GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount Review

The Most Honest GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount Review Online

For any Remington 870 shotgun owner looking to upgrade their optic-mounting capabilities, the GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount presents a compelling, albeit niche, solution. Manufactured by GG&G, a company known for its robust tactical accessories, this particular mount aims to bridge the gap between a classic scattergun and modern aiming systems. Its core promise is a low-profile, secure platform for tactical scopes, designed specifically for the ubiquitous Remington 870 platform. The first time I laid eyes on it, the precision machining and Type III hard coat anodized non-reflective matte black finish hinted at a product built for serious use, not just aesthetics.

My own journey to acquiring this scope mount was born from a familiar frustration: the desire to effectively utilize an optic on a shotgun that, by default, isn’t designed for them. I’d been experimenting with various cantilever systems and clamp-on rails for my 870, each with its own set of drawbacks—mostly related to height and stability. The primary issue was often the “too high” optic syndrome, leading to an unnatural cheek weld and reduced accuracy. I briefly considered a few other aftermarket receiver-top rails, but their bulkier designs or less refined attachment methods didn’t quite inspire confidence for a platform that can endure significant recoil. My initial impression, even before installation, was one of quiet satisfaction; this mount felt like it was designed to solve a very specific problem elegantly.

Real-World Testing: Putting GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were my own workshop and then the familiar confines of my local indoor shooting range. The installation process itself was remarkably straightforward. The GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount mounts directly to factory drilled and tapped receivers, or those tapped for standard 6-48 threads, which mine happened to be. It attaches with four steel Torx head screws, and thankfully, the necessary Torx wrench is included right in the package. This immediate inclusion of the required tool saved me a trip to the hardware store, a small but appreciated detail.

The low-profile nature of this mount was immediately apparent. It sits snugly on the receiver, providing a stable base without adding unnecessary height. During my first range session, after mounting a red dot sight, the combination felt natural. The 5.5-inch length offered ample room for my optic, and the MIL-STD-1913 configuration meant any compatible accessory would attach securely. There were no surprises or quirks; the installation was clean, and the mount performed exactly as advertised, holding the optic rock-solid through several boxes of 12-gauge rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent months, this GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount has seen consistent use. It’s been on my Remington 870 Tactical model for various drills, including dynamic shooting exercises at the range and general handling around the workshop. The finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of chipping or significant wear, even after being bumped against benches and equipment. The Type III hard coat anodized finish is clearly robust.

Durability has been excellent. Despite the inherent stress a 12-gauge shotgun can impart on an accessory mount, the GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount has remained perfectly stable. There’s been no shift in zero for the mounted optic, no loosening of screws, and no discernible degradation in its structural integrity. Maintenance is virtually non-existent; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is all it typically needs. Compared to some of the clamp-on rail systems I’ve used in the past, which often require re-tightening or exhibit slight movement, this direct-mount solution offers far superior reliability and peace of mind.

Breaking Down the Features of GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount

Specifications

The GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount is precisely machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, a material renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for firearm accessories. Its finish is a Type III hard coat anodized non-reflective matte black, meeting Mil-Spec standards for durability and camouflage. The mount measures 5.5″ long, providing sufficient real estate for most tactical red dots or smaller magnified optics. It weighs a mere 1.2 oz, contributing minimally to the overall weight of the shotgun.

These specifications translate directly into user benefits. The 6061-T6 billet aluminum construction ensures a rigid and durable platform that won’t flex under recoil. The hard coat anodized finish offers excellent resistance to abrasion and corrosion, crucial for equipment exposed to the elements. Its low profile design and MIL-STD-1913 configuration mean it integrates seamlessly with a wide range of modern optics. The minimal weight is a significant advantage, as shotguns can already be cumbersome; this mount adds functionality without creating a burden.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function—providing a stable platform for optics—the GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount performs admirably. It achieves its goal of securely holding an optic in place, allowing for quicker target acquisition and improved accuracy compared to iron sights for many applications. The low profile design is a standout feature; it keeps the optic close to the bore axis, facilitating a more natural cheek weld and reducing the shooter’s tendency to “reach” for the sight.

