18 Remington 870 Tac Shotgun of 2026 For Reliable Home Defense

1

Monstrum Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder V2 | 12 Gauge

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  8.1
• Brand
  Monstrum

Key specs2

Gauge Compatibility

12 Gauge only

Receiver Mounting

Installs using the shotgun receiver trigger pin holes, keeping shells indexed close to the loading port.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Direct receiver fit for 12 gauge Remington 870, TAC-14, and 1100 series shotguns
• Provides quick-access spare shell retention directly against the shotgun receiver
• Updated V2 design mounts securely using existing receiver pin locations

Cons

• Only fits 12 gauge models and will not mount to 20 gauge receivers
• Users must verify clearance with long aftermarket or extended tactical forends

2

Gotical Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder W/Picatinny Rail Mount 6

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  7.6
• Brand
  Gotical

Key specs2

Shell Capacity

6 Rounds (12 Gauge)

Optic Interface

Combines a 6-shell carrier with an integrated top Picatinny rail for mounting tactical reflex sights.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Holds 6 rounds of 12 gauge ammunition for rapid tactical reloading
• Integrated top Picatinny rail allows simultaneous mounting of red dot optics
• Compatible with Remington 870 series, TAC-14, and 1100 series shotguns

Cons

• Added top rail increases overall receiver height and optic sightline
• Not compatible with smaller 20 gauge Remington receivers

3

Nightstick SFL-13WL Shotgun Forend Light - 1200 Lumens Forend Light

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  8.8
• Brand
  Nightstick

Key specs2

Light Output

1200 Lumens

Environmental Protection

IP-X7 Waterproof

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Outputs 1200 lumens of weapon-mounted light for positive target identification
• Replaces the factory forend directly to prevent snag points and loose barrel mounts
• IP-X7 waterproof construction resists heavy moisture and impact
• Integrated ambidextrous switches allow seamless activation during pump cycling

Cons

• Requires 2 CR123 batteries rather than a rechargeable internal pack
• Increases forend profile compared to slim factory furniture

4

Monstrum Side Saddle 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Holder | Compatible

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  8.8
• Brand
  Monstrum

Key specs1

Carrier Style

Low-profile rigid receiver side saddle dedicated to 12-gauge shotshell retention.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dedicated side-receiver shell carrier for 12 gauge Remington 870 platforms
• Firmly retains spare shotshells for fast single-feed chamber loading
• Mounts to factory receiver holes without requiring gunsmith drilling

Cons

• Lacks an integrated top rail for mounting tactical red dot sights
• Will not fit 20 gauge shotguns or non-standard receiver profiles

5

TacStar Slimline Sidesaddle Shell Holder for Remington 870/1100, Black

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  8.4
• Brand
  TacStar

Key specs1

Profile Design

Slim profile design reduces overall firearm width compared to bulky traditional shell carriers.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Slimline profile reduces overall receiver width to minimize indoor snagging
• Contoured backplate mounts securely to Remington 870 and 1100 receivers
• Keeps defensive shotshells aligned for rapid emergency reloads

Cons

• Shotshell capacity is limited by the compact slimline footprint
• Clearance must be checked with extended tactical forends during rear stroke

6

GOTICAL | Combo of Shell Holder & Sight - Remington

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  9.5
• Brand
  Gotical

Key specs1

Combo Configuration

• 6-round 12 gauge shell holder
• Integrated sighting platform
• Pin-mount receiver attachment

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Complete combo unit provides both a 6-shell holder and a receiver sight
• Engineered specifically for 12 gauge Remington 870, TAC-14, and 1100 platforms
• Allows simultaneous optic alignment and rapid shell replenishment

Cons

• Sight setup must be verified for co-witnessing with factory front beads
• Adds more weight and bulk to the receiver than standalone shell plates

7

K Kexuan Shotgun Saddle Scope Mount for Remington 870 and

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  7.3
• Brand
  K Kexuan

Key specs1

Receiver Attachment

Straddle-style saddle rail designed specifically for 12 gauge Remington 870 and 870 DM shotguns.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Full-straddle saddle mount engineered for Remington 870 and 870 DM 12 gauge
• Provides a sturdy top rail for attaching red dot sights or tactical scopes
• Straddles receiver without permanent modification or receiver drilling

Cons

• Does not include ammunition storage clips or side saddle loops
• Restricted to 12 gauge models and cannot fit 20 gauge shotguns

8

Volein QD Sling Swivel Cap Set, 20 Gauge Sling Mount

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  8.2
• Brand
  Volein

Key specs2

Caliber Fit

Remington 870 20 Gauge only

Sling Mechanism

Quick-detach swivel magazine cap tailored specifically to 20-gauge magazine tube threads.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dedicated replacement magazine cap adapter engineered for 20 gauge Remington 870
• Quick-detach QD sling swivel mechanism enables fast sling connection
• Maintains secure magazine spring tension while providing tactical carry capability

Cons

• Will not thread onto standard 12 gauge magazine tubes
• Requires compatible QD sling swivels and tactical sling hardware

