The Remington 870 Fieldmaster Synthetic has long been a favorite among hunters, sports shooters, and home defense enthusiasts. Its robust design, reliability, and versatility make it a popular choice, but is it the right shotgun for you? This in-depth review will explore the features, pros, and cons of this classic pump-action shotgun to help you decide.
What Makes the Remington 870 Fieldmaster Synthetic Stand Out?
The Fieldmaster Synthetic distinguishes itself through several key features:
Durable Synthetic Stock
Unlike its wood-stocked counterparts, the Fieldmaster features a durable synthetic stock. This offers several advantages:
- Weather Resistance: Synthetic stocks are less susceptible to warping, cracking, or swelling in adverse weather conditions, making it ideal for hunting in diverse environments.
- Lightweight Design: Synthetic stocks are generally lighter than wood, reducing the overall weight of the shotgun and improving maneuverability.
- Increased Durability: They're more resistant to scratches and dents, maintaining a clean look even after extended use.
Reliable Pump-Action Mechanism
The heart of the Remington 870 is its famously reliable pump-action mechanism. Its simplicity and robust construction contribute to its legendary dependability, even under stressful situations. This makes it a trusted choice for both hunting and self-defense.
Versatility
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster Synthetic's versatility is another key selling point. Its adaptability allows for various configurations and uses:
- Hunting: Ideal for various game, from waterfowl to upland birds, with interchangeable chokes allowing for customized shot patterns.
- Home Defense: Its reliability and stopping power make it a popular home defense shotgun.
- Sporting Clays: While not its primary purpose, its simple operation and manageable recoil make it suitable for introductory sporting clays.
Remington 870 Fieldmaster Synthetic: Pros and Cons
Like any firearm, the Remington 870 Fieldmaster Synthetic has its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Reliability: Renowned for its robust and dependable operation.
- Affordable: Compared to some other shotguns on the market, it offers excellent value for its price.
- Versatility: Suitable for hunting, home defense, and even some sporting clays.
- Ease of Maintenance: Relatively simple to clean and maintain.
- Wide Availability of Accessories: A vast array of aftermarket accessories are readily available.
Cons:
- Recoil: The recoil can be substantial, particularly with heavier loads. This can be mitigated with recoil pads or reduced-recoil ammunition.
- Weight: While lighter than wood-stocked versions, it's still a relatively heavy shotgun.
- Sights: The factory sights can be somewhat basic, and some users might prefer upgrading to fiber optic or ghost ring sights.
Is the Remington 870 Fieldmaster Synthetic Right for You?
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster Synthetic is a solid, reliable shotgun that's well-suited for a range of applications. However, it's crucial to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a dependable, versatile, and reasonably priced shotgun, the Fieldmaster Synthetic is a strong contender. But if recoil management is a significant concern or you desire a lighter shotgun, you might want to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster Synthetic remains a popular choice for its proven reliability, versatility, and affordability. While it has some minor drawbacks, its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy consideration for anyone in the market for a pump-action shotgun. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and consult with a firearms professional before purchasing any firearm.
