The Ultimate Versatility: REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum 12 Gauge Shotgun

Are you searching for a single shotgun that can confidently tackle everything from waterfowl and turkey hunting to deer with slugs, or even provide reliable home defense? The REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum 12 Gauge shotgun, specifically the R81071 variant with its 28-inch barrel and 4+1 capacity, is a legendary platform renowned for its exceptional versatility, rugged durability, and consistent performance. This isn't just a firearm; it's a multi-purpose tool engineered to meet the demanding needs of serious outdoorsmen and those seeking robust protection.

For years, the Remington Model 870 has stood as a benchmark in pump-action shotgun design, and the REM Arms SPS Super Magnum continues this proud legacy, embodying reliability and adaptability. Whether you're a seasoned hunter looking to extend your range with heavy magnum loads, a sport shooter seeking a dependable field gun, or someone who prioritizes a no-fail home defense option, understanding the capabilities of this shotgun is crucial. This comprehensive guide will explore why the Model 870 SPS Super Magnum is often the answer to questions like "What's the best shotgun for diverse hunting scenarios?" or "Which pump-action shotgun offers maximum shell compatibility?"

Unparalleled Adaptability: Why Choose the 870 SPS Super Magnum?

The core appeal of the REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum lies in its extraordinary ability to handle a wide spectrum of ammunition, most notably its compatibility with 3.5-inch magnum shells. This feature alone sets it apart, opening up a world of possibilities for various hunting applications where maximum payload and extended range are critical.

Engineered for Performance and Durability

The REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum (R81071) is built to withstand the rigors of the field. Its all-weather synthetic stock, often finished in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camouflage, provides a comfortable, secure grip in any conditions, from icy marshes to rainy forests. Unlike traditional wood stocks, synthetic materials are impervious to moisture, swelling, or warping, ensuring consistent performance regardless of environmental challenges. This makes it an ideal choice for hunters who brave the elements.

The receiver is milled from a solid billet of steel, a testament to its robust construction. This manufacturing process contributes significantly to the shotgun's renowned durability and longevity, allowing it to absorb recoil efficiently and maintain structural integrity shot after shot, season after season. The classic pump-action mechanism, which has been perfected over decades, guarantees positive feeding and ejection, even in less-than-ideal conditions. This reliability is a key factor when you're facing fast-moving targets or need absolute confidence in a critical self-defense situation.

Mastering Magnum Loads: The 3.5-inch Advantage

What truly makes the "Super Magnum" designation shine is its chambering for 3.5-inch 12 gauge shells. While it can seamlessly cycle standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells, the ability to chamber 3.5-inch ammunition provides a significant ballistic advantage.

What does this mean for hunters?

• Increased Payload: 3.5-inch shells can carry a heavier payload of shot, translating to a denser pattern and more pellets on target. This is particularly beneficial for large, tough-skinned game like turkey or high-flying waterfowl where maximizing the effective range and stopping power is paramount.
• Extended Range: With more pellets and higher velocities, magnum loads allow for cleaner kills at greater distances, reducing the chance of crippling game.
• Versatility in Ammunition Choices: A single shotgun can now handle everything from light target loads for practice, standard game loads for upland birds, heavy buckshot for deer, to super magnum turkey or goose loads. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized shotguns, saving space and investment.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

The REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum isn't just a list of features; it's a solution to real-world challenges faced by shooters.

Waterfowl Hunting Excellence

For duck and goose hunters, the REM Arms 870 SPS Super Magnum is a top-tier choice. Its 28-inch barrel provides an excellent balance of maneuverability in blinds and optimal swing for tracking fast-flying birds. The ability to shoot 3.5-inch steel shot loads ensures that even distant honkers or high-flying mallards can be brought down effectively. The synthetic stock, often in camouflage patterns, blends seamlessly into marsh environments, and its weather-resistant properties mean you don't have to worry about the shotgun getting wet. Many hunters ask, "What shotgun is best for geese and ducks?" The answer frequently includes a 3.5-inch capable pump-action like this one, offering the reliability needed when conditions are cold and wet.

Turkey Hunting Dominance

Turkey hunting demands precision, power, and often, the ability to reach out to extended ranges. The Model 870 SPS Super Magnum, paired with a specialized turkey choke tube and 3.5-inch magnum turkey loads (often packed with dense patterns of Tungsten Super Shot or similar high-performance pellets), transforms into a formidable turkey slayer. The extra payload ensures dense patterns at distances that might be challenging for shorter shells, increasing the probability of a clean, ethical kill. Its robust construction ensures it can handle the recoil of these powerful loads shot after shot.

