An Overview of the Youth Model
The Remington 870. The name alone conjures images of reliability, functionality, and an enduring legacy in the world of shotguns. For decades, this pump-action marvel has been a mainstay in hunting blinds, law enforcement armories, and home defense setups alike. Its rugged design and intuitive operation have made it a favorite of both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the shooting sports. But what about those who are just starting out, or perhaps those who find the typical shotgun a bit unwieldy? Enter the Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge, a model specifically engineered to accommodate smaller shooters and those looking for a more manageable platform. This article dives deep into the specifications and features of this excellent firearm, exploring why it’s a top choice for young hunters, smaller-statured individuals, and anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly shotgun.
Unveiling the Technical Details
Now, let’s get into the specifics, providing a comprehensive look at the features and specifications of the Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge.
The outer form of the 870 Youth is a testament to efficiency. Overall length is naturally shorter than its standard siblings, contributing to its easy handling. The barrel length is also typically tailored to a youth model, often presenting the ideal balance of maneuverability and effectiveness.
The weight, a critical consideration for younger users, is thoughtfully managed in this model. The Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge maintains a reasonable heft, contributing to balance and stability without being overly burdensome.
The stock length, as mentioned earlier, is a key selling point. The Youth model features a significantly shorter LOP, allowing for a more comfortable and secure fit against the shoulder. This improved fit is essential for proper sight alignment and control.
The receiver is often crafted from high-quality steel, a hallmark of the 870’s renowned durability. The chosen stock material contributes to the overall feel of the shotgun. Synthetic stocks are common, offering weather resistance and ease of maintenance. Wood stocks offer a classic aesthetic.
The finish on the metal parts can vary, but blued steel offers a timeless appeal and good protection against corrosion. The selection of a matte finish can reduce glare, which is especially beneficial in hunting scenarios.
Moving into the heart of the firearm, the chamber is engineered to accommodate specific shell sizes, typically accommodating 2 ¾-inch shells. This standardization ensures compatibility with a wide array of ammunition options. The 20 gauge designation confirms the chamber’s size, a characteristic that offers a sweet spot between the power of a 12-gauge and the gentler recoil of a smaller gauge.
The bore diameter plays a critical role in shot pattern and performance. Chokes, or constriction at the muzzle, are often incorporated. The Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge can have different choke systems like interchangeable chokes like Rem Choke or fixed chokes to suit the specific application, whether it’s hunting or sporting clays.
The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun, a design renowned for its simplicity and dependability. The manual action requires the shooter to cycle the forend backward and forward to eject spent shells and chamber fresh rounds. Magazine capacity depends on the specific configuration but typically holds a few rounds.
Safety is a paramount concern. The 870 Youth typically includes a manual safety, often a cross-bolt safety, providing a positive method to prevent unintentional firing.
Sights typically use a simple bead sight at the muzzle, allowing for rapid target acquisition. Options such as a vent rib barrel, which can enhance sighting, may be available.
Trigger pull weight is the force required to fire the gun. A lighter trigger pull is typically easier to manage and can enhance accuracy.
What Makes the Youth Model Stand Out?
The design of the Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge brings particular advantages.
The most significant attribute is the intentional design for fit. The reduced LOP allows for a proper shoulder mount for youth and smaller-statured shooters, leading to enhanced control and accuracy. This is particularly important for beginners.
Weight management is important. The 870 Youth is designed to be lightweight for easy handling, which is beneficial for shooters of all sizes. The easy-to-manage weight profile helps reduce fatigue during extended periods of use.
The dependability of the 870 platform is legendary. This shotgun is built to withstand heavy use and continue functioning. The reputation for reliability means fewer worries about malfunctions.
The potential for a versatile platform is evident. While ideal for hunting, it’s also suitable for sport shooting, offering versatility for a wide range of activities.
Shotgun Comparisons
When considering shotguns, direct comparisons are helpful. Other pump-action shotguns offer similar functionality, but the Remington 870’s reputation for reliability and parts availability sets it apart. In addition, it’s worth comparing the 870 Youth 20 Gauge to 12 gauge models. The 20 gauge typically exhibits lighter recoil, making it a gentler option for beginners or those with smaller frames. However, 12 gauge shotguns typically offer increased shot capacity and a greater variety of loads, making them more versatile. Ultimately, a comparison with other 20 gauge shotguns should take place, and personal preference plays a huge role in the ultimate decision.
Where the 870 Youth 20 Gauge Excels
The 870 Youth 20 Gauge shines in a number of applications.
The 20 gauge is very well-suited for hunting various game. It’s ideal for small game, like rabbits and squirrels. For those who hunt birds, such as upland birds, it performs admirably. In some areas, it’s even suitable for deer hunting, especially with the appropriate loads and within specific regulations. The lighter recoil compared to the 12 gauge enhances shooting comfort and allows for more frequent practice.
For those who want to target shoot, the 870 Youth 20 Gauge is perfect for casual target practice and clays shooting.
It can be used for personal defense, but training is highly important. The ease of operation and reasonable recoil make it an option for home defense. *Disclaimer: Owning a firearm for self-defense requires adherence to local laws, and participation in professional training courses is essential.*
Prioritizing Safety
Safety is the most crucial aspect of owning and operating any firearm.
The fundamentals are the foundation. Always treat every gun as if it is loaded. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Be certain of your target and what is beyond.
Ammunition selection is very important. Choose the correct shells for the 20 gauge and the specific load you are using. Be certain you are using the right shell length.
For youth shooters, adult supervision is essential. Youth shooters must be under the guidance of a responsible and knowledgeable adult to ensure safe handling and proper instruction.
Hearing and eye protection are absolutely essential at the shooting range. Wear hearing protection to protect your hearing from the loud muzzle blast. Eye protection keeps debris out of your eyes.
Caring for Your Shotgun
Proper maintenance will prolong the life of your shotgun.
Cleaning is a standard procedure, and it should occur after every shooting session. You will need to clean the bore with a cleaning rod, patches, and bore cleaner. You’ll want to clean the action, wiping away fouling with a solvent and a brush. Finally, lubricate the moving parts with a gun oil.
The most important thing is storage. Always store your shotgun unloaded and locked in a gun safe or other secure location. Store ammunition separately.
Finding Your Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge
You can find the Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge at most major gun retailers and online firearms dealers. When purchasing, always check local laws and ensure a legal transfer.
In Conclusion
The Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge is a fine choice for anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-handle, and effective shotgun. Its design, specifically tailored for younger shooters and individuals with smaller frames, makes it an ideal choice for those taking their first steps into the world of shooting. The 20 gauge chambering offers a great balance of performance and manageability. Its legendary reliability and straightforward operation make it a pleasure to own and operate. If you are looking for a shotgun that combines dependability, user-friendliness, and performance, the Remington 870 Youth 20 Gauge deserves serious consideration. It’s a firearm designed to provide years of enjoyment and service, and a perfect introduction to the world of shooting sports.
