How To Disassemble A Remington 870: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

The Remington 870: An American Icon and the Heart of Your Firearm Maintenance

The Remington 870. Its name echoes in the annals of firearms history. A pump-action shotgun that has graced the hands of law enforcement, hunters, and civilian shooters alike for over seven decades, the 870 has earned its reputation as a reliable, versatile, and exceptionally well-built firearm. Its simple yet robust design has made it a favorite for everything from home defense to hunting waterfowl. But like any precision mechanical device, the 870 requires regular maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and longevity. And the cornerstone of proper maintenance? Knowing how to disassemble a Remington 870.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of safely and effectively taking apart your Remington 870, step by step. By understanding the inner workings of your shotgun, you’ll not only be able to keep it in peak operating condition but also develop a deeper appreciation for its design and engineering. Regular disassembly allows for thorough cleaning, lubrication, and inspection, which in turn helps to prevent malfunctions and extend the life of your firearm.

A Word of Caution: Safety First

Before you even consider touching your Remington 870, it is of paramount importance that you prioritize safety. Firearms are inherently dangerous, and handling them carelessly can have serious consequences. The following safety guidelines are non-negotiable:

Unload the Firearm: The absolute first step. Always verify that the shotgun is unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and the magazine, making absolutely sure that there are no rounds present. Operate the action several times to confirm that it is clear.
Point in a Safe Direction: Always keep the muzzle of the shotgun pointed in a safe direction, away from yourself and others. The safest direction is typically downrange or towards a backstop, depending on your location.
Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger: Never place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire.
Wear Safety Glasses: Eye protection is crucial to protect your eyes from any debris that might fly during disassembly or cleaning.
Secure Environment: Work in a well-lit area with a clean surface. This aids in the process of locating all the pieces that may be removed during disassembly.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before you begin to disassemble a Remington 870, gather the following tools and materials:

Cleaning Rod: A cleaning rod, along with a suitable brush for the bore is absolutely essential to clean the barrel effectively.
Screwdriver: A flat-head screwdriver will be necessary for some models.
Gun Cleaning Solvent: A quality gun cleaning solvent is crucial for removing carbon buildup and grime.
Gun Oil or Lubricant: A good quality gun oil or lubricant will help protect the metal parts from corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
Cleaning Patches: Used for cleaning the bore and wiping down components.
Brush: A nylon or brass brush is needed to scrub away stubborn fouling.
Soft Cloths: For wiping parts clean.
Safety Glasses: Essential eye protection.

Starting the Process: Initial Preparations

With safety precautions firmly in place and the necessary tools at hand, you can begin the process of taking apart your Remington 870.

Unload and Double-Check: As previously stated, ensure that the shotgun is completely unloaded. Open the action and visually inspect both the chamber and magazine. Cycle the action a few times to confirm the absence of ammunition.
Remove the Barrel: This is usually done by unscrewing the magazine cap (if you have a magazine extension, you might need to remove that first). If your model is a standard configuration, the barrel is secured to the magazine tube with a barrel nut or a simple twist-off method. With the barrel removed, the bolt is exposed.
Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down a clean cloth or workspace to prevent scratches and to provide a surface for the parts to rest upon.

Forend Removal: Unveiling the Action

Next, you’ll need to remove the forend. This component houses the action bars, and it is an essential step in accessing the internal components of the shotgun.

Action Bar Lock: Locate the action bar lock on the receiver. It’s usually a small button or lever near the front of the trigger guard.
Push and Slide: Push the action bar lock inwards, and then slide the forend rearward, towards the buttstock. The forend should disengage from the magazine tube and come free. Take care to keep the action bars parallel and straight as you move the forend assembly back.

Taking Out the Trigger Group: The Heart of the Firearm’s Control

Next, you will need to take the trigger group out of the receiver. This is the part that controls the firing sequence of your shotgun.

Identify and Remove Retaining Pins: Locate the trigger group retaining pins on the receiver. These pins, typically two or sometimes a single pin, hold the trigger group in place. Depending on the specific model of your 870, there may be one or two pins. Gently tap these pins out using a punch and a small hammer. Be cautious not to damage the receiver.
Withdraw the Trigger Group: Once the pins are removed, the trigger group should come out easily. It might require a slight wiggle to free it from the receiver.

Bolt Extraction: Exposing the Bolt

The bolt is the heart of the 870’s locking system. Removing it is necessary for comprehensive cleaning and maintenance.

Slide Back the Bolt: With the trigger group removed, you can now access the bolt assembly. Pull the bolt rearward, towards the buttstock. The bolt should slide out of the receiver.

Carrier Removal: Clearing the Way

The carrier, responsible for lifting shells into the chamber, also needs to be removed.

Tilt the Carrier: After the bolt is removed, the carrier usually can be removed by tilting it out.

Deeper Cleaning (Optional): Disassembling the Bolt Assembly

For the most thorough cleaning and inspection, consider disassembling the bolt itself. This will allow you to access areas that are otherwise difficult to reach.

Remove the Extractor: The extractor is usually secured by a small pin or detent. Carefully remove this pin or disengage the detent to remove the extractor.
Remove the Firing Pin: The firing pin is usually retained by a retaining pin or a detent. Remove the retaining pin or detent to remove the firing pin.

The Bolt Components: Cleaning and Inspection

With the bolt disassembled, clean each component thoroughly. Use a suitable gun cleaning solvent to remove carbon, grime, and old lubricant. Inspect all parts carefully for wear, damage, or corrosion. Pay particular attention to the firing pin, extractor, and the locking lugs on the bolt.

The Assembly Process: Putting It Back Together

Once you have cleaned, inspected, and lubricated all the components, it’s time to reassemble your Remington 870. The reassembly process generally follows the disassembly in reverse order.

Reassemble the Bolt: If you disassembled the bolt, carefully reassemble the components. Replace the firing pin and the extractor, securing them with the appropriate retaining pins or detents.
Position the Carrier: Place the carrier back into the receiver.
Insert the Bolt: Slide the bolt back into the receiver.
Install the Trigger Group: Carefully insert the trigger group back into the receiver. Align the holes and reinsert the trigger group retaining pins. Make sure the trigger group is securely in place.
Reattach the Forend: Slide the forend back over the magazine tube and action bars. Ensure that the action bars are aligned properly and that the forend is secure.
Reinstall the Barrel: Reattach the barrel to the receiver and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Completion and Post-Assembly Checks

Once you’ve reassembled your Remington 870, there are a few crucial final checks.

Function Test: Operate the action several times to ensure that it cycles smoothly.
Safety Inspection: Always, without exception, perform a safety check. Make absolutely sure the shotgun is empty. Check again. Double-check that the trigger functions correctly and that the safety mechanism is working.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Now you have disassembled and reassembled your Remington 870. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for the smooth operation and longevity of your shotgun. Make it a habit to disassemble, clean, lubricate, and inspect your firearm after each shooting session, or at least every few hundred rounds.

In summary, knowing how to **disassemble a Remington 870** is not just a skill; it’s a responsibility. It’s the key to maintaining a safe, reliable, and effective firearm. With careful attention to detail and adherence to the safety guidelines, you can keep your Remington 870 in top condition for years to come.

Should you ever encounter any issues during the disassembly or reassembly process, or if you are uncomfortable performing any of these steps, do not hesitate to consult with a qualified gunsmith. They possess the expertise and tools to address more complex problems.

Remember, a well-maintained firearm is a safe firearm. By learning to **disassemble a Remington 870**, you are taking an active role in ensuring the safety and longevity of your valuable firearm. Keep shooting safe!