9

TacStar 4-Shot Remington 870, 1100 And 11-87 (12 Gauge) ,

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  9.6
• Brand
  TacStar Industries

Key specs2

Shell Count

4 Rounds (12 Gauge)

Action Clearance

Shorter 4-round bracket avoids pump stroke interference on shotguns with longer tactical forends.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Compact 4-shot layout prevents interference with extended tactical forends
• Mounts cleanly to Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 12 gauge receivers
• Lighter weight on the receiver than full 6-round shell carriers

Cons

• Carries fewer spare rounds than standard 6-round side saddles
• Incompatible with 20 gauge shotgun receivers

10

Magpul MOE M-LOK Remington 870 Front Barrel Mount, Black

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  7.1
• Brand
  Magpul

Key specs2

Accessory Interface

M-LOK Compatible

Clamp Placement

Clamps between barrel and magazine extension tube to support modular lights and forward sling mounts.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Clamps securely between barrel and magazine tube on Remington 870 shotguns
• Features M-LOK mounting slots for tactical lights, lasers, or sling points
• Durable Magpul polymer and hardware withstand heavy shotgun recoil

Cons

• Requires proper standoff spacing to avoid barrel and magazine tube friction
• Not designed for integrated shell holding or optic mounting

11

TacStar 1081157 Side Saddle, fits 12 Gauge 6Rd Remington 870/1100/1187,

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  8.0
• Brand
  TacStar

Key specs2

Onboard Capacity

6 Rounds (12 Gauge)

Receiver Compatibility

• Remington 870 (12 Ga)
• Remington 1100 (12 Ga)
• Remington 11-87 (12 Ga)

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Holds 6 rounds of 12 gauge ammunition securely along the shotgun receiver
• Proven backing plate fits Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 platforms
• Durable synthetic shell carrier resists weather and repeated chamber reloads

Cons

• Longer 6-round plate can bind on long sporting forends during cycling
• Does not fit 20 gauge receiver dimensions

12

UTG 870 Optic Mount, 12 Gauge, Black

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  9.6
• Brand
  UTG

Key specs2

Rail Specification

Picatinny Top Rail

Optic Mounting

Provides a continuous 1913 Picatinny rail above the receiver for tactical red dots and reflex sights.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Contoured low-profile Picatinny rail tailored for 12 gauge Remington 870 receivers
• Enables rapid mounting of tactical micro red dots and compact reflex sights
• Locks securely across receiver pin holes without permanent modifications

Cons

• Lacks onboard shotshell storage loops
• Will not mount to 20 gauge or non-standard receiver profiles

13

Streamlight 69601 TL-Racker 1,000-Lumen 20,000-Candela Gun Light, Black

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  7.5
• Brand
  Streamlight

Key specs2

Beam Intensity

1000 Lumens / 20000 Candela

Forend Integration

Integrated pump forend eliminates barrel-clamp wires and snag hazards while defending indoors.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Delivers 1000 lumens and intense 20000 candela for long-range target illumination
• All-in-one integrated forend replaces factory pump slide to eliminate snagging cords
• Elongated ambidextrous switch pad allows instant activation from any hand position
• Impact-resistant polymer body stands up to aggressive defensive pump cycling

Cons

• Bulkier handgrip profile than slim traditional factory forends
• Increases overall forward weight on the shotgun

14

TacStar Industries 1081035 Shotgun Rail Mount,Remington 870,1100 and 11-87, W/Sidesaddle,

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  8.1
• Brand
  TacStar

Key specs1

Dual Functionality

Integrates a rigid 6-shot ammunition carrier directly with an aluminum receiver top rail.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Combines a 6-round side saddle carrier with a rigid top Picatinny optic rail
• Engineered to fit Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 12 gauge receivers
• Eliminates the need to buy separate optic mounts and side ammunition carriers

Cons

• Increases overall shotgun width and receiver height substantially
• Requires checking forend travel clearance to ensure full pump cycling

15

Allen Company Universal Shotgun Plug - Limits Magazine Size to

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  9.7
• Brand
  AC Allen

Key specs1

Magazine Restriction

Drops into magazine tube to restrict shell capacity for hunting regulations rather than tactical defense.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Limits shotgun magazine tube capacity to comply with migratory bird hunting rules
• Universal design fits most pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns including the 870
• Easily installed inside the magazine tube beneath the retaining cap

Cons

• Reduces shell capacity, which conflicts with tactical home defense needs
• May require manual trimming to match exact magazine tube lengths

16

Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount for 12GA 20GA 870 1187

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  8.8
• Brand
  Hammers

Key specs2

Dual-Gauge Compatibility

Fits 12 Gauge and 20 Gauge

Rail Platform

Straddle-style saddle design provides top optic mounting across multiple Remington shotgun gauges.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Versatile straddle mount compatible with both 12 gauge and 20 gauge receivers
• Fits Remington 870, 1100, and 11-87 shotgun platforms
• Provides top rail real estate for mounting sights and tactical red dots

Cons

• Does not feature spare shell retention loops
• Straddle mount arms may require careful alignment during pin installation

