870 pump - long vs short forend

Remington's LE 870s with synthetic furniture have short (7") forearms too.

The "field length" forearms (usually 9") give more to hang onto, and work better for shorter statured shooters when used with appropriately short LOP stocks. If the support hand doesn't have to reach out so far to get a grip on the forearm, the gun is easier to support and swing.

Most of the aftermarket furniture for 870s is aimed at the "tactical" market and thus looks like the LE factory stuff. Not covering the loading port with the action open allows easier downloading of the magazine tube by using the shell latches to slip rounds out of the magazine without having to run them through the action. It also allows using the shooting hand thumb as a magazine cutoff to clear the chamber without feeding another round onto the lifter.

fwiw,

lpl

Another reason for the longer forearm on sporting type guns is to prevent pinching the hand between the forearm and the receiver while operating it.

Originally, it was also used to give a more "finished" look to the gun by covering more of the magazine tube and action bars.

Another reason for the longer forearm on sporting type guns is to prevent pinching the hand between the forearm and the receiver while operating it.

Click to expand...

Do that a couple of times and you'll understand the benefit of a longer forearm.

Best forearm for an 870 is made by Hogue. Short enough for a side-saddle, long enough that you don't pinch your hand.

I prefer the longer forearms except for how they interfere with a side saddle.

Unloading with a longer forearm is only slightly more complicated as you have to press both latches to get the round out instead of just one.