Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in firearms for hunting, sport, and defense. The Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge Shotgun with Laminate Stock offers a robust and reliable platform in a reduced size. Its laminate stock provides enhanced weather resistance and durability over traditional wood. In stock at Kansas Gunshop for $499.0.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge?
The Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge with Laminate Stock is built for consistent performance in a smaller package. Here are the detailed specifications:
| Product Type | Pump-Action Shotgun |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 21 inches |
| Overall Length | 40.5 inches |
| Material | Receiver: Steel; Barrel: Carbon Steel; Stock: Laminate Wood |
| Manufacturing | Remington Arms |
| Finish | Matte Black |
| Hardness/Quality | Durable, field-grade construction |
| Compatibility | Accepts most Remington 870 20 gauge accessories (chokes, extensions) |
| Installation/Usage | Ready to use out of the box; requires standard shotgun cleaning and maintenance |
| Weight | Approximately 6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 40.5″ L x 2″ W x 7″ H (approximate) |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | New |
| SKU | R870E20GLS |
What are the key features of the Remington 870 Express Compact?
This Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge offers several features that make it a practical choice for various shooters.
- Compact Design: The reduced length of pull and shorter barrel make it more manageable for smaller-framed shooters or for maneuvering in tight spaces. This is a significant advantage for younger hunters or those who prefer a more agile firearm.
- Laminate Stock: The laminate stock is a step up from traditional hardwood in terms of durability and weather resistance. It’s less prone to warping or cracking from moisture exposure, making it a reliable choice for use in various Kansas weather conditions, from a damp fall morning in the duck blind to a dry, dusty pheasant field.
- 20 Gauge Power: The 20 gauge offers a good balance of reduced recoil compared to 12 gauge, while still providing ample power for small game, upland birds, and even deer with the right ammunition. It’s a versatile choice for many hunting scenarios.
- Matte Black Finish: The non-reflective matte black finish helps prevent glare, which can be useful in hunting situations. It also provides a degree of corrosion resistance for field use.
- Vent Rib Barrel: The vent rib barrel with a single bead sight aids in quick target acquisition and provides a clear sight picture, which is beneficial for wingshooting.
- Remington 870 Reliability: The 870 platform is known for its robust and reliable pump-action mechanism. It’s a design that has proven itself over decades in the field, which means fewer worries about malfunctions when it counts.
Who is this shotgun for, and who should consider alternatives?
Understanding who benefits most from this shotgun can help you make an informed decision.
Buy it if:
- You are a smaller-framed shooter, a youth, or new to shotguns and want reduced recoil.
- You need a versatile shotgun for upland birds, small game, or even deer hunting in Kansas.
- You appreciate the durability and weather resistance of a laminate stock over traditional wood.
- You are looking for a reliable, time-tested pump-action platform.
- You want a shotgun that is easy to maneuver in dense cover or blinds.
- You prefer a 20 gauge for its balance of power and manageable recoil.
Skip it if:
- You primarily shoot 12 gauge and prefer the wider range of ammunition options or maximum payload for waterfowl. (See our 12 gauge shotguns for alternatives.)
- You require a semi-automatic action for faster follow-up shots. (Browse our semi-automatic shotguns for other options.)
- You are looking for a tactical shotgun with a shorter barrel and pistol grip for home defense, as this is primarily a hunting configuration.
- You need a shotgun with a synthetic stock for maximum weather resistance and minimal maintenance. (Consider models like the
Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge Shotgun with Synthetic Stockif available, or similar synthetic stock options.)
What are the pros and cons of this firearm?
Every firearm has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a balanced look at the Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge with Laminate Stock.
Pros:
- ✅ Reduced length of pull and overall length make it ideal for smaller shooters or tight quarters.
- ✅ 20 gauge offers significantly less recoil than 12 gauge, improving comfort and reducing flinching.
- ✅ Laminate stock provides superior durability and weather resistance compared to standard wood.
- ✅ Proven Remington 870 pump-action reliability, a workhorse design.
- ✅ Versatile for various hunting applications, from dove to deer, with appropriate ammunition.
