Proceed with Caution: A Safety-First Approach
Before even thinking about touching your Remington 870, there’s one non-negotiable rule: safety. Firearms are powerful tools, and a single moment of carelessness can have devastating consequences. Therefore, the following safety principles must be strictly observed at all times:
Always direct the muzzle of the shotgun in a safe direction. This means pointing it away from yourself, other people, and anything you wouldn’t want to destroy. A safe direction is generally considered to be where a discharged round would cause the least amount of damage or harm.
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. This is a fundamental rule. Even if you are absolutely certain the shotgun is unloaded, handle it as if it could discharge at any moment. This mindset fosters a healthy respect for the weapon and prevents complacency.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This simple yet crucial rule prevents accidental discharges. Your finger should remain straight and off the trigger until your sights are aligned with the target and you intend to fire.
Be certain of your target and what is beyond it. Know what you are shooting at and be aware of your surroundings. Identify your target and make sure there are no people, animals, or structures in the line of fire. Also, take into account the possibility of a ricochet.
Before commencing any disassembly procedure, the most critical step is to unload the shotgun. This involves several crucial checks:
Visually inspect the chamber. Open the action and look directly into the chamber to ensure it is empty.
Inspect the magazine tube. If the shotgun has a loaded magazine tube, operate the action to remove any shells from the magazine and the chamber.
Manually cycle the action several times. Operate the pump action to ensure that the action is completely empty and that no rounds are present. Pay close attention to the ejection port.
Double-check. Once you’ve performed the above steps, repeat them. It’s always better to be extra cautious. Confirm your Remington 870 is completely unloaded before proceeding.
Gearing Up: Tools and Supplies for the Task
Having the right tools and supplies is essential for a smooth and successful disassembly. Fortunately, taking apart a Remington 870 does not require a large arsenal of specialized equipment. A few key items will do the trick:
A cleaning rod or a similar tool. A cleaning rod is used for pushing a cleaning patch or brush through the barrel. A thin, non-marring rod or even a wooden dowel will work effectively.
A small screwdriver. A small flathead screwdriver, or a multi-bit screwdriver with a flathead attachment, will be used to remove a few components.
A gun cleaning mat or a suitable work surface. This protects your work surface from scratches and provides a clean, organized space to work.
Gun cleaning supplies. These include a high-quality gun solvent to remove carbon and other deposits, cleaning brushes (brass, nylon), cleaning patches of appropriate size, and gun oil or lubricant to protect the metal and ensure smooth operation.
Optional: A punch set. While not always necessary, a punch set with various sizes can be helpful for removing pins that hold components together.
Optional: A rubber mallet. Sometimes, a component might need a gentle tap to loosen it. A rubber mallet helps provide the necessary force without damaging the gun.
Besides the tools, you’ll also need appropriate solvents and lubricants. Always select gun-specific solvents and lubricants designed to protect the metal components and not harm the firearm. Follow the instructions on the product labels.
Getting Started: Field Stripping Your Remington 870
Field stripping refers to the basic disassembly of a firearm. This is the level of disassembly that’s generally sufficient for routine cleaning and maintenance. The Remington 870 is relatively simple to field strip. Here’s how:
Begin by removing the magazine cap. This is the cap at the end of the magazine tube. It may require some effort to unscrew, especially if it has been tightened over time. If necessary, use a tool, like a wrench, for leverage.
Now, remove the forend. After the magazine cap is loosened and removed, you can then slide the forend off.
The next step is to remove the barrel. Be careful to hold the forend forward as you remove the barrel. It may require a slight twist or pull, depending on your specific model.
Finally, remove the action from the receiver. Once the barrel has been taken out, you can proceed to this next step. You may need to press the trigger to release the trigger group.
Delving Deeper: More Component Breakdown
The field stripping process is the first step. To achieve a deeper clean, or to address any internal issues, you will need to break down the shotgun further.
Let us begin with the trigger group. The trigger group can be removed from the receiver by carefully pushing out any securing pins with a punch set. Be cautious not to lose any small springs or parts during this process. Once the pins are out, the trigger group can usually be pulled out of the receiver. Further disassembly of the trigger group will involve removing the trigger, hammer, and associated components. Be sure to take mental notes (or even photos) as you disassemble it, so you can put it back together easily.
The bolt also needs to be broken down. In this step, you’ll be removing the firing pin and other parts of the bolt. The first is to remove the firing pin retainer. The firing pin retainer holds the firing pin in place. After that’s been removed, pull out the firing pin. Then, you can go ahead and remove the ejector, which ejects the spent casings.
The Cleaning Process and Inspection
With your Remington 870 disassembled, it is time to clean each component. Cleaning your 870 is a vital step. Start by spraying all parts with gun solvent. Use a brush (a brass brush is good for this) to scrub off any carbon, powder residue, or other build-up. This may also require removing deposits in other parts of the shotgun. Follow the solvent manufacturer’s instructions. Next, wipe away the solvent and debris with clean patches. Ensure that the barrel is free of obstruction. Then, use patches saturated with gun oil to protect the metal.
As you clean, inspect each component carefully. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, cracks, or corrosion. Also, look at springs. They should be in good shape and should not be bent. If you find anything amiss, consider consulting a gunsmith or replacing the worn part.
Also, use this chance to clean your barrel. The barrel can accumulate carbon and lead deposits. Use a brush and a cleaning rod to scrub the inside of the barrel. Use patches saturated with solvent to wipe away any debris. Be sure to clean the receiver. This is best done with a brush and solvent. Make sure you get rid of any loose debris. Finally, clean the magazine tube. This removes build-up. This prevents the tube from becoming stiff.
Reassembly: Putting it Back Together
Reassembling your Remington 870 is the reverse of the disassembly process. Take your time, and pay close attention to each step. Assemble it bit by bit. Be sure to apply the correct lubricant to the appropriate components. When you reassemble, align parts correctly. Double-check your work. Ensure all components are securely in place. If you struggle with any of the steps, consult the gun’s manual. Ensure that all springs are correctly oriented and seated properly. If they are not, the shotgun may fail to function correctly. Double-check the alignment of the components. Any misalignment can make it difficult to reassemble and even damage your Remington 870.
Perform a function test. After reassembly, you should cycle the action. Doing so, ensure the action moves smoothly. Check the safety. Make sure that the safety mechanism works correctly. Finally, test-fire your shotgun. Please do so only with a gun that is known to be safe.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to take apart a Remington 870 is a worthwhile endeavor. It allows you to care for your firearm. The process helps keep your gun in excellent condition. Taking apart your 870 isn’t difficult. It does require careful attention.
Remember that safety is paramount. Always prioritize safe gun handling practices. Routine maintenance can extend the life of your firearm. Performing routine maintenance will help your Remington 870 serve you for many years. If you are uncomfortable or encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Resources
To learn more, you can visit the Remington website for official information, or look for expert advice from gunsmiths. You may find it helpful to watch videos or read articles for more guidance.
Disclaimer (again)
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always prioritize safety and responsible gun ownership. Handle firearms with utmost care. If you are not familiar with firearm maintenance, seek professional assistance from a qualified gunsmith.
