The Remington 870 has been around so long that myths about it have become almost as common as the shotgun itself. Some claims come from internet chatter, some from outdated advice, and some from people repeating half-truths they heard at the range. This gallery breaks down nine of the biggest misconceptions and explains why experienced shooters are still correcting them.
It Never Breaks
The Remington 870 has a reputation for durability, and that reputation is well earned. But durable is not the same thing as indestructible, and experienced shooters get tired of hearing people talk about it like it can survive anything forever without maintenance.
Like any mechanical tool, an 870 can wear out springs, crack extractors, loosen parts, or develop rust if it is neglected. Heavy use, poor storage, and sloppy cleaning habits eventually catch up with any shotgun. The platform is tough, not magical.
What seasoned owners usually mean is that the gun holds up well when cared for properly. That is a very different claim from saying it simply cannot fail.
Every Remington 870 Is the Same
People often talk about the 870 as if every example is identical, but experienced shooters know that covers a huge range of configurations, eras, and quality levels. Wingmaster, Express, Police, Tactical, and countless special runs do not all feel, finish, or function exactly alike.
Manufacturing changes over the decades also matter. Older guns may have different fit and polish than later production examples, and some models were built for hard service while others were aimed at budget buyers. Barrel lengths, choke systems, magazine capacities, and furniture setups vary a lot.
When someone says an 870 is good or bad, the first smart question is which 870 they mean. That detail changes the conversation fast.
Pump Shotguns Cannot Jam
One of the oldest myths in shotgun talk is that pump guns are automatically jam-proof. Experienced shooters know better, especially anyone who has seen short-stroking under stress or with a new shooter behind the gun.
The 870 is mechanically simple, but user error is still part of the system. If the action is not run firmly to the rear and then fully forward, a stoppage can happen. Worn shell latches, damaged ammunition, dirty chambers, or rough extraction can also create problems.
The real advantage of a pump is control and simplicity, not invincibility. Reliability still depends on technique, maintenance, and decent ammunition, just like with every other repeating shotgun.
It Is the Best Choice for Everyone
The 870 is a classic, but experienced shooters push back when people present it as the universal answer for every shooter and every purpose. A shotgun that suits one person perfectly may be awkward, heavy, or punishing for someone else.
Fit matters more than brand loyalty. Stock length, recoil tolerance, intended use, and hand strength all shape whether an 870 is a smart choice. Some shooters will genuinely do better with a semiauto, a lighter field gun, or even a different gauge.
That does not diminish the 870’s strengths. It just means good advice starts with the shooter, not with the assumption that one famous model solves every problem.
The Express and Wingmaster Are Basically Identical
This myth survives because both guns share the same family name and basic operating system. But experienced owners know the differences between an 870 Express and an 870 Wingmaster go beyond cosmetics.
The Wingmaster traditionally carried better polish, smoother finishing, and higher-grade wood or more refined overall fit. Express models were built to hit a lower price point, and that often showed up in rougher finish work and less attention to small details. Functionally they may overlap, but the ownership experience can feel different.
That does not mean every Wingmaster is perfect or every Express is poor. It means the two lines were aimed at different buyers, and seasoned shooters notice that quickly.
A Short Barrel Makes It Inaccurate
Many people assume a short-barreled 870 is somehow less accurate in a meaningful way, but experienced shooters know shotgun performance is more complicated than barrel length alone. At typical defensive distances, a shorter barrel is not spraying pellets all over the room.
Patterning depends heavily on choke, ammunition, and the individual barrel. With slugs, sighting system and shooter skill matter a great deal. A shorter barrel mainly changes handling characteristics, balance, velocity to a modest degree, and how quickly the gun moves in tight spaces.
The smart move is to test the actual setup on paper. Seasoned shooters trust patterns and results, not old counter myths repeated as fact.
More Capacity Always Means Better Performance
Extended magazine tubes look serious, and there are times when extra capacity is useful. But experienced shooters get tired of hearing that adding more shells automatically makes an 870 better in every role.
A longer magazine can change weight distribution, make the gun feel front-heavy, and alter how it swings on birds or clays. For hunting, legal limits may matter. For home defense or duty use, the tradeoff may be worth it, but it is still a tradeoff.
Seasoned shooters usually think in terms of purpose, not maximum accessories. Capacity matters, but so do balance, reliability, and how well the shotgun handles in the job it is actually meant to do.
Any Ammo Will Run Fine Through It
Because the 870 is known for reliability, some people assume it will digest absolutely any shell without complaint. Experienced shooters know that is optimistic, especially when you start mixing in low-quality, damaged, swollen, or unusually dirty ammunition.
Shell length, hull material, crimp quality, and chamber condition all matter. Cheap steel-based shells can stick more readily in rough or dirty chambers, and old ammo can create headaches no matter what gun it goes into. Even a dependable shotgun has limits.
Veteran owners usually test loads before trusting them for hunting, defense, or competition. The lesson is simple: reliable platforms still deserve reliable ammunition, not blind faith and bargain-bin guesses.
It Kicks Too Hard to Be Practical
The Remington 870 can produce stout recoil, especially in a lighter configuration with full-power loads. But experienced shooters roll their eyes when people talk as if every 870 is a bruising monster that ordinary shooters cannot manage.
Recoil is shaped by stock fit, gun weight, recoil pad design, shooting posture, and the load itself. A well-fitted 870 with sensible ammunition can be very manageable. Reduced recoil buckshot, target loads, and proper technique change the experience dramatically.
This myth usually comes from poor fit or bad first impressions. The platform demands respect, but practical does not mean painless, and seasoned shooters know setup matters more than dramatic storytelling.
