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Remington Model 878
Remington Model 878
Remington Model 878
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The Remington Model 878, also known as the 878 Automaster, is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun made by Remington Arms from 1959 to 1963. The Model 878 was based on the company's previously introduced Model 58, both of which were succeeded by the Model 1100.

Key Information

Design

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The predecessor to the Model 878, the Model 58, was a new semi-automatic design for Remington, being a gas operated system rather than the long recoil operation system designed by John Browning and used in the famous Browning Auto-5 and Remington Model 11 and Model 11-48.

The Model 878 introduced an improved "self-adjusting" gas system,[3] a notable improvement over the Model 58, which required the gas system to be manually adjusted for different types of ammunition. Barring this and cosmetic differences, the Model 58 and Model 878 are virtually the same, with both models essentially being gas operated versions of Remington's pump action Model 870.

The gas system on the Model 878 utilizes a gas piston, which operates by tapping combustion gases from two gas ports in the barrel ring and directing the gases down into the piston, housed in the magazine cylinder. Rearward motion of the gas piston actuates the action bar which also moves rearward to open the bolt, allowing the spent shell to be ejected while moving a new cartridge from the magazine tube into the receiver. To complete the cycling of the action, the piston return spring moves the piston and the action bar forward, closing the bolt and moving the cartridge into the chamber. The gas system design found on the Model 878 (and other shotguns such as the Winchester Model 1400) has a notable disadvantage. Housing the gas piston and piston return spring inside the magazine cylinder effectively reduces the capacity of a tube magazine of a given size when compared to other gas or manually operated systems.

The shortcoming in the design of the gas system on the Model 878 was addressed with an updated gas system found on Remington's Model 1100, making both the Model 878 and any other shotguns using a similar design technically obsolete.

References

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Remington Model 878

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The Remington Model 878, commonly known as the Automaster, is a lightweight, gas-operated chambered in 12 gauge, designed for field use and produced by from 1959 to 1963. Featuring a self-adjusting gas system that reduces and allows reliable cycling with various loads, it holds a tubular magazine capacity of two 2¾-inch shells plus one in the chamber, with available barrel lengths of 26, 28, or 30 inches and options for plain or vent-rib configurations. Approximately 63,500 units were manufactured during its short production run, making it a transitional model in Remington's lineup of autoloading shotguns. Introduced as an evolution of the earlier Model 58, the 878 incorporated a hybrid design with a bolt system inspired by the pump-action Model 870 and the self-regulating gas mechanism from the Model 58, aiming to provide smoother operation and improved reliability for hunters and sport shooters. Available in several grades including standard field (Grade A), deluxe (ADL and BDL), skeet-specific (SA and SC), and higher-end tournament and premier variants (D and F), it was offered with wood stocks in checkered or synthetic sun-grain finishes for select models like the ADX and SX Skeet. The shotgun's solid steel receiver contributed to a weight of around 7 pounds, balancing portability with durability, though its brief market life was overshadowed by the more successful Model 1100 introduced in 1963. Designed by L.R. Crittendon in collaboration with engineers Ellis W. Hailston and Harold L. Hameister, the Model 878 represented Remington's push toward innovative gas-operated autoloaders in the late , emphasizing reduced felt recoil and versatility for 2¾-inch shells across light to heavy loads. Despite its advanced features for the era, such as interchangeable barrels with the Model 58, production ceased after four years, with the model now valued by collectors for its historical role in the development of modern semi-automatic shotguns.

History and Development

Background

In the mid-1950s, sought to modernize its lineup of autoloading shotguns, which had relied on recoil-operated designs since the early 20th century. The Model 11-48, introduced in 1949 as an evolution of John Browning's long- system from the Model 11, faced reliability challenges particularly with heavy loads, where excessive could lead to inconsistent and increased wear on components. These limitations stemmed from the inherent sensitivity of recoil-operated mechanisms to ammunition variations, prompting to explore gas-operated alternatives for greater versatility and reduced shooter fatigue. To address these issues, Remington expanded into gas-operated autoloading shotguns with the introduction of the Sportsman Model 58 in , marking the company's first venture into this technology. The Model 58 utilized barrel gases to cycle the action, offering improved handling of diverse loads through an adjustable gas port system, though it still required user intervention for optimal performance with light or heavy shells. This model served as a crucial precursor to subsequent designs, demonstrating the potential of gas operation to produce lighter, more reliable semi-automatic shotguns compared to recoil-based competitors. The development of the Model 878 built directly on these foundations, with primary goals centered on creating a lightweight, dependable semi-automatic shotgun that could compete effectively against established rivals like the Browning Auto-5, which dominated the market with its proven but heavier recoil-operated design. Remington aimed to simplify operation by eliminating the need for load-specific adjustments, enhancing field reliability for hunters and sport shooters. Key figures in this effort included inventor L.R. Crittendon, supported by design team members Ellis W. Hailston and Harold L. Hameister, who refined the gas system during late-1950s prototyping at Remington's Ilion, New York facilities.

