The Remington 870 is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a home defender, or a competitive shooter, understanding how to properly load your Remington 870 is crucial for safety and effective operation. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, covering everything from loading shells to clearing malfunctions.
Understanding Your Remington 870's Mechanism
Before diving into the loading process, it's essential to understand the basic mechanics of the Remington 870. This pump-action shotgun operates by manually cycling the action to chamber a new round. The pump handle, located beneath the barrel, is used to work the action, extracting a spent shell and loading a fresh one. The magazine tube, located beneath the barrel, holds the shells until they are chambered.
Key Components:
- Magazine Tube: Stores the shells. Capacity varies depending on the model and barrel length.
- Pump Handle: Used to cycle the action.
- Bolt: The mechanism that chambers and ejects shells.
- Action Bar: Connects the pump handle to the bolt.
Understanding these parts helps you appreciate the process of loading and unloading.
How to Load a Remington 870: A Step-by-Step Guide
Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. This is paramount before even beginning to load.
Step 1: Check the Action
Before doing anything, visually and physically inspect the firearm to ensure the chamber is empty. Open the action by pulling the pump handle all the way to the rear. Look into the chamber to verify that no shells are present.
Step 2: Loading the Magazine Tube
Insert the shells one at a time into the magazine tube, keeping the ammunition oriented correctly (the rim of the shell should face toward the rear of the gun). The number of shells you can load will depend on the gun's magazine capacity. Avoid forcing shells in; smooth insertion indicates proper loading.
Step 3: Chambering a Shell
Once the magazine tube is loaded, slowly work the pump handle forward. This will load a shell from the magazine into the chamber, preparing the firearm for firing.
Step 4: Verify the Load
Carefully check the action again to confirm that the shell is properly chambered. Visually inspecting the chamber and the ejection port should confirm the load.
Step 5: Safety Check
Remember to engage the safety, unless you're immediately preparing to fire. Engage the safety lever (its location depends on the model) to prevent accidental discharge. This should always be done as the final step in the loading process.
Loading Different Types of Ammunition
The Remington 870 is capable of firing various types of ammunition. However, it's crucial to use the correct gauge of shells. Using the wrong gauge can cause serious damage to your firearm and lead to injury. Always double-check the gauge of ammunition before loading.
Common Ammunition Types:
- Birdshot: Small pellets for hunting small game.
- Buckshot: Larger pellets for hunting larger game or home defense.
- Slugs: Single projectiles for long-range hunting.
Remember to always consult your owner's manual for the specific recommendations for your Remington 870 model.
Clearing a Malfunction
Occasionally, malfunctions can occur. Knowing how to clear them is crucial for safe operation. Common malfunctions include a shell failing to chamber or eject.
Procedure for clearing a malfunction:
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Engage the safety.
- Slowly work the pump handle to clear the obstruction. If the malfunction persists, you may need to consult a qualified gunsmith.
Safety Precautions: A Recap
- Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Use proper hearing and eye protection.
- Store your firearm properly and securely.
Loading a Remington 870 is a simple process when done correctly and safely. By understanding these steps and prioritizing safety, you can confidently operate this reliable firearm. Regular practice and familiarity with your firearm will increase your proficiency and enhance your safety. Remember always to consult your firearm's owner's manual for specific instructions.