s where the Remington 870 Police 12 Ga 18″ Barrel Parkerized Finish Bead Sights Wood Stock 4rd comes in. It’s not a sporting gun dressed up; it’s the law enforcement workhorse, built to a higher standard and now available for duty at your doorstep.
The Remington 870 Police is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun built to institutional specifications for law enforcement and security use. It features an 18-inch cylinder-bore barrel with a bead sight, a durable parkerized metal finish, a classic American walnut stock and forend, and a 4-round capacity (2 3/4″ shells). This is a purpose-built defensive firearm designed for reliability under pressure, with a suggested retail price of $556.00.
When it comes to home defense, simplicity and muscle memory win. The 870 Police platform operates on a principle you can feel: the solid, unmistakable clack of the forend being pumped. That sound alone is a universal deterrent. The 18-inch barrel provides optimal maneuverability in hallways and tight spaces without sacrificing essential ballistic performance. Its cylinder bore choke is ideal for defensive loads, ensuring consistent pattern spread at indoor distances. This model ships with a classic wood stock, offering a traditional grip and a heft that soaks up recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more controlled. At just over 7.5 pounds unloaded, it’s substantial enough to be steady, not so heavy it becomes a burden.
The parkerized finish isn’t for show. It’s a matte, phosphate coating that resists corrosion and reduces glare—a practical feature for low-light conditions. The twin action bars on the 870 Police model ensure smooth, non-binding pump operation, a key upgrade over some express models. Look, the bead sight is as simple as it gets, but for the distances involved in a defensive scenario inside a home, it’s more than sufficient for fast, instinctive pointing. The 4-round tubular magazine capacity is standard for this barrel length, and the design is compatible with a vast ecosystem of aftermarket parts from brands like Magpul for stocks and forends, and SureFire for weapon-mounted lights. Installation of many accessories is straightforward, often requiring no gunsmithing required for basic swaps.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (2 3/4″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 18 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 38.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Finish | Parkerized Metal, Walnut Stock |
| Sights | Bead Front |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
Pros: Legendary reliability and simple manual of arms. Durable parkerized finish stands up to harsh conditions. The wood stock provides excellent recoil management. Proven law-enforcement pedigree with massive aftermarket support for customization. The 18″ barrel is the ideal balance of maneuverability and control.
Cons: The 4-round capacity may feel limited to some, though extensions are available. The classic wood, while beautiful, is heavier than modern synthetic options. As a pump-action, it requires user training to master the pump stroke under stress—which is true of any platform.
So who is this for? It’s for the homeowner who values proven mechanics over complex electronics. It’s for the shooter who understands that a pump-action’s audible cycle is a powerful psychological tool. It’s for the individual who appreciates a classic, American-made firearm with a military and police heritage, ready to serve without fuss. This is a bedrock-strong foundation for a defensive system. Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the 870 Police and a standard 870 Express?
A: The Police model is built to higher institutional specifications. Key differences often include a parkerized finish (vs. blued or matte), heavier duty magazine tube springs, a more robust carrier dog spring, and twin action bars for smoother, more reliable pumping. It’s essentially a more ruggedized version.
Q: Can I add a magazine tube extension to increase capacity?
A: Yes, the 870 platform is highly modular. Companies like Nordic Components and Wilson Combat make reputable extensions. However, adding an extension to an 18″ barrel will increase overall length and may require a longer magazine tube clamp. It’s a common and effective upgrade.
Q: Is the wood stock durable enough for serious use?
A: Absolutely. The American walnut is tough and has been used on duty shotguns for decades. Its primary trade-offs are weight (slightly heavier than synthetic) and susceptibility to extreme swelling if left soaked—a non-issue for typical defensive storage. Many prefer its solid feel and recoil absorption.
If your plan for security starts with a tool that has stood the test of time, the Remington 870 Police is waiting. See its full details and availability on our site.


Reviews
There are no reviews yet.