The Importance of Maintaining Your Remington 870
The Remington 870. Its very name echoes with the history of law enforcement, hunting, and recreational shooting. Revered for its dependability, its rugged build, and its universal availability, it’s a true icon among pump-action shotguns. Yet, even such a legendary firearm demands regular maintenance for peak performance. Thorough care, which includes consistent disassembly and cleaning, is crucial not just for extending the shotgun’s lifespan; it’s also crucial for safe and reliable operation. Failing to adhere to this essential part of ownership can lead to malfunctions, reduced accuracy, and a potentially dangerous shooting experience. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of disassembling and cleaning your Remington 870, ensuring it stays in top condition for years to come.
Prioritizing Safety: The Golden Rule
Before beginning any maintenance procedure involving a firearm, safety must be your number one priority. This cannot be overstated. Your life, and the lives of those around you, depend on observing strict safety rules. Remember, a firearm is a powerful tool that commands respect and careful handling.
The Fundamental Rules
Always treat the Remington 870, or any firearm, as if it is loaded. Even if you believe it is unloaded, verify it. This is a fundamental rule. The mindset of constant vigilance is your initial line of defense.
Maintain the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. This means the barrel should be directed towards a direction where a discharge would cause minimal harm, such as a backstop or a clear area away from people and objects. This prevents accidental injury should the firearm discharge unexpectedly.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Only place your finger on the trigger when you have identified your target, the area around your target is safe, and you are ready to engage the target. This prevents accidental discharges due to nervousness, excitement, or a simple slip.
Be certain of your target and what is beyond it. Identify the intended target positively. Be certain of its identity, and be aware of the surroundings beyond your target. This is essential to preventing a negligent discharge or injury to an innocent person.
Safety Checks Before Disassembly
Before even thinking about the disassembly and cleaning process, you *must* make absolutely certain the Remington 870 is unloaded. Physically check the chamber, the area of the barrel where the cartridge seats, and the magazine to confirm that no ammunition is present. Open the action and visually inspect the chamber. Feel the magazine tube to ensure it’s empty. Remove any shells you find. The action should be worked several times to ensure there are no hidden rounds. Always, always do this step. It cannot be emphasized enough.
Remove all ammunition from your work area. Keep it separate and at a distance from where you are working on the shotgun. This minimizes the chance of accidental contact or mix-ups.
While not always mandatory, wearing eye protection is highly recommended. Cleaning solvents and debris can potentially splash or fly into your eyes, causing injury. Safety glasses or protective eyewear will guard against that risk.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
With safety firmly established, let’s collect the tools and materials required to get started. You’ll want everything prepared beforehand to prevent interruptions.
Essential Tools
You will need a cleaning rod with appropriate attachments. This is the cornerstone of your cleaning process. It must be of the correct diameter for a twelve-gauge shotgun. The attachments include a bore brush (typically nylon or bronze bristles, although bronze is often preferred) for scrubbing, and a patch holder or slotted tip for holding cleaning patches.
Cleaning patches are essential. You will need a good supply of various sizes, as the size can impact the effectiveness of cleaning. They are used to remove solvent, debris, and excess oil from the bore.
Gun cleaning solvent is specifically formulated to dissolve carbon, powder residue, and other contaminants that build up inside the barrel and action. Choose a reputable brand.
Gun oil or lubricant is crucial for reducing friction, preventing rust, and ensuring smooth operation. The appropriate type will keep moving parts functioning properly.
A small brush, like an old toothbrush (thoroughly cleaned, of course!), is helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and removing stubborn grime. Stiff nylon bristles work well.
A soft cloth or rags are necessary for wiping down parts, cleaning the exterior of the shotgun, and applying lubricant.
You may not always need a screwdriver, but it’s wise to have one handy in case your specific model requires it for certain components. Some Remington 870 models are held together completely without screws, but having the right tools will prevent frustration.
Optional Items
For added convenience and safety, there are a few optional items to consider. A gun vise is excellent for holding the shotgun securely during cleaning, making it easier to work on and preventing scratches. A cleaning mat provides a clean, protected surface to work on, protecting your table or workspace from scratches and spills. Finally, protective gloves can help keep your hands clean and prevent them from coming into contact with harsh chemicals.
Disassembly: Field Stripping Your Remington 870
With all the necessary items assembled, the next phase is to disassemble the shotgun. We will begin with field stripping, which is sufficient for routine cleaning.
Removing the Forend
Begin by removing the forend, or pump handle. Press down on the action bars located inside the receiver, usually just above where the forend meets the receiver. While keeping the action bars depressed, slide the forend forward, off the magazine tube. This might take some getting used to at first. Be patient and pay attention to how the forend is held in place.
Removing the Barrel
Next, remove the barrel. Unscrew the magazine cap located at the front of the magazine tube. This cap holds the barrel in place. Some models may have a slightly different mechanism, but the principle is the same. After removing the magazine cap, you can pull the barrel forward and off the receiver.
Extracting the Bolt Carrier Group
Now you’ll need to remove the bolt carrier group. The bolt carrier group consists of the bolt itself, the action bars (which connect to the forend), and the bolt carrier. These three parts work together to chamber and eject rounds. With the barrel removed, pull the forend rearward, then out of the receiver. The bolt carrier group can now be slid forward and out of the receiver.