17

Hogue OverMolded Shotgun Stock 12" L.O.P. for Remington 870 (12

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  7.7
• Brand
  Hogue

Key specs2

Length of Pull

12 Inches (Short LOP)

Grip Texture

OverMolded rubber coating ensures positive weapon retention and recoil cushioning in tight quarters.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Short 12-inch length of pull significantly improves indoor handling and maneuverability
• OverMolded rubber exterior delivers non-slip grip under stressful conditions
• Direct replacement buttstock engineered for 12 gauge Remington 870 platforms
• Facilitates compact squared-up tactical shooting stance with body armor

Cons

• Shorter reach may feel cramped for shooters with longer arms
• Does not include a matching replacement forend

18

Hogue OverMolded Rubber Shotgun Stock & Forend Kit For Remington

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  8.9
• Brand
  Hogue

Key specs2

Kit Components

• OverMolded rubber buttstock
• Matching textured pump forend
• Integral sling swivel studs

Ergonomic Design

Replaces both buttstock and pump forend with shock-absorbing OverMolded non-slip rubber furniture.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Complete furniture kit includes both OverMolded rubber buttstock and matching forend
• Durable rubber coating provides superior grip traction in wet defensive environments
• Engineered specifically for smooth cycling and recoil comfort on 12 gauge 870s

Cons

• Features standard factory length of pull rather than a shortened 12-inch reach
• Forend installation requires a shotgun forend tube nut wrench

Last update on 2026-09-15 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Will a receiver-mounted side saddle interfere with racking the Remington 870 forend?

It depends on the length and profile of your forend. Standard sporting forends extend rearward over the receiver when the action is cycled back, causing the pump to strike side saddles such as the Monstrum Side Saddle V2 or TacStar Slimline Sidesaddle. Shorter tactical forends or compact aftermarket replacements clear the receiver pins, allowing a 6-round shell holder or a TacStar 4-Shot carrier to cycle smoothly without binding the action. Verify that your forend stops forward of the front receiver pin when the action is opened fully before mounting a rigid shell carrier.

Does an 870 saddle optic mount fit both 12 gauge and 20 gauge receivers?

Usually not, because 12 gauge and 20 gauge Remington 870 shotguns feature different receiver widths and trigger pin spacings. Components like the UTG 870 Optic Mount and the K Kexuan Shotgun Saddle Scope Mount are dimensioned strictly for 12 gauge receivers and will fit loosely or misalign on smaller frames. However, universal cross-platform designs like the Hammers Shotgun Scope Saddle Mount list compatibility for both 12GA and 20GA 870 frames. Always verify the manufacturer gauge specification on mounts and cap accessories, including dedicated hardware like the Volein QD Sling Swivel Cap Set made exclusively for 20 gauge magazine tubes.

How do I shorten the length of pull on a Remington 870 for home defense?

You can shorten the overall handling profile by swapping the standard factory buttstock for a dedicated compact stock. The Hogue OverMolded Shotgun Stock (part 08730) reduces the length of pull to 12 inches on 12 gauge models, bringing the shotgun closer to your center of gravity for improved maneuverability through hallways and doorways. You can also select the Hogue OverMolded Rubber Stock and Forend Kit (part 08712) to match traction across both hands. While setting up close-quarters equipment, comparing your defensive ergonomics with compact setups from our guide to submachine guns for CQB skirmishes helps clarify how reduced weapon length aids control.

Which dedicated weapon lights replace the Remington 870 pump forend directly?

Both the Streamlight TL-Racker and the Nightstick SFL-13WL replace the entire factory slide handle, removing the need for barrel clamps or rail brackets that can shift under recoil. The Streamlight TL-Racker outputs 1,000 lumens and 20,000 candela of concentrated light. The Nightstick SFL-13WL delivers 1,200 lumens, features an IP-X7 waterproof rating with impact and chemical resistance, runs on two CR123 batteries, and fits standard 870 and TAC-14 shotguns. Both systems keep illumination controls directly under your support hand while cycling the pump action.

Can I install a saddle scope mount on a detachable magazine Remington 870 DM?

Yes, but only if the saddle mount is explicitly engineered to clear the external magazine well. Traditional saddle rails wrap beneath the receiver pins and block the magazine housing on box-fed variants. The K Kexuan Shotgun Saddle Scope Mount is specifically compatible with both the standard Remington 870 and the 870 DM 12 gauge. Always confirm that the mounting plate does not intrude upon the lower receiver contour or impede magazine insertion before tightening the cross bolts.

How many reserve shells can I carry on the receiver without overloading the shotgun?

Tactical shell holders for the Remington 870 generally offer a capacity of either 4 or 6 shotgun shells. Compact setups like the TacStar 4-Shot carrier keep added side weight minimal, while 6-round units like the TacStar 1081157 or the Gotical Side Saddle Shotgun Shell Holder with Picatinny Rail Mount offer more onboard ammunition. Combining shell capacity with an optic rail allows you to mount a red dot while keeping reserve rounds instantly accessible. If you also balance your home defense armory with rapid-deployment handguns, check our guide to platforms for secure carry and fast reloads to maintain quick readiness across your defensive battery.