I receive a lot of questions from shotgun owners which want to add a heat shield (barrel shroud) to a shotgun. So, this review will describe available options and how to choose the best heat shield for the Remington 870.

Remington 870 Custom Paintend in Snow Camo

Remington 870 Custom Paintend in Snow Camo

Every time you shoot a Remington 870 shotgun, there is an excessive amount of heat that passes through the barrel. The more you use your weapon, the more the heat you are going to feel from the barrel. This happens even more when you shoot multiple rounds within a short amount of time because the intense heat stays in the barrel longer. That is why a machinge guns, for example, have an extra barrel to them. A Remington 870 is a pump action shotgun which means you can shoot it quickly as well. Because of this, users sometimes burnt their hands when they touched the barrel after firing the weapon. As a result, this caused injury to them. That is why I recommend to use shooting gloves.

There is something called a heat shield or barrel shroud that can be attached to the barrel of a shotgun. Once it is attached, you’ll never have to worry about burning your hands ever again. You may even be able to find a heat shield that already has a front sight mounted on it as well. Also the heat shield contains silicone pads which protect barrel from scratches.

Remington 870 Magpul Furniture, Heatshield, Sidesaddle

Here is build from the UK, Its an old 870 wingmaster with non vented barrel and metal trigger housing

24″ ported barrel
Magpul furniture
Nordic + 5 extension
Silver soldered the LPA front sight on and milled the holes on the receiver myself and had the whole gun cerakoted

Remington 870 Magpul Furniture, Heatshield, Sidesaddle

Remington 870 Magpul Furniture, Heatshield, Sidesaddle

Disadvantages of the heatshield on shotgun

Before you run out and purchase a heat shield for your Remington 870, just be aware of some of the setbacks that you may experience from attaching heat shield (barrel shroud) onto your shotgun’s barrel. First, you should expect some extra weight to be added to your weapon from it. Also, heat shields have a tendency to scratch the barrel of the shotgun too. Since the heat shield will move while under recoil, this is likely when the scratching will happen.

Heatshield on a barrel with rifle sights

You won’t be able to install the heat shield onto a barrel with a rear rifle sight. When you go to install the heat shield, be prepared to modify it prior to installing it onto the barrel:

Remington 870 with Heatshield, FAB Defense Forend and Magpul AFG

Remington 870 with Heatshield, FAB Defense Forend and Magpul AFG

Remington 870 with ATI Stock, Heatshield and Holographic Sight

Remington 870 with ATI Stock, Heatshield and Holographic Sight

Remington 870 with Heatshield, FAB Defense Forend and Magpul AFG

Remington 870 with Heatshield, FAB Defense Forend and Magpul AFG

There are lots of heat shields to choose from on the market for your Remington 870 shotgun. The three most preferred heat shields are the Advanced Technology Heat Shield, the TacStar Shotgun Barrel Shroud, and the Advanced Technology Shield with a Ghost Ring.

Advanced Technology Heat Shield for Remington 870

Remington 870 with ATI Heatshield

Remington 870 with ATI Heatshield

The Advanced Technology Heat Shield can improve the handling and control you have over your shotgun. It comes with a complete array of spacers and adapters that make installing the heat shield onto your 12-gauge shotgun very easy. You won’t be required to modify the firearm in any way, which will make the installation process even easier. All you have to do is slide the heat shield over the barrel and then use the included hardware to secure it in place. This heat shield is made specifically for the following pump action shotguns: the Winchester 1200 and 1300, the Remington 870, the Maverick 88, and the Mossberg 500. If you have a different version of these weapons, such as a Remington 870 Police, then that’s okay too as long as it’s a 12-gauge.

The heat shield is made of formed steel which has extra-long cooling slots that shield the user’s hands from getting burned. Together, these features provide the user with a surface that is not slippery and totally secure. That way, they won’t feel any burning sensation while holding it and their hands won’t slip either no matter how moist or dry they are. The finish of the heat shield is black oxide, so it should match the finish you have on your current shotgun too. And again, no gunsmithing or modifications to the weapon are required. Although, you should note that any other upgrades or accessories that may be on your shotgun could interfere with the heat shield. For example, a custom or rifle front sight attached to the barrel of your shotgun will get in the way of the heat shield when you try to install it. Therefore, keep your original front sight and barrel when sliding the heat shield on over it.

The heat shield is 13 ¾ inches long, or 35 centimeters, and it is made in the United States of America. This means you can be sure that it is a quality part that was made with pride. The cost of the Advanced Technology Heat Shield is $24.99 and can be purchased through Brownells.com. This is pretty affordable as far as heat shields go, and it doesn’t matter what you’re going to use your shotgun for because heat shields are suitable for all situations. You could be a combat soldier in war, a police officer, or just somebody who is casually hunting, and you’ll still find a good use for this accessory.

