Remington 870 Shotgun
A pump-action powerhouse essential for surviving close encounters with the undead.
While high-tech weaponry often defines Umbrella Corporation's arsenal, this pump-action firearm remains a staple for field agents and survivors alike when facing infected hordes in confined spaces. Throughout the saga, it appears frequently in the hands of operatives ranging from S.T.A.R.S. members to Alice’s group. Its presence signifies desperation and practicality, offering the stopping power necessary to neutralize Lickers and Zombies where precision rifles fail.
- Type
- Pump-action Shotgun
- First Appearance
- Resident Evil (2002)
- Primary Users
- S.T.A.R.S., Umbrella Security, Resistance
- Ammunition
- 12 Gauge Shells
- Combat Role
- Close-Quarters Suppression
- Notable Trait
- High Recoil and Noise Signature
Lore & Background
In the chaotic aftermath of the T-Virus outbreak, firearms that offer rapid stopping power become invaluable. Its design allows for the use of various ammunition types, though standard buckshot is most commonly depicted for neutralizing human-sized targets reanimated by the virus. Umbrella Security Forces frequently utilize these shotguns during containment breaches and facility lockdowns. The weapon's reliability under stress makes it a preferred choice for S.T.A.R.S. operatives like Chris Redfield during the initial Hive incident. It bridges the gap between personal sidearms and heavy assault rifles, providing a versatile tool for navigating dark corridors. However, reliance on this firearm comes with risks. The mechanical action requires manual pumping to cycle rounds, which can slow down fire rates compared to automatic weapons. Additionally, the distinctive report of the shotgun acts as an auditory beacon, often drawing larger groups of infected toward the shooter's location during tense stealth sequences.
In Their Own Story
The corridor lights flickered and died, plunging the Hive into a darkness broken only by the green glow of emergency strips. Chris gripped the cold steel of the shotgun, his breath hitching in the stale air. A guttural screech echoed from the shadows ahead, followed by the wet slap of claws on metal grating. He didn't wait for it to fully emerge. With a sharp exhale, he pumped the action and fired. The blast illuminated the Licker's pale form before it recoiled into the gloom, but in that split second, the sound had already called others from the dark.
Reader's Guide
In the films, protagonists often rely on this weapon when facing Lickers or Zombies at close range where pistols lack impact. The mechanism requires manual cycling after each shot to chamber new ammunition, providing a momentary pause that can be dangerous amidst swarming enemies. While effective for suppressing threats, the loud discharge acts as a beacon, attracting more infected from surrounding areas. Ammunition scarcity becomes a critical plot point, forcing characters to scavenge through destroyed facilities or armories. Unlike high-tech Umbrella weaponry, this firearm represents human ingenuity and desperation. It lacks special modifications seen in later films but remains a staple for S.T.A.R.S. members like Chris Redfield during the initial outbreaks. Its spread pattern allows for forgiving aim when panic sets in, making it ideal for chaotic corridors of the Hive or ruined city streets. Survivors must balance the need to clear immediate threats with the risk of alerting distant predators. Proper handling involves maintaining situational awareness while managing the weapon's significant recoil during rapid engagements.
Did You Know?
- Chris Redfield is prominently seen utilizing a pump-action shotgun similar to this model in the first film.
- The loud report often serves as a narrative device to escalate tension by drawing more enemies.
- It is frequently found stocked in Umbrella armories alongside assault rifles and sidearms.
- Its spread pattern makes it effective against agile creatures like Lickers that dodge precise shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses the Remington 870 Shotgun in the films?
This firearm is wielded by various groups throughout the series, including S.T.A.R.S. members, Umbrella security forces, and Alice's resistance team. It serves as a primary tool for both military operatives and civilian survivors facing biological threats.
What role does the Remington 870 play in combat?
Designed for close-quarters suppression, this pump-action shotgun delivers devastating stopping power against hordes of infected in tight spaces. Its high recoil and loud noise signature make it a desperate but effective choice when other weapons fail.
When did the Remington 870 first appear in the Resident Evil movies?
The weapon made its debut in the original 2002 film, establishing itself as a staple of human resistance against the T-virus outbreak. It has remained a consistent presence across subsequent sequels due to its reliability.
What type of ammunition powers this weapon?
The shotgun fires standard 12-gauge shells, which provide the necessary kinetic force to destroy undead targets at short range. This common caliber ensures that ammunition is relatively easy to scavenge during the apocalypse.