Separating the Trigger Group
Finally, remove the trigger group. The trigger group can be removed by tapping out the two retaining pins that hold it in place. These pins are usually located on the receiver, near the bottom. Once the pins are removed, the trigger group will simply drop out of the receiver.
Cleaning the Components: A Detailed Guide
With the Remington 870 field-stripped, the next step is to clean each component. Here, attention to detail is key.
Cleaning the Barrel
The most critical part to clean is the barrel. Start by running a patch soaked in gun cleaning solvent through the bore. Use a cleaning rod and the appropriate attachment. Start from the chamber end and push the patch all the way through to the muzzle. Do not reverse direction until the patch is fully out of the muzzle.
Next, scrub the bore with a bore brush. Insert the brush from the chamber end and scrub the entire length of the bore, moving the brush back and forth several times. Repeat this process, paying particular attention to removing any stubborn carbon or fouling.
After brushing, run clean patches through the bore. Continue until the patches come out clean, with no visible residue. This might require several passes, but keep at it until the patches are clean. This indicates the bore is free of debris.
Finally, apply a light coat of gun oil to the bore. Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore to coat it. This will help protect the bore from rust and corrosion.
Caring for the Bolt Carrier Group
The bolt carrier group requires careful attention. This is where the action cycles, and therefore, where carbon and residue builds up most frequently.
Use a cleaning solvent and a small brush to remove carbon buildup from the bolt, the bolt carrier, and the action bars. Pay close attention to the locking lugs on the bolt face and the area where the extractor claw resides.
Clean the bolt face, the surface that presses against the shell. Remove any deposits or debris with solvent and a brush. This area is essential for proper cycling.
Wipe down all parts with a clean cloth to remove any remaining solvent and debris. Make sure every piece is clean and dry.
Finally, lightly lubricate the bolt carrier group with gun oil. A small amount of oil applied to the rails and moving parts will ensure smooth cycling.
Cleaning and Lubricating the Trigger Group
The trigger group should also be cleaned and lubricated regularly.
Apply cleaning solvent to the trigger group and use a brush to remove carbon and powder residue. This area gets dirty, and the build-up can cause problems with trigger pull.
Wipe down the trigger group with a clean cloth to remove any remaining solvent.
Lightly lubricate the trigger group. A few drops of gun oil on the moving parts will ensure a smooth and reliable trigger pull.
Cleaning Other Components
Cleaning the remaining parts such as the receiver, magazine tube, and other external parts is straightforward. Apply cleaning solvent to a soft cloth and wipe down these components, removing any dirt or grime.
Reassembly: Putting Your Remington 870 Back Together
With all the components cleaned, it’s time to put everything back together. Reassembly should be in reverse order of disassembly.
Reinstalling the Trigger Group
Begin by re-installing the trigger group. Carefully align the trigger group within the receiver. Insert the retaining pins. Be sure the pins are securely seated.
Reinstalling the Bolt Carrier Group
Next, insert the bolt carrier group. Place the bolt carrier group into the receiver. The action bars should slide into the corresponding grooves. Slide the group into the receiver.
Reattaching the Barrel
Now, install the barrel. Align the barrel with the receiver. Secure it by screwing on the magazine cap. Tighten the magazine cap until snug. Do not overtighten.
Reinstalling the Forend
Finally, install the forend. Insert the forend onto the magazine tube. Slide the forend rearward. You should hear a click as the forend locks into place.
The Importance of Proper Lubrication
Proper lubrication is essential for the smooth and reliable operation of your Remington 870. Apply gun oil or lubricant to the moving parts where metal meets metal, specifically the rails on which the bolt carrier travels. Also, a small amount should be applied to the bolt itself and the action bars. This reduces friction and helps prevent wear. Choose a gun oil that is designed for firearms, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dirt and grime.
Final Checks and Troubleshooting: Ensuring Proper Function
Once reassembled, a final function check is necessary. Cycle the action several times to ensure it functions smoothly. Make sure the shotgun feeds and ejects dummy rounds (never live ammunition during a function check) properly. Check the safety to ensure it engages and disengages properly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the most diligent care, occasionally, problems can arise. Sometimes, the action will not cycle smoothly. This can be due to insufficient lubrication, or fouling in the action. Check for excessive carbon build-up. Another common issue is failure to eject. This may be caused by a dirty extractor or a weak ejector spring. Lubricate the extractor and ejector. Always consult a gunsmith for any major problems.
Regular Maintenance: A Key to Longevity
Maintaining your Remington 870 is an ongoing process, and there is no one-time-fits-all solution. A general maintenance schedule is important. After each shooting session, always perform a basic cleaning of the barrel and action. Disassemble and thoroughly clean the shotgun every few hundred rounds or more frequently if the conditions are dusty or dirty.
Conclusion: Keeping Your 870 in Peak Condition
In conclusion, cleaning your Remington 870 is a fundamental part of responsible gun ownership. By following this step-by-step guide, you can ensure that your shotgun remains in top working condition, safe, reliable, and ready for use. Regular maintenance not only protects your investment but also enhances your shooting experience, making it more enjoyable and safer. Keep this information handy and make it a regular habit. Now you’re ready to keep your Remington 870 in top condition, ready to perform when you need it.