Versatile Big Game Hunter (with Slugs)

While primarily known for shot, the 12 gauge Model 870 SPS Super Magnum can be easily adapted for deer hunting in shotgun-only zones. By simply swapping out the choke tube for a rifled slug barrel (an aftermarket accessory), or using appropriate sabot slugs with the standard barrel and suitable choke, this shotgun becomes a potent big game tool. The sheer power of a 12 gauge slug is undeniable for deer, and the familiar, reliable pump action makes for quick follow-up shots if necessary. Many users inquire, "Can I hunt deer with my 12 gauge shotgun?" Absolutely, and the 870 platform is one of the most trusted for this purpose.

Reliable Home Defense Partner

Beyond hunting, the REM Arms Model 870 has a storied history as a go-to choice for home defense. While the 28-inch barrel of the R81071 is longer than a dedicated home defense shotgun, its inherent reliability, ease of operation, and capacity to handle various buckshot loads make it a viable option for protecting your home. The simple, robust pump-action mechanism is highly dependable, and the unmistakable sound of a shell being racked into the chamber is often enough to deter intruders. For many, "What is a reliable shotgun for home protection?" is answered by the Model 870 due to its proven track record.

Detailed Features and Design Elements

Let's dive deeper into the specific design elements that contribute to the REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum's (R81071) acclaimed performance:

• 28-inch Vent Rib Barrel: The standard 28-inch barrel is an excellent all-around length. The vent rib design helps dissipate heat and provides a clear sight plane, aiding in target acquisition and lead estimation. Its length contributes to optimal patterning with various loads.
• Interchangeable Rem Choke System: The shotgun comes equipped with the versatile Rem Choke system, allowing shooters to quickly change choke tubes to optimize patterns for different types of game or shooting scenarios. This means you can go from a tight full choke for turkey to a more open modified choke for general bird hunting with ease.
• Synthetic Stock and Forend: The durable synthetic stock and forend are designed for all-weather performance. They are lightweight, resistant to moisture and impacts, and often feature textured gripping surfaces for enhanced control, especially in wet or cold conditions. The "Full Size" designation indicates it's designed for adult shooters for comfortable handling and recoil management.
• SuperCell™ Recoil Pad: Recognizing that magnum loads can generate significant recoil, REM Arms often incorporates a SuperCell™ Recoil Pad (or similar advanced recoil absorption technology) on the SPS Super Magnum models. This pad significantly reduces felt recoil, making even the heaviest 3.5-inch loads more comfortable to shoot, allowing for longer sessions at the range or more focus in the field without excessive fatigue.
• 4+1 Magazine Capacity: The 4+1 capacity (four in the magazine, one in the chamber) is standard for many hunting applications and provides sufficient firepower for most sporting and defensive needs.
• Right Hand Configuration: Designed for right-handed shooters, the controls and ergonomics are optimized for intuitive manipulation.

Maintaining Your REM Arms 870 SPS Super Magnum

Like any firearm, proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and continued reliability of your REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum. Regular cleaning, especially after exposure to harsh weather or firing corrosive ammunition, is essential. Disassembling the pump action for cleaning is relatively straightforward, and numerous resources are available for detailed instructions. Keeping the bore clean, the action lubricated, and checking for any wear on moving parts will ensure your 870 continues to perform flawlessly for generations.

The Legacy of the 870: A Testament to Trust

The Remington Model 870, upon which the REM Arms 870 SPS Super Magnum is based, is one of the most successful and widely used shotguns in history, with millions sold worldwide. Its reputation for being a "workhorse" or "America's pump gun" is well-earned. This heritage means not only proven reliability but also an expansive aftermarket for accessories. Whether you want to add a different stock, extended magazine tube, improved sights, or specialized barrels, the options are virtually endless. This broad support makes customizing your REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum (R81071) to your precise needs simple and convenient.

When considering a shotgun purchase, key considerations often revolve around reliability, versatility, and value. The REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum excels in all these areas, offering a robust platform that can adapt to nearly any shooting discipline or hunting pursuit. It is a smart investment for any serious shooter who demands performance and wants a single firearm capable of doing it all. You can find the REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum (R81071) and a wide array of compatible accessories and ammunition at DEGuns.com.

Specifications: REM Arms Model 870 SPS Super Magnum 12 Gauge (R81071)

Feature	Description
Gauge	12 Gauge
Chamber	3.5" Super Magnum (also accepts 2.75" & 3")
Barrel Length	28 inches
Capacity	4+1 Rounds
Stock Finish	Synthetic (Often Mossy Oak Break-Up Country)
Action	Pump Action
Choke System	Rem Choke (Interchangeable)
Hand	Right Hand
Model Number	R81071