- ✅ Easy to maintain and clean, typical of the 870 platform.
Cons:
- ❌ Limited ammunition selection compared to the ubiquitous 12 gauge.
- ❌ The laminate stock, while durable, can be heavier than a synthetic stock. (Consider synthetic stock models for lighter weight.)
- ❌ Pump-action requires manual cycling, slower than a semi-automatic for follow-up shots. (See our semi-automatic shotguns for faster options.)
How does the Remington 870 Express Compact compare to other shotguns?
Let’s put the Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge with Laminate Stock up against a couple of common alternatives to give you some context.
| Feature | Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge (Laminate Stock) | Maverick 88 Compact 20 Gauge (Synthetic Stock) | Benelli Nova Youth 20 Gauge (Synthetic Stock) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel receiver, Carbon steel barrel, Laminate wood stock | Aluminum alloy receiver, Steel barrel, Synthetic stock | Steel receiver, Steel barrel, Synthetic stock |
| Quality | Solid, field-grade construction; known durability of the 870 platform | Budget-friendly, reliable workhorse; good value for the price | High-quality, robust construction; renowned Benelli reliability |
| Compatibility | Good aftermarket support for 870 20 gauge accessories | Good aftermarket support for Mossberg 500/590 accessories | Proprietary Benelli Nova accessories |
| Shipping | Same-day shipping from Kansas Gunshop | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Decades of proven service; laminate stock adds weather resistance | Reliable for years of use; synthetic stock is very durable | Exceptional durability; known for heavy-duty construction |
| Price | $499.0 | ~$250-300 | ~$450-550 |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge
What is the main advantage of a laminate stock over a traditional wood stock?
A laminate stock is constructed from multiple thin layers of wood bonded together with resin. This process makes it significantly more stable and resistant to warping, cracking, and moisture damage compared to a solid piece of wood. It’s a practical choice for a hunting shotgun that might see varied weather conditions.
Is the Remington 870 Express Compact suitable for deer hunting?
Yes, the Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge can be effective for deer hunting, especially with appropriate slug ammunition. The 20 gauge slug delivers sufficient energy for deer at reasonable ranges. For optimal accuracy with slugs, consider adding a rifled barrel if available, though smoothbore barrels can be effective with modern sabot slugs.
Can I change the barrel on the Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge?
Yes, like most Remington 870 models, the barrel on the Express Compact 20 Gauge is interchangeable. You can typically find accessory barrels for different purposes, such as longer field barrels, shorter home defense barrels, or rifled slug barrels. Ensure any replacement barrel is specifically for a 20 gauge Remington 870 and matches the magazine tube length.
What is the effective range of a 20 gauge shotgun?
The effective range of a 20 gauge shotgun depends heavily on the ammunition type and target. For birdshot on upland game, expect effective ranges up to 35-40 yards. With buckshot, effective range for larger game is typically within 40-50 yards. Slugs can extend this range for deer, with modern sabot slugs in a rifled barrel potentially effective out to 100 yards or more, though practical hunting ranges are often closer.
Where can I buy a Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge Shotgun with Laminate Stock online?
You can purchase the Remington 870 Express Compact 20 Gauge Shotgun with Laminate Stock directly from Kansas Gunshop at kansas-gunshop.com. We are a licensed FFL dealer and handle all transfers according to federal and state laws.
What’s the difference between the 870 Express and 870 Wingmaster?
The 870 Express is Remington’s more budget-friendly, field-grade version, often featuring a matte finish and less refined wood or synthetic stocks. The 870 Wingmaster is typically the premium version, with a polished blued finish, higher-grade wood, and smoother action out of the box. Both are built on the same reliable 870 platform, but the Wingmaster usually offers a more aesthetically pleasing and refined feel.
Is the 20 gauge sufficient for self-defense?
A 20 gauge shotgun, especially with buckshot or slugs, is absolutely sufficient for self-defense. The reduced recoil compared to a 12 gauge can make it more manageable for some shooters, allowing for better control and faster follow-up shots. It’s a potent defensive tool when used with appropriate ammunition.
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Last updated: April 2026
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