Best Guide Guns · #10
870 Slug Guide Setup
Remington
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A rifled-barrel 12 gauge with a low-power scope — legal where rifles are not, and devastating inside 125 yards.
Pros
- Exceptional stopping power at close to mid-range
- Legendary reliability and robust construction
- Widely available parts and easy to service
- Cost-effective solution for slug hunting
- Versatile platform; can swap barrels for bird hunting
Cons
- Significant recoil with full-power slugs
- Heavier than most modern hunting rifles
- Limited effective range compared to rifles
- Can be cumbersome in extremely dense cover
Best uses
- Deer hunting in shotgun-only zones
- Bear defense at close quarters
- Hunting large game in thick brush
- Backcountry self-defense
Specifications
- Platform
- Remington 870 Express/Wingmaster
- Caliber
- 12 Gauge Slug
- Barrel Type
- Rifled Slug Barrel
- Typical Capacity
- 3-5 Rounds
- Optic Compatibility
- Scope or Red Dot
- Primary Use
- Big Game Hunting (close-mid range)
Pricing
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Best for
Deer hunting in shotgun-only zones, Bear defense at close quarters, Hunting large game in thick brush, Backcountry self-defense
Where to buy the 870 Slug Guide Setup
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For hunters operating in areas with restrictions on rifle use, or those seeking a robust, reliable, and powerful close-range solution, the Remington 870 Slug Guide Setup stands as a time-tested option. This isn't a factory offering per se, but rather a common and highly effective field modification of the ubiquitous 870 platform. It typically involves a rifled barrel, often an aftermarket addition, paired with a low-magnification scope or quality red dot sight. The core strength lies in the 870's legendary durability and widespread availability, making parts and expertise easy to find. While it might lack the sleek lines or technological bells and whistles of more modern firearms, its pragmatic design prioritizes function and resilience above all else. This setup shines in dense cover and where shots are taken within 150 yards, providing ample power for large game without the over-penetration concerns sometimes associated with high-velocity rifle rounds. It's a workhorse, not a show pony, built for tough conditions and consistent performance.
Who It's For
This setup is for the hunter who prioritizes raw stopping power and reliability in environments where traditional rifles are either prohibited or impractical. Think dense timber, heavy brush, or states with specific 'shotgun-only' zones for deer. It’s also a solid choice for those who appreciate the straightforward, mechanical dependability of a pump-action firearm. You won't find much fuss or delicate parts here. It's an honest tool for honest work, designed for hunters who know their effective range and demand a firearm that can take a beating and still cycle reliably when it counts. It suits those who value proven performance over cutting-edge features.
Construction & Materials
The foundation is the classic Remington 870 receiver, typically steel, known for its robustness. Most slug barrels, whether factory or aftermarket, are heavy-walled steel for rigidity and accuracy. The action itself is a pump-action design, utilizing a dual action bar system that has proven exceptionally durable and resistant to binding. Furniture can vary widely, from synthetic stocks and forends that shrug off weather, to traditional wood for a classic feel. Expect solid steel components throughout the critical operating parts, ensuring a long service life even under demanding conditions. This isn't a lightweight build, but its mass aids in recoil absorption and stability.
Real-World Performance
Out in the field, this setup consistently delivers formidable knockdown power. With modern sabot slugs, accuracy is surprisingly good, often achieving 3-4 inch groups at 100 yards, sometimes better with the right ammunition. The low-power optic or red dot makes quick target acquisition feasible in thick cover. Recoil is substantial, as expected from a 12-gauge slug, but manageable with proper technique and stock fit. Cycling is smooth and positive, though new users might need practice to avoid short-stroking the action under pressure. It excels in delivering quick follow-up shots if necessary, making it a confident choice for tracking wounded game or unexpected encounters.
Weight & Handling
Expect a solid, hefty feel. A typical 870 slug setup, especially with a heavier barrel and optic, will tip the scales around 8-9 pounds, sometimes more. This isn't a featherlight mountain rifle, but the weight aids in recoil mitigation and provides a stable shooting platform. In dense woods, carrying it for extended periods might feel cumbersome, but its robust nature allows for confident handling through brush and over rough terrain. It balances reasonably well, and its overall length, while not compact, isn't excessive, allowing for decent maneuverability in tight spots. This is a firearm you carry, not one you forget is there.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is where the 870 platform truly shines. It's an absolute tank. The steel receiver and robust internals are designed to withstand years of hard use, neglect, and exposure to the elements. These shotguns are famous for getting banged around in trucks, dropped in the mud, and still functioning. Basic cleaning and lubrication are all it typically requires to maintain reliable operation. Parts are readily available and affordable, and nearly any gunsmith can work on an 870. This is a firearm you can pass down through generations, confident that it will continue to perform when called upon, a true testament to its engineering.
Alternatives & Value
At its price point, the 870 Slug Guide Setup offers exceptional value given its performance and legendary reliability. Comparable alternatives include other pump-action shotguns like the Mossberg 500/590, which also offer rifled barrel options and similar dependability. Lever-action rifles in suitable calibers might be considered where legal, but they typically have a different handling feel. For those needing maximum range, a dedicated bolt-action slug gun (like a Savage 220) offers superior accuracy but often at a higher price and with less versatility as a general-purpose shotgun. The 870 strikes a balance of power, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best guide guns that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
870 Slug Guide Setup — frequently asked questions
- Is the 870 Slug Guide Setup worth it?
- We rank it #10 in Best Guide Guns. A rifled-barrel 12 gauge with a low-power scope — legal where rifles are not, and devastating inside 125 yards.
- What is the 870 Slug Guide Setup best for?
- Best for deer hunting in shotgun-only zones, bear defense at close quarters, hunting large game in thick brush and backcountry self-defense. Standouts: exceptional stopping power at close to mid-range and legendary reliability and robust construction.
- What are the downsides of the 870 Slug Guide Setup?
- Significant recoil with full-power slugs, Heavier than most modern hunting rifles and Limited effective range compared to rifles.
- What are the key specs of the 870 Slug Guide Setup?
- Platform: Remington 870 Express/Wingmaster · Caliber: 12 Gauge Slug · Barrel Type: Rifled Slug Barrel · Typical Capacity: 3-5 Rounds · Optic Compatibility: Scope or Red Dot
- Who It's For?
- This setup is for the hunter who prioritizes raw stopping power and reliability in environments where traditional rifles are either prohibited or impractical. Think dense timber, heavy brush, or states with specific 'shotgun-only' zones for deer.
- Construction & Materials — what should I know about the 870 Slug Guide Setup?
- The foundation is the classic Remington 870 receiver, typically steel, known for its robustness. Most slug barrels, whether factory or aftermarket, are heavy-walled steel for rigidity and accuracy.
Compare side by side
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