Introduction and Production

The Remington Model 878, also known as the Automaster, was officially introduced in 1959 as a lightweight, gas-operated produced at ' factory in . This 12-gauge represented Remington's effort to refine earlier gas-operated designs, offering a self-adjusting gas system for reliable cycling with varying loads. Production of the Model 878 spanned from 1959 to 1963, during which approximately 63,500 units were manufactured at the Ilion facility. The manufacturing process emphasized durability, incorporating high-strength Remington proofing techniques that ensured the could handle modern heavy loads, including standard-length magnums, without compromising structural integrity. Barrels and receivers were crafted to withstand the pressures of such , reflecting Remington's focus on robust construction for field use. The Model 878 was discontinued in 1963, shortly after the launch of the more advanced Model 1100, which featured an improved gas system and broader appeal, effectively superseding the 878 in Remington's lineup. This transition marked the end of a brief but innovative production run, as the company shifted resources to the successor model.

Design and Features

Operating System

The Remington Model 878 features a gas-operated semi-automatic action that harnesses combustion gases vented from the barrel to cycle the bolt, enabling reliable follow-up shots without manual intervention. This mechanism positions the operating within an extension of the tubular magazine tube, where gases drive the piston rearward to initiate the sequence. Unlike recoil-operated designs, the Model 878's fixed barrel remains stationary during operation, contributing to reduced felt by isolating the shooter's hands from the primary recoil impulse. A key innovation in the Model 878 is its self-adjusting gas system, which represents an advancement over the preceding by automatically regulating gas flow to accommodate a range of loads, from light target shells to heavier field ammunition, without requiring user adjustments. The adjustable piston incorporates internal venting that vents excess gas after sufficient pressure builds to cycle , preventing over-operation with high-power loads while ensuring function with lighter ones. This enhances versatility and reliability across diverse shooting conditions. Upon firing, propellant gases travel through two ports in the barrel ring and are directed into the magazine tube to impinge on the head, propelling it—and the attached action bars—rearward with enough force to unlock the bolt from the barrel extension. The bolt then extracts and ejects the spent shell, compressing a recoil spring in the process; as the spring expands, it drives the bolt forward, stripping the next 2¾-inch shell from the two-round tubular and chambering it. The system is optimized exclusively for 2¾-inch 12-gauge shells, limiting compatibility to this length for safe and consistent operation.

Components and Ergonomics

The Remington Model 878 employs a solid receiver to achieve an overall of approximately 7 pounds in standard configurations, enhancing portability for field use. Its standard consists of American walnut featuring a and forend, both checkered to provide secure handling during and movement. The barrel is crafted from blued steel and offered in plain or vent-rib variants to suit different shooting preferences. A simple bead front sight ensures straightforward , while the safety switch and associated controls are positioned for optimal access by right-handed shooters.

Variants and Accessories

Model Grades

The Remington Model 878 was produced in several grades, offering varying levels of aesthetic enhancements to cater to different users from basic field use to specialized and premium configurations. These grades built upon the base design. The standard grade, known as grade A or Field/Standard, featured a plain receiver. The ADL (All Purpose DeLuxe) grade was an upgraded option. The ADX (Field Grade) variation incorporated a sun-grain finish on the stock. The SX Skeet Grade featured a sun-grain finish. At the upper end, the Tournament Grade (D) and Premier Grade (F) provided refined configurations. Additional intermediate options, such as the BDL (Better Wood DeLuxe), and skeet-oriented grades like SA (Skeet Standard) and SC (Skeet Select Wood), further expanded the lineup.

Barrel and Choke Options

The Remington Model 878 was available with standard barrel lengths tailored to specific shooting purposes, including 26 inches for skeet configurations, 28 inches for field use, and 30 inches for . These barrels featured plain or ventilated ribs, with overall lengths reaching approximately 38 inches for the longer variants. Choke options were limited to fixed configurations, such as modified, full, or skeet-specific constrictions, as the design did not support interchangeable tubes or modern choke systems. Some skeet models incorporated a Cutts compensator for adjustable patterning, but standard production emphasized fixed chokes for reliability in the gas-operated system. The magazine tube capacity was designed for three rounds plus , though the integrated gas piston reduced effective storage compared to later semi-automatics, often resulting in a 2+1 configuration in practice or when plugged for . Accessory compatibility remained basic due to the model's 1959-1963 production run, lacking provisions for optics mounts or extensive modifications.

