The Call of the Marsh and a Time-Tested Shotgun
The crisp morning air bites at your cheeks. The sun is just starting to peek over the horizon, painting the marsh with hues of orange and gold. You can hear the distant chatter of geese as they begin their morning flight. You settle into your blind, the familiar weight of your shotgun resting comfortably across your lap. Today, just like countless mornings before, your fate hinges on a single piece of equipment: your firearm. For many waterfowl hunters, that firearm is the Remington 870. And when it comes to the toughest conditions and the biggest birds, the Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl reigns supreme.
The world of waterfowl hunting is one steeped in tradition and demanding performance. Hunters venture into the harshest environments, battling biting winds, relentless rain, and frigid temperatures. They rely on gear that is not only effective but also dependable. This is where the Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl excels. It’s a shotgun built for the serious hunter, one that understands the value of reliability and unwavering performance.
A Legacy Forged in Steel: The Remington 870’s Foundation
The Remington 870 holds a place of honor in the pantheon of American firearms. Its roots extend back over seven decades, a testament to its enduring design and consistent ability to put meat on the table and birds in the bag. It is, simply put, an icon. The 870’s story began in the late 1940s, with Remington looking to modernize its shotgun offerings. The 870 was designed to replace the Model 31, and it quickly gained popularity for its smooth operation, robust construction, and reasonable price. Over the years, the 870 has been refined, adapted, and improved, always maintaining its core principles of reliability and value.
This enduring success is due, in large part, to the simplicity and ingenuity of its pump-action mechanism. Unlike semi-automatic shotguns, which rely on gases or inertia to cycle the action, the 870’s pump-action is manually operated. This simplicity translates directly into dependability. The pump-action is less susceptible to malfunctions caused by cold temperatures, fouling from powder residue, or using less-than-optimal ammunition. The shooter controls the action, ensuring each shell is extracted, ejected, and a new one loaded, ready to fire.
The Pump-Action Advantage
The pump-action mechanism itself is elegantly simple. A forearm, or “pump,” is attached to action bars, which in turn operate the bolt. When the pump is pulled rearward, the bolt retracts, extracting the spent shell casing. The casing is then ejected, and as the pump is pushed forward, a fresh shell is lifted from the magazine and chambered. This straightforward design allows for quick follow-up shots and provides a tactile feel that many hunters find reassuring. The feeling of the pump gliding smoothly back and forth is an intrinsic part of the 870 experience.
The Remington 870’s reputation for durability isn’t just talk; it’s built into the design. The receiver is typically constructed from strong steel, capable of withstanding years of hard use and exposure to the elements. The bolt locks securely into the barrel extension, creating a robust and reliable locking system. The barrel is built to handle the pressures of a wide range of ammunition. The 870 is a workhorse, designed to endure the rigors of the field.
Super Magnum: Power for Waterfowl
The “Super Magnum” designation on the Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl is a crucial element of its design, marking it as a shotgun built for the demands of serious waterfowl hunting. The term refers to its ability to chamber and fire 3.5-inch shells. These longer shells hold a substantially larger payload of shot than standard 2.75-inch or even 3-inch shells. This increase in shot volume translates directly into increased lethality at longer ranges, a critical advantage for waterfowl hunters.
The 3.5-inch shell allows hunters to utilize a greater shot count, which increases the odds of hitting the target, especially when shooting at moving birds. With more pellets in the air, there’s a greater chance of a vital hit, leading to cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. Additionally, these longer shells can accommodate denser shot types, such as tungsten or bismuth, which further enhance downrange performance.
This particular version of the 870 is specifically crafted for waterfowl hunting. It is not just a standard 870 adapted; it’s a purpose-built weapon designed from the ground up to excel in the challenging world of ducks and geese. The designers understood the unique needs of waterfowlers, and they incorporated features that enhance both performance and the hunter’s experience.
Camouflage and Weather Resistance
One of the first things that catches the eye is the camouflage finish. The 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl typically features a durable, weather-resistant camouflage pattern, such as Realtree or Mossy Oak. This camouflage is more than just cosmetic. It’s a crucial element of the hunter’s arsenal, helping to break up the shotgun’s outline and blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The goal is to eliminate the possibility of the wary birds spotting the hunter or their weapon. This allows for more birds to be taken without being detected.
Beyond the finish, the 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl boasts other features tailored for the waterfowl hunter. High-quality choke tubes are integral to the package. These can be easily swapped to match the shooting conditions. A wider pattern might be selected for close-range decoy work. A tighter choke would be used for pass shooting. The choke allows the hunter to fine-tune the shot pattern, optimizing performance for the distance to the birds. These choke tubes are often extended, improving the overall appearance of the gun.
The Super Magnum also incorporates an oversized bolt handle and safety, which are particularly helpful when wearing gloves. These larger controls are easier to manipulate with cold, wet hands, allowing for quick and efficient operation in challenging conditions. This detail is crucial for the hunter, allowing them to focus on the shot, not the equipment.
The materials used in construction are often selected for their resistance to moisture and corrosion. The receiver is typically made of steel, but it’s been coated or treated to withstand the harsh environment often encountered during waterfowling. The stocks and forends are often made from synthetic materials, such as polymer. They are weather-resistant, which allows them to perform well in even the most adverse conditions.
