With many units and agencies using reduced recoil buckshot and slugs, conventional fixed choke shotguns often do not pattern well. The user should be able to select the appropriate choke for ammunition they are using, so that they can get tighter, more controlled patterns. When wearing body armor or a tactical vest, the shooter needs a shorter stock. Back-bored and ported barrels enhance recoil reduction, while combat sights reduce acquisition time.
Remington has a range that includes the 870P pump, 11-87P gas-operated shotguns and the new 870 Modular Combat Shotgun (MCS). The MCS centers around the proprietary REM LOC quick change stock system and allows the weapon to be configured with a 10-inch breaching, 14-inch tactical or 18-inch rifle sighted barrel, pistol grips or stocks and magazine tube capacities to meet changing tactical situations quickly and without tools. It can also fire multiple ammunition sizes and types and can mount underneath an M4/M16 as an accessory weapon. A design is nearly complete to also mount the MCS underneath the experimental XM8. The MCS also comes with a receiver mounted Picatinny rail, cleaning kit, ammunition sidesaddle and discreet protective weapons case. Whether as an accessory weapon, a breaching tool, a close quarters battle weapon or a conventional high capacity shotgun, the MCS is all four in one. MCS shotgun systems have just returned from successful combat trials in and around Baghdad. In addition the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force and the Israeli Ministry of Defence are reportedly showing interest in the MCS.
The 870-series is an industry standards upon which many modifications can be based. For instance, the Wilson Combat Scattergun is an 870 with an 18-inch cylinder bore barrel, a seven-round extended magazine with four or six shot side saddle shell carrier, a black synthetic stock, 6-volt SURE-FIRE Tactical Light and a rust resistant finish. The Professional model has a 14-inch barrel and five-round magazine. The firm also touts their patented TRAK-LOCK Ghost Ring Sight System as being able to deliver rifle-like accuracy, even under low-light conditions. Wilson will even refurbish a customer’s shotgun to their standards.
Another low cost option, from the Canadian firm Argonaut Armament’s AR15-870 CQB Stock Adapter, allows an M4/SOPMOD CQB style telescoping/ collapsible butt stock to be mounted in-line to the Remington 870 shotgun. While fairly new, these have been tested by special forces units and law enforcement tactical units.
