Prioritizing Safety: The Cornerstone of Firearm Handling
Before we even consider touching the mechanics, let’s be unequivocally clear: safety is paramount. Proper gun handling is not merely a suggestion; it’s an absolute requirement. Disregarding safety protocols can lead to severe consequences. Always prioritize the following principles before, during, and after any interaction with a firearm.
- Always Point the Firearm in a Safe Direction: This is the most fundamental rule. The muzzle of the firearm should always be pointed in a direction where an accidental discharge would cause minimal harm or damage. This is crucial at all times.
- Treat Every Firearm as If It’s Loaded: Assume every firearm you encounter is loaded, even if you believe it’s unloaded. This mindset fosters a constant awareness of potential danger and helps prevent accidental discharges.
- Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot: Avoid resting your finger on the trigger unless you are intending to fire the weapon. Keep your finger straight and alongside the receiver until you are ready to engage the target.
- Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond It: Know what lies beyond your target. Bullets can travel significant distances, and you are responsible for every round that leaves the barrel.
These rules are non-negotiable. They are the foundation upon which safe gun handling is built.
With safety as our absolute priority, let’s move on to preparing your Remington 870 for disassembly.
Ensuring a Safe Start: Clearing the Firearm
The first step in any disassembly procedure is verifying that the firearm is unloaded. This cannot be overstated. Even if you’ve just put the gun away after use, you *must* confirm that it’s clear. The process of clearing the Remington 870 is straightforward, but it demands meticulous attention.
Begin by opening the action. This is typically done by pulling the forend all the way back. Once open, the chamber is exposed. Visually inspect the chamber for the presence of any ammunition. Use a flashlight if necessary to ensure a clear view. Even if you see an empty chamber, never rely on your eyes alone.
Next, inspect the magazine tube. With the action open, look into the magazine tube to verify that it’s empty. Press the shell carrier and visually inspect it. If a shell is present, it must be removed. It’s also good practice to cycle the action a couple of times after inspecting the chamber and magazine.
Once you’ve visually confirmed that both the chamber and magazine are empty, and you’ve physically cycled the action to ensure no rounds remain, you can proceed with the disassembly process with confidence in your safety.
Gathering Your Tools: What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials. Having everything prepared in advance will make the process much smoother and more efficient. While the **How To Disassemble A Remington 870** process is relatively simple, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A cleaning rod (or a wooden dowel): A cleaning rod (or dowel) is invaluable for pushing out pins and helping in the cleaning process.
- A flathead screwdriver: A standard flathead screwdriver is needed for removing the magazine cap and barrel nut.
- A punch (small diameter): A punch is a necessary tool for removing the trigger group retaining pins. A set of gunsmith punches is a great investment.
- A soft surface to work on: Use a clean, well-lit, and uncluttered workspace. A soft surface, like a padded gun mat or a towel, will protect your firearm from scratches.
- Cleaning solvent and oil (optional): If you intend to clean your firearm during disassembly, have appropriate cleaning solvent and gun oil on hand.
- Gun cleaning kit (optional): A gun cleaning kit will contain brushes, patches, and other tools that you might need for cleaning.
With these tools and materials at your disposal, you are fully prepared to undertake the disassembly of your Remington 870.
Taking Apart the Forend Assembly
Now, let’s dive into the steps of **how to disassemble a Remington 870**. We’ll start with the forend assembly. This is the sliding component that you use to cycle the action.
First, make sure the action is closed. Then, you should see the forend slightly extending past the magazine tube cap. To remove the forend, you’ll need to manipulate the forend and the magazine cap.
- Grasp the forend and pull it slightly toward the rear of the shotgun to create some clearance.
- Locate the magazine cap. This is the cap at the end of the magazine tube. You may need a flathead screwdriver to unscrew it (depending on the model).
- Once the cap is loosened and unscrewed, remove it.
- Now, you can remove the forend assembly by sliding it off the magazine tube. You can now begin the disassembly of the rest of the components.
Separating the Barrel from the Receiver
Next up in our **how to disassemble a Remington 870** guide: the barrel. The barrel houses the bore and plays a vital role in directing the shot.
With the forend assembly already removed, ensure the action is open.