Reception and Legacy

Market Performance

The Remington Model 878 was introduced in and marketed as "The Automaster," a lightweight gas-operated designed as an alternative to heavier pump-action models like the Remington 870, specifically targeting hunters and sport shooters who valued its reduced weight and automatic cycling for field use. During its four-year production run, approximately 63,500 units were manufactured, indicating moderate sales performance in a competitive market dominated by semi-automatic shotguns from rivals such as . At launch, the standard grade retailed for around $100, with higher grades such as the ADL and BDL priced up to $150, positioning it as an affordable option for mid-range buyers. The Model 878 was discontinued in 1963 and replaced by the , which featured a more reliable self-adjusting gas system and broader market appeal through multi-gauge offerings and enhanced versatility for various shooting disciplines. Contemporary reviews praised the 878 for its reduced and smooth operation with light loads, but it was soon overshadowed by the 1100's improvements in reliability and multi-gauge availability.

Collectibility

The Remington Model 878's rarity stems from its brief production period from 1959 to 1963, during which approximately 63,500 units were manufactured before it was replaced by the more successful and longer-produced Model 1100. This limited output, combined with the model's discontinuation after just four years, makes well-preserved examples scarce in the current collector market. The Model 878 appeals to collectors as a transitional design in Remington's of semi-automatic s, featuring a unique self-adjusting gas system that improved upon the earlier Sportsman 58 while foreshadowing the refinements in the Model 1100. This innovative piston mechanism, which automatically compensated for varying loads without manual adjustments, positions the 878 as an important evolutionary step in gas-operated shotgun technology. Current market values for the Model 878, as of 2025, range from $200 to $400 for standard models in very good to excellent condition, with higher-grade variants such as the ADL and BDL fetching $300 to $500 or more based on overall preservation and original features. To maximize collectible value, owners are advised to preserve the original blued finishes and through gentle cleaning with non-abrasive materials, while strictly avoiding modifications like aftermarket or barrel alterations that could diminish authenticity.

References

  1. https://www.remarms.com/firearm-history/model-878
  2. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/remington-autoloading-shotguns-the-epic/
  3. https://bluebookofgunvalues.com/products/remington-model-878a-automaster
  4. https://www.ducks.org/hunting/waterfowl-hunting-gear/history-of-the-semiauto
  5. https://www.fieldandstream.com/outdoor-gear/guns/shotguns/blast-from-past-refurbished-remington-model-58
  6. https://www.gundogmag.com/editorial/tools_trade_shotguns_gd_americanshotgun_200804/176361
  7. https://www.wildfowlmag.com/editorial/tool_trade_shotguns_wf_touch_0908/280945
  8. https://www.remarms.com/sites/default/files/Model%2520878.pdf
  9. https://www.trapshooters.com/threads/remington-878.841849/
  10. https://remingtonsociety.org/collecting-remington-model-1100-shotguns/
  11. https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/remington-shotguns---semi-auto/remington-model-878-automaster-12ga--semi-auto-shotgun.cfm?gun_id=101698626
  12. https://lsbauctions.com/remington-model-878-automaster-skeet-878sc-12-ga-25-5-shotgun-1961-cr/
  13. https://oneforceweaponry.com/remington-model-878-12-gauge-semi-auto/
  14. https://www.trapshooters.com/threads/rem-automaster-12ga.830755/
  15. https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/remington-shotguns---semi-auto/remington---model-878-automaster---12-ga-.cfm?gun_id=101457814
  16. https://www.ogallerie.com/auction-lot/remington-model-878-automaster-semi-automatic-s_3B24E8E8A5
  17. https://cfnparts.com/category/878-Automaster-166
  18. https://firearmland.com/item/1060022385
  19. https://bryantridge.com/sold-remington-model-878-auto-master-12-ga-28-stunning-semi-auto-shotgun/
  20. https://firearmland.com/item/1082814588
  21. https://gunnersdream.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/gun-review-remington-878-automaster-semi-automatic-12-gauge-shotgun/
  22. https://cornellpubs.com/product/2765/
  23. https://gunvalues.gundigest.com/remington-arms-company-inc/10484/model-878-automaster/
  24. https://www.webuyguns.com/valuations/remington/model-878
  25. https://www.militarytrader.com/jagfile/preserving-firearms
  26. https://www.turnbullrestoration.com/classic-firearm-preservation-guide/
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