REMINGTON 870 TAC-14

The Remington 870 Tac-14 is a compact, highly maneuverable firearm designed for home defense, personal protection, and tactical applications. Built on the foundation of the Remington 870 pump-action shotgun, one of the most iconic and widely used shotguns in history, the Tac-14 offers the same legendary reliability, durability, and firepower in a non-NFA, highly portable configuration.

This firearm features a 14-inch barrel, a Raptor pistol grip, and a Magpul M-LOK forend, making it easy to handle in tight spaces while maintaining formidable stopping power. While it is not classified as a shotgun due to its lack of a shoulder stock, it is legally categorized as a “firearm,” avoiding the strict regulations associated with short-barreled shotguns (SBS) under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

This review will provide an in-depth analysis of the Remington 870 Tac-14, covering its history, design, features, performance, applications, legal considerations, and user impressions. By the end of this review, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of what makes the Tac-14 a unique and effective firearm.

The History of the Remington 870 and the Evolution of the Tac-14

The Legacy of the Remington 870

Introduced in 1950, the Remington 870 quickly became one of the most popular pump-action shotguns in the world. Known for its rugged construction, smooth action, and widespread adoption by law enforcement, military, hunters, and home defenders, the 870 has set the standard for reliability in the pump-action shotgun market.

Over the years, Remington has introduced various configurations of the 870, catering to different users, from sport shooters and hunters to tactical professionals. The Tac-14 is one of the latest innovations, designed to meet the demand for a highly compact and powerful defensive firearm.

The Birth of the Tac-14

With the rise of compact, non-NFA firearms, manufacturers like Remington and Mossberg recognized the demand for short-barreled defensive firearms that could offer powerful performance without the burden of federal registration. The Mossberg Shockwave was one of the first entries into this market, and Remington quickly responded with the 870 Tac-14, capitalizing on the 870’s legendary reputation.

By leveraging existing shotgun technology, modifying the stock and barrel length, and incorporating a pistol grip, Remington was able to produce a firearm that offers high maneuverability and power while avoiding the legal restrictions of a short-barreled shotgun.

Design and Features of the Remington 870 Tac-14

The Remington 870 Tac-14 is built on a tried-and-true platform, ensuring it retains the legendary reliability of the standard 870 while adapting it for more specialized use cases.

Construction and Materials

• Steel Receiver: The 870 Tac-14 is constructed with a solid steel receiver, providing exceptional strength and durability.
• Matte Black Finish: The corrosion-resistant finish ensures longevity and reliability in various environmental conditions.
• Pump-Action Mechanism: The smooth and reliable pump action is one of the defining features of the 870 series, allowing for quick follow-up shots and minimal malfunctions.

Barrel and Chamber

• 14-Inch Barrel: The short 14-inch barrel provides increased maneuverability, making it ideal for tight spaces such as hallways and vehicles.
• Cylinder Bore Choke: The Tac-14 features a cylinder bore, optimizing spread patterns for close-quarters engagements.
• 12-Gauge and 20-Gauge Options: The Tac-14 is available in both 12-gauge and 20-gauge, catering to users who prefer a balance between power and recoil control.

Grip and Forend

• Raptor Pistol Grip: Unlike traditional shotguns, the Tac-14 features a Shockwave Raptor pistol grip, which reduces felt recoil while maintaining control.
• Magpul M-LOK Forend: The Magpul M-LOK forend provides improved grip and attachment points for accessories such as weapon lights and sling mounts.

Capacity and Loading

• 4+1 Shell Capacity: The Tac-14 holds four shells in the magazine tube, plus one in the chamber.
• Compatible with a Variety of Shells: Users can fire birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, making the Tac-14 highly versatile.

Performance and Handling

Recoil and Control

One of the primary concerns with compact, high-powered firearms is recoil management. The Tac-14’s design helps mitigate recoil through several features:

• Shockwave Raptor Grip: The angled pistol grip reduces felt recoil by directing energy downward instead of straight back.
• Heavy-Duty Construction: The all-metal receiver and barrel absorb some of the recoil force, making it easier to control.
• Proper Grip Technique: Using a firm two-handed grip, shooters can maintain better control over the firearm.

Accuracy and Effectiveness

The Remington 870 Tac-14 is designed for close-range engagements, making accuracy less of a concern. However, with proper technique and ammunition selection, the Tac-14 can be surprisingly accurate within 25 yards.

• With Buckshot: Creates a wide spread, making it highly effective in home defense scenarios.
• With Slugs: Offers increased accuracy and stopping power, extending the effective range of the Tac-14.

Reliability

As part of the Remington 870 series, the Tac-14 maintains the same legendary reliability:

• Minimal risk of jams or misfeeds due to its proven pump-action system.
• Durable construction ensures performance in harsh conditions.

Legal Considerations

One of the biggest advantages of the Tac-14 is its legal classification:

• Not an NFA Shotgun: The Tac-14 is classified as a “firearm” rather than a shotgun or short-barreled shotgun (SBS), meaning no tax stamp or ATF registration is required.
• State Restrictions: Some states prohibit firearms with barrels under 18 inches, so users should check their local laws before purchasing.

Applications and Use Cases

Home Defense

The Tac-14 is an excellent home defense weapon due to:

• Compact size for maneuverability in tight spaces.
• Devastating stopping power of 12-gauge buckshot.
• Reliable pump-action operation.

Vehicle and Backpack Carry

• Easily stored in a vehicle for truck gun applications.
• Compact enough for carrying in a backpack for backcountry use.

Law Enforcement and Tactical Use

• Used for breaching doors and close-quarters engagements.
• Effective as a secondary weapon in tactical scenarios.