From Curiosity to Confidence: My AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock Review
The world of firearm accessories can be a rabbit hole, and my journey into improving my trusty Remington 870 led me directly to the AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock. As an experienced gear specialist with over a decade of putting equipment through its paces across diverse environments, I approached this kit with a critical eye, seeking to enhance the venerable 870’s ergonomics and adaptability. My primary goal was to find a stock solution that offered improved handling and maneuverability, especially in confined spaces, without sacrificing stability or comfort during extended use. I had previously considered some more robust, but significantly more expensive, aftermarket chassis systems. However, the appeal of this AIM Sports Inc offering was its accessible price point and the promise of a significant functional upgrade. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of pragmatic functionality; the polymer felt sturdy, and the design, while not premium, appeared well-executed for its intended purpose.
Real-World Testing: Putting AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing of the AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock took place primarily at my personal workshop and a familiar outdoor range environment. I focused on installation ease, functional adjustments, and the immediate impact on handling during dry fire and live fire drills. The kit was fitted to my Remington 870 Police Magnum, a platform known for its reliability but often a bit long for rapid maneuvering. During the initial fitting, I found the installation to be straightforward, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes to secure properly.
The ergonomics immediately felt different, with the pistol grip offering a more secure and direct control. I tested the stock in various positions, paying close attention to how it felt when shouldered, shouldered and shot, and how easily it transitioned between collapsed and extended states. In terms of performance, the reduced length of pull in the collapsed position was immediately noticeable, making point-and-shoot drills feel quicker and more intuitive. However, I did notice that the lack of a recoil pad meant that felt recoil was more pronounced than with the original factory stock, a trade-off for the increased compactness.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months of intermittent use, including several range days and handling drills at home, the AIM Sports Inc kit has held up reasonably well. The AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock has become a familiar part of my 870 setup, used for close-quarters practice and static shooting. I haven’t encountered any significant cracks or structural failures, though some of the textured grip surfaces on the stock have begun to show minor scuffing from regular handling.
Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional application of a silicone-based protectant has kept the polymer clean and protected. Compared to the original factory stock, this AIM Sports Inc replacement is a distinct upgrade in terms of adjustability and pistol grip comfort. While it doesn’t offer the premium feel or shock absorption of higher-end adjustable stocks, it has proven to be a reliable and functional upgrade for its price point. One user feedback note that resonated with me was the potential for the stock to collapse under heavy recoil or forward pressure; I did experience this on one occasion when shouldering the shotgun particularly hard, though it hasn’t been a consistent issue.
Breaking Down the Features of AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock
Specifications
The AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock is constructed primarily from injection molded polymer, a common material for aftermarket firearm accessories due to its durability, light weight, and cost-effectiveness. This particular kit is designed specifically for the Remington Model 870 shotgun, ensuring a precise fit. The 6-position stock allows for significant adjustment in length of pull, a critical feature for accommodating different shooters or clothing layers.
The included pistol grip is integrated into the stock assembly and provides a more vertical grip angle than a traditional stock, which can aid in recoil management and faster target acquisition in some scenarios. The kit comes with the stock assembly itself, and while not explicitly detailed, it implies the necessary buffer tube and mounting hardware are included for installation. Its black color is standard and blends well with most firearm finishes.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this AIM Sports Inc kit is to provide an adjustable pistol grip and stock solution for the Remington 870. In this regard, it largely succeeds. The pistol grip offers a comfortable and secure handhold, facilitating better control of the shotgun’s movement. The 6-position stock adjustment mechanism functions smoothly, allowing for quick length-of-pull changes, which is particularly beneficial for quick transitions between different shooting stances or for sharing the firearm.
Where this kit shows its limitations is in the absence of a dedicated recoil pad. While the pistol grip can help manage recoil by offering a more stable platform, the direct polymer-to-shoulder contact can be jarring with heavier loads. Some users have reported the stock collapsing under significant stress, and while I haven’t experienced outright failure, there’s a slight give under very hard pressure that might concern tactical users needing absolute rigidity. For general use and dynamic handling drills, its performance is more than adequate for the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock is functional rather than aesthetic. The injection molded polymer construction gives it a utilitarian look, which is perfectly acceptable for an accessory focused on performance over style. The pistol grip itself is molded with finger grooves that provide a decent purchase, though it lacks the aggressive texturing found on some higher-end grips.
