American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter Review

The Road Test: American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter

For years, my trusty Remington 870 has been a reliable workhorse, but as I’ve explored more modern tactical configurations, the original stock felt a bit dated. I needed a way to integrate contemporary AR-style furniture without undertaking permanent modifications, leading me to the American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter. This adapter promises a simple bolt-on solution to leverage the vast aftermarket of AR grips and carbine receiver extensions.

The catalyst for seeking out this specific adapter was a recent range day where I found myself wanting the adjustability and ergonomic benefits of a collapsible stock, something not readily available for the classic 870 receiver without significant work. After a brief look at alternatives, including more complex stock kits that required drilling or specialized tools, this adapter’s straightforward approach stood out. It offered a no-fuss path to modernization.

My initial impression upon handling the adapter was positive. It has a solid feel, indicative of its aluminum construction. The finish is a uniform, matte black that seems to blend well with the typical anodized components of AR-style accessories. It felt precisely machined, suggesting it would interface cleanly with the shotgun receiver.

I briefly considered a few other universal adapter plates, but most seemed to focus on specific stock types or offered less flexibility in terms of grip compatibility. The AB Arms adapter’s direct compatibility with standard AR-15 grips and buffer tubes was the key differentiator. My immediate reaction was one of practicality; this looked like a functional piece of hardware designed to solve a specific problem efficiently.

Real-World Testing: Putting American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter took place in my home workshop. The adapter was installed directly onto the rear of a Remington 870 Express Magnum receiver, a common variant. This process involved aligning the adapter with the existing bolt holes on the shotgun’s receiver and securing it with the provided hardware.

I tested its compatibility by attaching a standard AR-15 pistol grip and a mil-spec carbine receiver extension (buffer tube). The fit was snug, and the components seated properly, indicating good manufacturing tolerances. I encountered no resistance or need for force during initial installation.

The true test came during a subsequent trip to the shooting range. With an adjustable carbine stock attached, I ran the Remington 870 through a series of drills, including rapid firing and controlled follow-up shots. The adapter held firm under recoil, and the added stock provided a much-improved length of pull and cheek weld compared to the factory setup.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of periodic use and various range sessions, the adapter continues to perform admirably. It has remained a rigid and stable interface, showing no signs of loosening or structural compromise despite regular firing. I’ve not noticed any degradation in its finish, even with the occasional bump or scrape during transport or handling.

Cleaning and maintenance have been remarkably simple. Since the adapter is essentially a rigid aluminum block, it requires no special care beyond a wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove dust or debris. I haven’t had to tighten any screws or perform any adjustments, which speaks volumes about its initial setup and build quality.

Compared to other stock adapters I’ve used on different platforms, this unit strikes a great balance. It avoids the complexity of more integrated systems while offering the flexibility of the AR platform. It has proven more reliable than some cheaper, injection-molded adapters that tend to flex under stress.

Breaking Down the Features of American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter

Specifications

The American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter is meticulously crafted from 6061 T6 aluminum, a material choice that speaks to its intended robustness and light weight. This specific aluminum alloy is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for firearm components. The adapter boasts a Class 3 hard-coat anodized finish, which is a durable surface treatment that significantly enhances resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and wear.

This adapter weighs a mere 3.8 oz, which is impressively light and adds negligible bulk to the shotgun. The key specification is its design to accept standard AR-15 grips and carbine receiver extensions. This means you can easily mount virtually any AR-15 pistol grip onto your Remington 870, along with any mil-spec or commercial buffer tube and, consequently, any compatible collapsible stock. The adapter bolts directly to the rear of the shotgun receiver, requiring no permanent alterations to your firearm.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this adapter is to provide a robust and versatile interface for AR-style furniture on a Remington 870 shotgun. In this regard, it excels. The bolt-on design ensures a secure attachment, and once fitted, it acts as a solid foundation for your chosen grip and stock.

Its main strength lies in the flexibility it offers. The ability to use standard AR-15 components means users can tailor their shotgun’s ergonomics precisely to their needs. The adapter itself contributes positively to the shotgun’s handling by providing a solid mounting point, preventing the wobble or flex that can plague less well-designed alternatives.

A minor functional consideration is the adapter’s direct interface with the receiver; while it adds rigidity, it doesn’t inherently alter the shotgun’s action or cycling performance. However, by allowing for a better stock fit, it can indirectly improve shooting comfort and control, which can translate to more consistent performance downrange.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter is focused on functionality and compatibility. Its clean, utilitarian aesthetic complements the tactical look many users aim for. The 6061 T6 aluminum construction feels substantial yet lightweight, and the hard-coat anodized finish provides a pleasing tactile texture that also aids in grip.

