Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in Barrel Review

Let Me Walk You Through the Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel

The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel is a specialized barrel designed to enhance the performance of your trusty Remington 870 shotgun specifically for turkey hunting. This barrel, manufactured by Remington, promises improved patterns and accuracy at distances crucial for bagging that trophy tom.

My journey to acquiring the Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel stemmed from a recurring frustration. I was consistently missing clean shots on turkeys beyond 30 yards with my general-purpose barrel. It was time to upgrade.

Unboxing the barrel, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. The matte finish looked durable, promising resistance against the harsh elements of the turkey woods.

Compared to a standard 28-inch barrel, this 21-inch barrel felt significantly more maneuverable. This advantage is critical in tight hunting blinds or thick brush. I ultimately chose this barrel for its promise of superior turkey-specific performance and its compact size.

Initially, I was excited but also cautiously optimistic. I hoped it would live up to the hype and transform my turkey hunting success rate. Only time in the field would tell if it delivered on its promise.

Real-World Testing: Putting Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test took place during the spring turkey season in the dense hardwood forests of central Pennsylvania. I spent several days hunting from both ground blinds and while running-and-gunning, testing its performance in various scenarios.

The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel performed admirably even in damp, early morning conditions. Its shorter length made navigating through thick cover significantly easier compared to my longer field barrel. After a few practice rounds, I was consistently hitting my target at 40 yards.

The initial installation was straightforward, however, it needed to be tightened properly to the receiver. I also noticed that the point of impact was slightly different compared to my other barrel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After two full turkey seasons of dedicated use, the Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel continues to impress. It maintains its tight patterns and has shown no signs of degradation in performance.

The matte black finish has held up surprisingly well, showing minimal scratches despite being dragged through thick brush. Cleaning is a breeze, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning procedures to keep it in top condition. The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel has significantly improved my confidence and success rate.

Compared to previous turkey hunting seasons with my general-purpose barrel, the difference is night and day. The tighter patterns and enhanced maneuverability have drastically improved my odds of bagging a bird.

Breaking Down the Features of Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel

Specifications

The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel boasts some key features. It includes a 21-inch barrel length, 12-gauge chambering, and a matte finish.

The barrel is designed specifically for the Remington Model 870 shotgun and features an extra-full choke for optimal turkey patterns. The shorter barrel length enhances maneuverability, especially in confined hunting environments. The combination of these features makes the barrel an ideal choice for dedicated turkey hunters.

Performance & Functionality

The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel excels in providing tight, consistent patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges. Its accuracy is noticeably improved compared to a standard field barrel, especially with turkey-specific loads.

The barrel’s strengths lie in its ability to deliver lethal patterns at extended ranges and its increased maneuverability. A minor weakness could be the limited versatility, as the extra-full choke is not ideal for other types of hunting. Overall, it significantly exceeds expectations for dedicated turkey hunting.

Design & Ergonomics

The barrel is constructed from high-quality steel, giving it a solid and durable feel. Its shorter length and balanced weight distribution make the shotgun comfortable to carry and handle, even for extended periods.

There is virtually no learning curve, as it seamlessly integrates with any Remington 870 receiver. Its design prioritizes functionality and performance in the turkey woods.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel should last for many seasons. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to prevent rust and maintain optimal performance.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning tools and solvents. The barrel’s robust construction and protective finish contribute to its longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The barrel comes with an extra-full choke tube optimized for turkey loads. Additional aftermarket choke tubes may be used to fine-tune patterns with various loads.

It is compatible with most standard Remington 870 accessories, such as slings and sights. However, due to its specialized nature, there are limited direct customization options beyond choke tubes and sights.

Pros and Cons of Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel

Who Should Buy Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel?

Perfect for dedicated turkey hunters looking to improve their accuracy and success rate. It’s also great for those who hunt in dense cover where maneuverability is crucial.

This barrel may not be the best choice for hunters looking for a versatile, all-purpose shotgun barrel. This is also true if you primarily hunt small game or waterfowl.

A quality red dot sight can significantly enhance target acquisition. Also consider a comfortable sling for long days in the turkey woods.

Conclusion on Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel

The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel is a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters seeking enhanced performance. It delivers on its promise of tighter patterns and improved maneuverability.

At $249.99, the price is justified given the noticeable improvement in accuracy and overall hunting experience. The Remington RXBL 870 EXP TKY 12Ga 21in E-Full MT Barrel is a game-changer, plain and simple.

If you are serious about turkey hunting and want to increase your odds of bagging that trophy tom, I wholeheartedly recommend this barrel. Upgrade your Remington 870 and get ready to fill your freezer!