The main strength of this optic mount lies in its simplicity and directness. It attaches securely and stays put, fulfilling its core purpose reliably. A potential weakness, depending on the optic chosen, could be the limited length for very long scopes. However, for its intended purpose of mounting tactical optics like red dots or prism scopes, the 5.5″ length is perfectly adequate. It meets and often exceeds expectations for a dedicated shotgun optic mount, especially considering its competitive price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount is purely functional, prioritizing utility over ostentation. The precision machining is evident, with tight tolerances and clean edges. GG&G emphasizes that all edges are smoothed and rounded for the shooter’s safety, a critical consideration for any firearm accessory that might come into contact with the user. The non-reflective matte black finish blends well with most shotgun finishes and reduces glare.

Ergonomically, the mount itself isn’t something you actively “handle” once installed, but its low profile design significantly enhances the ergonomics of the shooting platform as a whole. By allowing the optic to sit closer to the receiver, it promotes a more comfortable and consistent shooting posture. The simplicity of its attachment mechanism, using standard Torx screws, makes it user-friendly. There’s no complex fitting or adjustment required beyond securing the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

Durability & Maintenance

The GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount is built for longevity. Constructed from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and finished with a Mil-Spec hard coat anodization, it’s designed to withstand the rigors of repeated use and recoil from a 12-gauge firearm. I anticipate it will last for the lifetime of the shotgun it’s mounted on, given its robust construction and finish.

Maintenance is practically non-existent. A damp cloth to wipe away dust or grime is typically all that’s needed. The Type III hard coat anodized finish resists corrosion, so harsh cleaning solvents or oils aren’t typically necessary unless the firearm itself is being heavily cleaned. I have not encountered any failure points. Potential concerns are minimal, perhaps limited to ensuring the torque on the mounting screws remains consistent over extreme round counts, though the design itself is inherently solid.

Accessories and Customization Options

The GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount comes with a key accessory: a Torx wrench necessary for installation. Beyond that, its primary “customization” feature is its MIL-STD-1913 configuration, which ensures compatibility with a vast array of tactical optics. This standard allows users to mount virtually any scope, red dot sight, or other accessory designed for Picatinny rails.

There aren’t many additional accessories or customization options specific to this mount itself, as its purpose is singular. However, its compatibility with the broad range of MIL-STD-1913 optics is its greatest asset. Whether you opt for a simple red dot sight for home defense or a more specialized optic for specific shooting disciplines, this mount provides the standardized interface to connect them to your Remington 870.

Pros and Cons of GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount

Who Should Buy GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount?

This scope mount is ideal for Remington 870 shotgun owners looking to add a tactical scope, red dot sight, or prism scope without significantly raising the optic’s profile. It’s perfect for those engaged in home defense, tactical shotgun use, or specific sporting applications where a low-mounted optic is advantageous. If your Remington 870 receiver is already drilled and tapped for scope mounting, this is a straightforward and robust option.

Individuals who have an older Remington 870 that is not drilled and tapped would need to have that modification done professionally before this mount can be installed. Those who plan to mount very large, long-range magnified scopes might find the 5.5-inch length insufficient and should consider an alternative. A must-have accessory for anyone using this mount is, of course, a compatible optic designed for the MIL-STD-1913 rail system, and potentially thread-locking compound for the mounting screws, though not strictly necessary.

Conclusion on GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount

The GG&G Remington 870 12ga Scope Mount delivers exactly what it promises: a robust, low-profile, and reliable method for mounting optics onto compatible Remington 870 shotguns. Its construction from 6061-T6 billet aluminum with a Mil-Spec hard coat anodized finish speaks to its durability and longevity, while its lightweight design ensures it won’t overburden your firearm. The 5.5″ length and MIL-STD-1913 configuration make it exceptionally versatile for a wide range of tactical optics.

Considering its price point of $40.99, the value proposition is strong. You’re getting a precision-machined accessory from a reputable manufacturer that enhances the functionality of your shotgun without breaking the bank. I would highly recommend this mount to any Remington 870 owner who wants to securely and effectively attach an optic at a low profile. If your shotgun is ready for it, this mount is a solid, dependable choice that won’t disappoint.