Ergonomically, the adapter’s success hinges on the components it allows you to attach. By accepting standard AR-15 grips, it enables users to select a grip that fits their hand size and shooting style perfectly. Similarly, the compatibility with carbine receiver extensions opens up a vast world of adjustable stocks, allowing for a customized length of pull and cheek weld.

The adapter itself is a relatively compact piece that doesn’t significantly alter the shotgun’s overall profile. The mounting surface is flat and well-machined, ensuring a flush fit against the 870 receiver. This attention to detail in design ensures that the user experience is positive, without any awkward protrusions or uncomfortable edges.

Durability & Maintenance

The American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter is built for endurance. The choice of 6061 T6 aluminum for its construction, coupled with a Class 3 hard-coat anodized finish, signifies a commitment to durability. This combination is highly resistant to the wear and tear associated with firearms, including exposure to the elements and repeated stress from recoil.

Maintenance is virtually nonexistent, which is a significant advantage. Unlike some complex firearm components that require regular lubrication or specialized cleaning, this adapter is a solid piece of metal that mostly requires an occasional wipe-down. It’s designed to be a permanent fixture that doesn’t necessitate removal for routine cleaning of the shotgun’s action.

Potential failure points are minimal given the material and construction. Unless subjected to extreme impact or abuse, the adapter should last the lifetime of the shotgun it’s attached to. Its inherent resistance to corrosion and abrasion means it will maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary customization enabled by the American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter is its direct compatibility with standard AR-15 grips and carbine receiver extensions. This opens the door to a world of aftermarket accessories designed for the AR-15 platform. Users can select from a wide array of pistol grips, each offering different shapes, textures, and palm swells to enhance control and comfort.

Furthermore, the ability to mount any mil-spec carbine receiver extension means you can then attach any standard AR-15 collapsible stock. This allows for significant adjustment of the shotgun’s length of pull, critical for shooters of different statures or for accommodating various shooting positions and clothing layers. Some buffer tubes also come with integrated QD sling swivel sockets, adding further customization potential for weapon retention.

While the adapter itself doesn’t come with bundled accessories beyond its mounting hardware, its strength lies in its seamless integration with the vast AR-15 accessory ecosystem. This makes it a highly adaptable upgrade for those looking to personalize their Remington 870.

Pros and Cons of American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter

Who Should Buy American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter?

This adapter is an excellent choice for Remington 870 owners who want to modernize their shotgun’s ergonomics without performing permanent modifications. It’s ideal for individuals looking to equip their shotgun with the adjustability and familiar feel of AR-15 style stocks and grips. If you are a shooter who values a customizable length of pull, a comfortable grip, and potentially the ability to add a sling via an AR buffer tube, this adapter will serve you well.

However, those who are perfectly content with their factory Remington 870 stock or who prefer a more traditional shotgun feel might not find this adapter necessary. Additionally, if you own shotguns other than the Remington 870, this specific adapter will not be compatible.

For those who do decide to purchase, I highly recommend investing in a quality carbine receiver extension and a comfortable AR-15 pistol grip. An adjustable carbine stock will unlock the full potential of this adapter. Having a basic set of Allen wrenches will also make the installation process smooth and quick.

Conclusion on American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter

The American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter is a well-executed piece of hardware that effectively bridges the gap between the classic Remington 870 platform and modern AR-15 accessory systems. Its 6061 T6 aluminum construction, coupled with a Class 3 hard-coat anodized finish, ensures both durability and a lightweight profile at just 3.8 oz. The adapter’s primary strength lies in its straightforward, bolt-on installation that requires zero permanent alterations to your shotgun, a crucial factor for many firearm owners.

The value proposition here is clear: for its price of $71.99, you gain the ability to leverage the immense aftermarket support for AR-15 furniture, allowing for unparalleled customization of your Remington 870’s ergonomics. This means you can achieve a perfect length of pull with an adjustable stock and a more comfortable grip tailored to your hand. While it necessitates the separate purchase of an AR-15 grip and buffer tube, this freedom of choice is precisely what makes the adapter so appealing.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the American Built Arms Company Remington 870 Tactical Shotgun Adapter to any Remington 870 owner seeking to enhance their shotgun’s usability and adaptability with modern furniture. It’s a robust, practical, and intelligently designed component that delivers on its promise of flexibility and ease of use, transforming a classic platform into something more suited for contemporary tactical applications or simply a more personalized shooting experience.