Locate the barrel retaining nut. Depending on the model, this may be a threaded nut that secures the barrel to the receiver, or you may have a barrel locking lever.
If there’s a threaded nut, use your flathead screwdriver (or the appropriate tool) to loosen it. If you have a barrel locking lever, release it.
Once the nut is loose or the lever is released, pull the barrel forward and away from the receiver. The barrel should now be completely detached.
Extracting the Trigger Group
The trigger group is the mechanism that controls the firing sequence, so the next step in our journey of **how to disassemble a Remington 870** is its removal. This may be the most intricate part of the process.
First, the action needs to be open.
With the receiver facing you, you’ll notice two small pins on the receiver, toward the bottom. These pins secure the trigger group. Use a punch and a hammer to gently drive these pins out. Be careful not to damage the receiver. You might need to gently tap on the punch to get the pins moving.
Once the pins are completely removed, the trigger group should be free to come out. Gently pull the trigger group downwards and away from the receiver. You may need to wiggle it slightly.
Disassembling the Bolt and Action Bars
Finally, we arrive at the bolt assembly and action bars – the mechanical heart of the Remington 870. Now that we know **how to disassemble a Remington 870** this part is easier than it looks.
Make sure you’ve removed the trigger group and barrel first. The action should still be open.
Grasp the bolt assembly and pull it rearward and out of the receiver. The bolt should slide freely.
Once the bolt assembly is out, you can carefully separate the action bars from the bolt.
Cleaning and Inspecting the Components: Maintaining Your Firearm
Now that your Remington 870 is disassembled, this is the perfect opportunity to clean and inspect the components. This section of the **how to disassemble a Remington 870** guide covers the cleaning and maintenance aspect.
Cleaning the Components
- The Barrel: Use a cleaning rod, patches, and the appropriate solvent to clean the barrel thoroughly. Run a brush through the bore several times to remove any fouling.
- Bolt, Receiver, and Other Components: Use cleaning solvent and a brush to remove carbon buildup and debris from the bolt, receiver, and other components. Be especially meticulous in cleaning these areas as they are critical to the firearm’s proper function.
Inspection for Wear and Tear
- Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect all parts for any signs of damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. Pay close attention to the bolt, barrel, and trigger group. Look for cracks, deformation, or rust.
- Functional Checks: If you see any damaged components, replace them. Your gun’s safety relies on the integrity of each part.
Reassembly: Reversing the Process
Reassembling your Remington 870 is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process. Knowing **how to disassemble a Remington 870** is only half the equation; reassembly is just as critical.
Reassembly Steps
- Action Bars: Insert the action bars into the bolt assembly, ensuring they are properly seated.
- Bolt Assembly: Carefully slide the bolt assembly back into the receiver, ensuring it slides smoothly along the rails.
- Trigger Group: Insert the trigger group back into the receiver, aligning it correctly. Reinsert the retaining pins, using a punch to tap them back into place. Make sure the pins are seated flush.
- Barrel: Reattach the barrel to the receiver, ensuring it’s properly aligned. Tighten the barrel retaining nut or secure the locking lever.
- Forend Assembly: Slide the forend assembly back onto the magazine tube. Screw the magazine cap back into place, tightening it securely.
Function Check
- Cycle the Action: Cycle the action several times to ensure it operates smoothly and without any binding.
- Dry Fire (with empty chamber): With the firearm unloaded, dry fire the shotgun to verify the trigger functions correctly. The trigger should reset smoothly, and the firing pin should move as it should.
Concluding Thoughts: Maintaining Your Remington 870
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of **how to disassemble a Remington 870**. Disassembly, cleaning, and maintenance are essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of your firearm. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively maintain your Remington 870, keeping it in top condition for years to come. Remember: prioritize safety, understand the mechanics, and take your time.
We reiterate the crucial importance of gun safety, as mentioned earlier. Always handle firearms responsibly and follow all applicable laws and regulations. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and any additional information that pertains to your model of Remington 870. The more you practice and familiarize yourself with the procedure, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. Regular maintenance, understanding how your firearm works, and knowing **how to disassemble a Remington 870** are key to responsible gun ownership.
