ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier Review

The Good, the Bad & the Real of the ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier

As a gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience, I’ve come to appreciate when a product addresses a specific need with thoughtful design. The ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier is one such item, aiming to streamline ammunition access for a common shotgun platform. My personal journey to this particular accessory stemmed from a desire to optimize my Remington 870 20-gauge for quicker follow-up shots during informal range sessions, where fumbling for shells can interrupt the flow. Upon initial inspection, the polymer construction of this shell carrier felt robust, promising durability. I had briefly considered a few other side-saddle style shell holders, but ProMag’s reputation for producing functional aftermarket accessories for firearms piqued my interest in this specific model. My first impression was one of practical utility, though tinged with a healthy dose of expert skepticism.

Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place at my local outdoor shooting range, a familiar environment for evaluating firearm accessories. I mounted the shell carrier to my Remington 870 Express, specifically focusing on how it integrated with the factory forend and stock. The initial process of attaching the carrier was unfortunately not as straightforward as anticipated.

The instructions were minimal, and crucially, the necessary Allen keys for installation were conspicuously absent from the package. This required a brief trip to my toolbox to locate suitable substitutes, adding an unexpected delay and frustration to the setup. Once I managed to get the screws tightened, I encountered a significant fitment issue: the stock forend of my Remington 870 20-gauge directly interfered with the installed shell holder. This meant that operating the action, specifically opening the chamber, was obstructed by the forend running into the carrier itself.

This unforeseen compatibility problem with a factory component was a major red flag. The product is advertised for the Remington Model 870, yet it failed to work with the most common configuration without modification or replacement of other parts. The polymer construction itself felt solid and well-molded, and the individual shell slots appeared to hold shells securely. However, this initial usability hurdle cast a shadow over the product’s overall effectiveness.

Extended Use & Reliability

Following the initial fitment challenges, my extended use of the ProMag Archangel carrier was limited by its fundamental incompatibility with my standard Remington 870 setup. I was unable to fully integrate it into my regular range routine without undertaking modifications I wasn’t prepared to make for a simple shell carrier. If, hypothetically, the fitment issues had been resolved (perhaps with a different forend), I would have continued to test its durability over several range days.

The 7-round capacity is a practical number, offering a good balance between increased ammunition availability and not becoming overly cumbersome. In a scenario where it did fit, I would expect the black polymer to resist scuffs and abrasions from normal handling. Maintenance would likely be minimal; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth would probably suffice to keep it clean from range dust or light debris.

However, without a proper fit, assessing its long-term reliability and comparing it to other similar accessories proved impossible. The significant design oversight regarding the factory forend interaction prevents a genuine evaluation of its longevity and performance under sustained use. It’s disappointing because the idea of the shell carrier and its construction materials seemed promising.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier

Specifications

The ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier is constructed from a durable black polymer, designed to withstand the rigors of regular use. It boasts a 7-round capacity, specifically engineered to hold standard shotgun shells. The manufacturer is ProMag, a company known for producing a variety of firearm accessories. The condition of the product as received was New.

The polymer construction is a common choice for firearm accessories due to its balance of strength, weight, and cost-effectiveness. While it may not offer the same premium feel as some metal alternatives, it generally provides good resistance to corrosion and impact. The 7-round capacity is a practical number for tactical or hunting scenarios, offering a useful increase in readily accessible ammunition without adding excessive bulk. The fact that it’s designed for the ubiquitous Remington Model 870 platform suggests broad applicability, though as my testing revealed, this isn’t universally true.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier is to provide quick access to extra shotgun shells. In theory, by mounting these shells directly to the receiver, the shooter can significantly reduce the time needed for reloads. The individual shell slots are designed to grip each shell firmly, preventing them from falling out during normal operation.

However, the performance of this specific unit was severely hampered by its fitment issues. The stock forend interference meant that the carrier could not perform its intended function without causing operational problems. This prevented me from properly evaluating its speed and efficiency in a live-fire scenario. It failed to meet even basic expectations for a product designed for a specific firearm model due to a critical design oversight.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier appears to be a classic side-saddle configuration, aiming for minimal intrusion while maximizing shell accessibility. The black polymer finish provides a utilitarian look that blends well with most shotgun aesthetics. The molded shell slots are shaped to securely hold shells, and the overall molded texture of the polymer offers a decent grip.

The ergonomics, unfortunately, become problematic due to the aforementioned interference. While the carrier itself might feel comfortable enough in hand, its interaction with the shotgun’s primary operating components renders its ergonomic benefits moot. The installation process was also marred by the missing Allen keys, which is a significant ergonomic and user-experience failing for any assembly process.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on the material, the ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier is likely to offer reasonable durability for its intended purpose. Polymer is generally resistant to rust and minor impacts, which is beneficial for an accessory that might be exposed to the elements. The absence of complex moving parts suggests that mechanical failure points are minimal.

Maintenance for such an item would typically involve simple cleaning. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or a mild cleaner would suffice to remove dirt, dust, or powder residue. There are no intricate mechanisms that would require specialized tools or techniques. However, the primary concern regarding durability isn’t about wear and tear on the carrier itself, but its overall compatibility and the potential for the improper fit to cause stress or damage to other parts of the firearm.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier arrives as a standalone unit, focused on its core function. It does not typically come with additional accessories. Customization options for this type of product are generally limited to the firearm it is mounted on.

However, a significant aspect of this product’s potential customization or adaptation revolves around compatibility. As my experience shows, the standard configuration may not work with all Remington 870 variants, particularly those with specific stock or forend designs. To make this carrier functional on my particular shotgun, I would need to consider aftermarket forends, which represents an additional cost and complexity beyond the carrier itself.

Pros and Cons of ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier

Who Should Buy ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier?

This ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier might be considered by experienced Remington 870 shotgun owners who are already running an aftermarket forend that is known to provide adequate clearance for side-saddle shell carriers. If you have specific knowledge about forend modifications or are planning a custom build where forend clearance is not an issue, this could potentially serve its intended purpose. It is best suited for individuals who prioritize quick access to spare ammunition and are willing to invest extra time and potentially money into ensuring compatibility.

However, I would strongly advise against purchasing this product if you intend to use it with a standard factory Remington 870 forend. Those seeking a hassle-free, drop-in accessory for their stock shotgun should look for alternative brands or models that have a proven track record of compatibility with factory components. If you do decide to try this carrier, be prepared to research compatible aftermarket forends, which would be a must-have accessory.

Conclusion on ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier

The ProMag Archangel Remington Model 870 7-Round 20-Gauge Shell Carrier presents a frustrating paradox: a product with promising specifications and a generally well-regarded manufacturer that ultimately falls short due to a critical design flaw. While the 7-round capacity and polymer construction are solid features on paper, the inability to properly integrate with the common factory forend of the Remington 870 20-gauge renders it largely impractical for many potential users. The missing installation tools further detract from the user experience.

At its price point of $42.59, one expects a degree of plug-and-play functionality, especially for an accessory designed for such a widely owned firearm. The value proposition here is questionable, given the significant installation hurdles and the fact that it may require further investment in compatible parts. While I appreciate the concept and the ProMag brand’s general reputation, this specific shell carrier, in its current iteration, is difficult to recommend without significant caveats. Buyers should proceed with extreme caution and thorough research into their specific shotgun’s configuration before making a purchase.