Recommended Product:
Advanced Technology Heat Shield for Remington 870 Get Advanced Technology Heat Shield for Remington 870 on Brownells

TacStar Shotgun Barrel Shroud for Shotguns

Remington 870 Heatshield

Remington 870 Heatshield

The TacStar Shotgun Barrel Shroud is a type of heat shield that is compatible with the barrels of virtually all 12-gauge shotguns that don’t have a ventilated rib. The shroud is actually a handguard that is made of all-steel with a blue matte finish and can be clamped onto the barrel of your shotgun quickly. Just make sure it is a plain barreled shotgun because any custom front sights or accessories on the barrel will interfere with the installation process. If you have unmodified factory original shotgun without rear rifle sight, then you should have no problems clamping the handguard right onto its barrel. There are no permanent modifications or alternations necessary during the installation process either.

The overall purpose of the TacStar Shotgun Barrel Shroud is to protect your hands from getting burned after you fire the shotgun and then touch the barrel when it’s hot. The shroud is held securely in place by the friction of the clamp and collar. It should still be easy to aim and maintain accuracy when the shroud is installed because of its light weight. The shroud is designed with a ventilation system that reduces its weight considerably while making it easier to install and handle. Just note that if you upgraded certain parts like the forend, then be prepared to modify these parts in order to accommodate the shroud. If necessary, just go back to using the original factory forend when installing the shroud. It will make the whole process so much simpler, especially if you’re a novice to gun part upgrades and replacements.

The price of the TacStar Shotgun Barrel Shroud is $34.99. A lot of people like this shroud because of its versatility and compatibility with many different shotgun models. But it is by far the most popular with the Remington 870, regardless of whether you have an 870 Express, 870 Wingmaster, or 870 Police. If you are using this shroud with your shotgun for hunting, police work, or combat situations, then it will suit you well. You will never again have to worry about accidentally burning your hand on the barrel.

Recommended Product:
TacStar Shotgun Barrel Shroud for Shotguns Get TacStar Shotgun Barrel Shroud for Shotguns on Brownells

Advanced Technology Heat Shield with Ghost Ring Sight for Shotguns

Remington 870 with Heatshield

Remington 870 with Heatshield

The Advanced Technology Heat Shield with Ghost Ring Sight is compatible with most .410, 20-gauge, 16-gauge, and 12-gauge pump action shotguns, particularly the Remington 870 shotgun. This heat shield has a rear ghost ring for easy targeting. It is made out of steel and has long cooling slots which are made to protect the user’s hands from getting burnt after they fire the weapon and touch the barrel. You can grab a shotgun without feeling any excessive heat from it.

The Advanced Technology Heat Shield can be customized to fit the barrel of almost any pump action shotgun. The only thing is you will need the necessary tools in order to pull this off. And, of course, you need to feel comfortable with customizing it yourself because there is a little bit of skill that’s needed to do it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this or if you don’t have the right tools to do the job, try going to your local gunsmith and have them do it for you. Advanced Technology assumes no responsibility for any of the customization work that their customers do with their heat shields or any improper installations that may be done with their heat shields. However, there is a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee that comes with the purchase of the heat shield, but it only applies to the actual operation of the unit itself. It does not apply to how it operates after it is modified from its original state.

The cost of the Advanced Technology Heat Shield with Ghost Ring Sight is $27.99. Since its steel material has a black finish, it should blend well with almost any shotgun that you put it on. The heat shield is 13 inches long, or 35 centimeters, and the Ghost Ring Sight is made of polymer with a matte black finish as well. The diameter of the ghost ring is 0.122 inches, or 3.1 millimeters. The ghost ring will make it easy to aim a shotgun at a target. If you prefer not to have the ghost ring, there is another Advanced Technology Heat Shield model that is available without the ghost ring and it costs a little bit less too.

Recommended Product:
Advanced Technology Heat Shield with Ghost Ring Sight for Shotguns Get Advanced Technology Heat Shield with Ghost Ring Sight for Shotguns on Brownells

Remington 870 Magpul Tactical with Upgrades and Accessories

xk49 posted photo of Model 870™ Express® Tactical Magpul® on Remington 870 Forum. Remington 870 Magpul Tactical has many tactical and home defense upgrades installed from the factory but there are some things that can be upgraded and added.

Remington 870 Magpul Tactical with Upgrades and Accessories

Remington 870 Magpul Tactical with Upgrades and Accessories

Remington 870 Magpul Stock and Forend are great. Magpul SGA stock eanbles you to adjust Length of Pull or add a cheekriser. There are also many ways to attach a sling to Magpul stock. This stock is rock-solid and one of the most popular choices of shotgun owners.

The good feature of the Magpul forend is that you can install rail and flashlight easily on the left or on the right side. Owner decided to install Inforce flashlight which is very nice, compact and powerful. I have tested it and it works good even under heavy shotgun recoil.

Magpul hand stop is a small nice addition to Magpul MOE Remington 870 forend. Can make grip better.

Mesa Tactical Rail works as heatshield but it also adds weight to your shotgun. You can install many additional accessories or upgrade sights. AR-15 style sights can be easily installed on this type of rail.

Description of the Magpul Remington 870 Tactical:

Tried and true 870 receiver milled from solid steel
18.5″ barrel with extended tactical choke tube
Receiver and barrel features tough, weather resistant Cerakote coating
One piece magazine tube
Fully adjustable XS Ghost Ring Sight
SGA Magpul stock
Spacer system for length of pull adjustment
Cheek risers for use with optics/raised sights
MOE fore-end with improved grip ergonomics
SuperCell™ pad reduces felt recoil by over 50%