Lets say that I was only able to have one firearm for survival. My choice would be the Remington 870 12ga Express Tactical PT# 81198. My reasoning for choosing this firearm is its ability to handle different task from taking down wild game to defense, also its ability to be modified for many uses. From the factory it has a two shot extension giving this firearm the ability to hold 7 rounds of 2-3/4″ or 3″ shells, the barrel is 18-1/2″ Rem choke which includes the extended Remington tactical Cylinder Choke tube, on top of the receiver there is an XS ghost ring sight picatinny rail, and the forend pump is Remington’s own tactical forend.
What I like about these features is that the ghost ring sight is fully adjustable windage and elevation; also the ghost ring makes it very easy to acquire the front blade and pull onto target. When you open the chamber you will notice that the magazine follower is bright orange and that makes it very easy to determine that the magazine is empty. Cross bolt style safety is very easy to manipulate with your trigger finger and clearly indicates that the firearm is either in safe mode or fire mode. If you don’t want to use the ghost ring sight the picatinny rail makes it very easy to mount a red dot sight. Slings are also very easily attached to this firearm with the provided swivel attachments found on the rear stock and the barrel / magazine clamp at the front of the firearm. Remington makes many different barrels for the model 870 and at a reasonable price. If you want to go hunting for ducks you could by a 28” vent rib barrel, take off the magazine extension and you would have an excellent hunting shotgun.
Shooting The Remington 870 12ga Express Tactical was very fun. I loaded some Sellier & Bellot 2-3/4″ OO Buck shot and methodically picked my shots, then I loaded up the magazine a second time and dumped it as fast as I could, it functioned perfect every time. Recoil is felt a bit more through this model due to the shorter barrel and harder more durable recoil pad that is included. Please remember that this 870 is primarily designed for Military and Law Enforcement use so comfort takes aback seat and durability, reliability, and ruggedness are what is in mind in this model.