The 6-position stock adjustment lever is easily accessible and provides distinct detents for each length setting. The transition between positions is generally smooth, although a slight wiggle can be detected at the fully extended position, a common trait in many adjustable stocks. The overall ergonomics are a significant improvement over a fixed, traditional stock for maneuverability. The reduced length of pull, especially when collapsed, makes the Remington 870 feel more compact and easier to handle in tighter spaces.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability for this AIM Sports Inc kit hinges on the robustness of its injection molded polymer and the internal adjustment mechanism. After several months of regular handling and range use, the polymer has shown minor cosmetic wear but no signs of structural compromise. The adjustment mechanism has remained functional, with each of the 6 positions still locking positively.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient for cleaning. For more thorough cleaning, a mild soap solution can be used, followed by a rinse and dry. Applying a light silicone-based lubricant to the buffer tube can help maintain the smoothness of the stock’s adjustment. The primary concern for longevity might be the adjustment mechanism itself; while it has held up so far, the plastic detents could potentially wear down over years of heavy use or extreme environmental conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock comes as a complete kit, primarily featuring the integrated pistol grip and the 6-position adjustable stock. It is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory stock on a Remington 870. While this specific kit doesn’t include additional accessories like sling mounts or specialized sights, the design does feature a robust integrated sling attachment point on the rear of the stock.
For those looking to further customize, the stock itself is built on a standard AR-style buffer tube system. This theoretically opens up compatibility with many aftermarket AR-style stocks, allowing users to swap out the included stock while retaining the AIM Sports Inc pistol grip adapter if desired, though this requires careful consideration of buffer tube length and compatibility. However, the product description indicates the pistol grip is not interchangeable, suggesting it’s permanently affixed to the adapter.
Pros and Cons of AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock
Pros
- Excellent Value: For its price, this kit offers a significant upgrade in adjustability and handling for the Remington 870.
- Improved Maneuverability: The pistol grip and adjustable stock, especially in its collapsed positions, greatly enhance the shotgun’s agility.
- Easy Installation: The kit fits the Remington 870 well and can be installed with basic tools and minimal mechanical skill.
- Integrated Sling Mount: The included sling attachment point is sturdy and provides a convenient option for tactical slings.
- Adjustable Length of Pull: The 6-position stock allows for a customizable fit, accommodating various shooter preferences.
Cons
- No Recoil Pad: The direct polymer-to-shoulder contact can lead to increased felt recoil, particularly with heavier loads.
- Potential for Stock Collapse: Under very firm shouldering pressure or forceful recoil, the stock can sometimes collapse, as noted by some users.
- Basic Materials: While functional, the injection molded polymer construction doesn’t offer the premium feel or extreme durability of higher-end aluminum or composite options.
- No Instructions Included: As noted by one user, the kit sometimes ships without instructions, requiring some improvisation or prior knowledge for installation.
Who Should Buy AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock?
This AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock is an ideal upgrade for the Remington 870 owner looking for enhanced ergonomics and adjustability on a budget. It’s perfect for shooters who frequently handle their shotgun in confined spaces, such as in competitive shooting disciplines that emphasize dynamic movement or for home defense applications where quick handling is paramount. If you are a newer shooter who benefits from a shorter length of pull or if you share your shotgun with others of varying stature, the adjustable nature of this kit will be a significant advantage.
However, serious tactical operators or extreme sport shooters who demand the absolute highest levels of recoil mitigation and structural rigidity might want to look at more premium, often heavier, and significantly more expensive chassis systems or stocks with integrated recoil pads. For those users, this kit’s primary drawback of increased felt recoil and the potential for stock collapse under extreme stress could be deal-breakers. A simple recoil pad could be added to mitigate some of the felt recoil, but this would require a separate purchase and potentially some DIY fitting.
Conclusion on AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock
The AIM Sports Inc Remington 870 Shotgun Pistol Grip W/6 Position Stock delivers a compelling package of functionality and affordability for the Remington 870 platform. Its ability to provide an adjustable length of pull via the 6-position stock and a more tactical pistol grip significantly enhances maneuverability and handling, especially for smaller-framed shooters or in dynamic environments. While it doesn’t boast premium materials or advanced recoil reduction features, its pragmatic design and straightforward installation make it a worthwhile upgrade. Considering its low price point, the value proposition is strong for anyone looking to personalize their 870 without breaking the bank. I would personally recommend this kit to recreational shooters, competitors in dynamic disciplines, and those seeking a more versatile Remington 870 for home defense. If you understand its limitations regarding recoil management and ultimate rigidity, this AIM Sports Inc offering is an excellent entry point into customizing your shotgun.