Putting it to the Test: Performance in the Field
The effectiveness of the Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl in the field is undeniable. Its power, coupled with its reliability and features, makes it a formidable tool for taking down even the toughest waterfowl.
In decoy spreads, the 870 SPS Super Magnum shines. Its ability to handle 3.5-inch shells loaded with a substantial payload of shot provides a devastating advantage at close to medium ranges. It’s a natural fit for hunting ducks and geese when they are close to the hunter. A quick shot from the 870 can fill the bag quickly.
When pass shooting, the Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl comes into its own. This is where the extended range of the 3.5-inch shells and the ability to use tighter chokes become especially important. The extra pellets, and the tighter patterns they create, increase the chances of a clean kill at extended distances. The hunter’s ability to make a clean, ethical shot is improved with the additional range and power that the 870 offers.
Furthermore, the shotgun’s design is built to perform well under difficult weather conditions. The robust construction, durable finish, and weather-resistant materials make it an excellent choice for the hunter who’s out in the rain or snow. The oversized controls allow for easy operation with gloved hands. The hunter will be able to focus on the birds and not their equipment when the weather turns.
Choosing the right ammunition is paramount. Hunters need to understand the specific needs of their prey and the conditions they face. For many waterfowl hunters, steel shot is now the standard. Steel, although effective, is less dense than lead, and typically requires a larger shot size than previously used with lead. Tungsten-based shotshells offer higher density and therefore better downrange performance. Bismuth is another alternative with good performance. The ideal shot size depends on the target species, the hunting distance, and the hunter’s personal preference. Hunters must also be aware of regulations that pertain to shot size, depending on their geographic region.
Pattern testing is key. It is important to determine how the shotgun patterns with various types of ammunition and choke tube combinations. A pattern board should be used to verify how evenly the shot spreads. A consistent pattern helps the hunter to become confident in their ability.
Examining the Details: Features and Specifications
The core specifications of the Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl are essential for understanding its capabilities.
Typically, the shotgun is a 12-gauge. This is the most popular gauge for waterfowl hunting, offering the right balance of power and manageability. The chamber size is, of course, 3.5 inches, as this is a primary feature of the Super Magnum line. Barrel length is typically available in several options. The selection of barrel length can influence the swing and pattern. Hunters may choose a length based on their shooting style and preferred hunting conditions. The magazine capacity varies depending on the model. However, it usually holds at least two to three shells in addition to the one in the chamber.
The weight of the 870 SPS Super Magnum is important to understand. The weight will vary depending on the barrel length, stock material, and other factors. However, it tends to be on the heavier side. This can help to absorb some of the recoil from the 3.5-inch shells.
The stock and forend materials are usually made from weather-resistant synthetics, as discussed above. They are designed to endure years of service under difficult circumstances. The sights are typically a simple bead sight, which is sufficient for the relatively close-range shooting involved in waterfowl hunting.
There are also a number of potential upgrades or accessories that can be incorporated into the design. These can include upgraded choke tubes, sling swivels, and recoil pads, which all enhance performance and comfort.
Weighing the Options: Pros and Cons
Let’s examine the positives and negatives of the 870 SPS Super Magnum.
Advantages
The advantages of the 870 SPS Super Magnum are numerous. Its legendary reliability and durability are central to its appeal. This is a shotgun that can withstand the rigors of hard use and abuse. The affordable price point means that it’s accessible to hunters of all budgets. It is less expensive than many other dedicated waterfowl shotguns. The versatility of the 870 makes it appealing to a wide range of users. The shotgun can be used for various shooting activities, including upland bird hunting and general sporting purposes. The availability of parts and accessories is also a major plus, making it easy to maintain and customize. The gun is also very effective. Its design and function have stood the test of time and offer outstanding performance in the field.
Disadvantages
Of course, no product is perfect. The most significant con of the Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl is the recoil, particularly with the powerful 3.5-inch shells. This recoil can be substantial, especially for shooters who are not accustomed to it. The pump-action requires manual operation, which is in contrast to the semi-automatic style. The 870 may not have all of the bells and whistles of more expensive shotguns, such as inertia-driven actions or fancy electronics.
Compared to the Competition
Briefly comparing the 870 to other leading brands like the Benelli Super Black Eagle or Beretta A400 Xtreme, highlights the 870’s value. While those other shotguns offer impressive technology and features, they often come at a higher price. The Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum provides comparable performance in many hunting situations, at a considerably lower cost. The price of the 870, combined with its time-tested reliability, makes it a top choice for many waterfowlers.
Final Thoughts: A Waterfowl Hunter’s Companion
In conclusion, the Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum Waterfowl is much more than a simple shotgun; it is an icon of waterfowl hunting, a symbol of reliability and performance. It is a tool purpose-built for those who pursue waterfowl in the harshest environments. Its robust construction, versatile capabilities, and affordable price make it an appealing choice for hunters of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a new hunter, the 870 SPS Super Magnum is ready to serve and ensure the success of the hunter. Its legacy will continue.
