Remington · Pump-action shotgun
Remington Model 870 Value
The Model 870 is a pump-action shotgun built around a solid steel receiver, and it was offered in a broad range of gauges, barrel lengths, and configurations for hunting, sporting clays, home defense, and law enforcement use. Its long production run and mechanical simplicity made it one of the most widely distributed shotguns of its type.
- Type
- Pump-action shotgun
- Production
- Introduced in the mid-1950s and produced continuously for decades
- Maker
- Remington
About the Remington Model 870
The Model 870 is a pump-action shotgun built around a solid steel receiver, and it was offered in a broad range of gauges, barrel lengths, and configurations for hunting, sporting clays, home defense, and law enforcement use. Its long production run and mechanical simplicity made it one of the most widely distributed shotguns of its type.
Because millions were produced across many decades, most 870s are common working guns rather than rare collectibles, so assessment tends to focus on grade, condition, and configuration rather than scarcity.
Higher-grade Wingmaster models with better wood and checkering are viewed differently than the utilitarian Express line introduced later, and specialty barrels or factory engraving can further separate individual guns.
Variations
Remington Model 870 variations that matter
Configuration is often the difference between two otherwise identical examples.
Wingmaster
The traditional higher-grade line with blued steel, cut checkering, and better wood-to-metal fit.
Express
A lower-cost line introduced later featuring a matte finish and pressed checkering, aimed at hunters and general-purpose use.
Police and tactical configurations
Short-barrel, fixed-choke variants built for law enforcement and home-defense use, often with synthetic furniture.
Specialty barrel and gauge variants
Turkey, deer/slug, and youth-model configurations with dedicated barrels, sights, or shorter stocks.
Valuation
What affects Remington Model 870 value
We do not publish a price chart. These are the characteristics that determine what a specific example evaluates at.
Factor 1
Grade (Wingmaster vs. Express)
Wingmaster guns generally carry better wood and finish than Express-grade guns, which affects how each is evaluated.
Factor 2
Gauge and barrel configuration
12-gauge field guns are the most common; less common gauges or specialty barrels can shift interest.
Factor 3
Condition of bluing and wood
Surface rust, refinishing, or stock cracks are noted against an original, well-kept finish.
Factor 4
Choke and barrel originality
Fixed-choke barrels versus factory choke-tube barrels, and whether the barrel matches the receiver's original configuration, matter to buyers.
Factor 5
Law enforcement trade-in history
Ex-police 870s often show park-style finishes and shortened barrels, which is a distinct configuration from a sporting field gun.
Factor 6
Included accessories
Extra barrels, choke tubes, and factory box or paperwork can be part of an overall assessment.
Remington Model 870: common questions
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