POTD: USMC Model 870 Mark 1 – When The 870 Went to War
Sam.S 04.10.25
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! This Vietnam-era Remington 870 Mark 1 represents the Marine Corps’ modernized take on the classic trench gun concept. Dating from the mid-1960s (pre-1968 based on the serial number lacking the “S” prefix), it features the distinctive bayonet adapter assembly that allowed it to mount the same M7 bayonet used on M16 rifles – a first for military shotguns. What makes the Mark 1 different from civilian 870s is that bayonet lug/sight combo, the parkerized finish, and the extended 7-round magazine tube. This was the Marine Corps’ solution for clearing tunnels, close-quarters combat, and security duties where the shotgun’s stopping power made it especially effective. The interesting part about military 870s is how poorly documented they are – Remington’s military records remain mostly unreleased. We know about a 1969 Marine Corps contract for 3,231 shotguns, but serial number ranges weren’t specified in the contract information. This particular example shows signs of arsenal rework – the barrel has been replaced with a 20-inch version featuring a “WA” 1980 date code and adjustable rear sight. This matches what Canfield’s “Combat Shotguns” book notes about many Mark 1s being reconfigured with shorter barrels during their service life. The Mark 1’s first significant combat use was reportedly during the 1975 Mayaguez crisis when Marines recaptured an American ship seized by Cambodian forces. Their performance in that operation cemented the 870’s reputation as a reliable combat shotgun, leading to its continued use through Desert Storm and even into Afghanistan. Complete with its web sling and Imperial M7 bayonet with green M8A1 scabbard, this represents a key step in the evolution of combat shotguns from the WWI-era trench guns to the tactical weapons still used today.
“U.S.M.C. Mark 1 Variant Remington 870 Wingmaster Trench Shotgun.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4094/346/usmc-mark-1-variant-remington-870-wingmaster-trench-shotgun. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
