Taking apart your Remington 870 shotgun for cleaning, maintenance, or repair can seem daunting, but with a little knowledge and the right tools, it's a straightforward process. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, ensuring you can confidently disassemble and reassemble your firearm safely. Remember safety is paramount. Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before beginning any disassembly.
Safety First: Preparing Your Remington 870
Before you even think about touching a tool, you must prioritize safety. These steps are crucial:
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Unloading: Completely unload your Remington 870. This means removing all shells from the magazine tube and chamber. Visually and physically inspect the chamber to ensure it's empty.
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Pointing in a Safe Direction: Point the muzzle in a safe direction, ideally downrange at a safe backstop. Never point the firearm at anything you don't intend to destroy.
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Clear Area: Ensure the area around you is clear of obstructions and other people. A well-lit workspace is also recommended.
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Gather Tools: You'll need a small screwdriver (typically a flathead) and a cleaning rod or similar tool to help remove debris. A gun cleaning kit is a valuable investment.
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Consult Manual: Always refer to your Remington 870 owner's manual. This guide provides general instructions, but your specific model may have slight variations.
Step-by-Step Disassembly of Your Remington 870
This guide assumes a basic understanding of firearm components. If you're unfamiliar with shotgun mechanics, it's recommended to seek guidance from a qualified firearms instructor before proceeding.
Removing the Bolt Assembly
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Depress the Bolt Release: Locate the bolt release button (usually on the left side of the receiver). Press it to release the bolt.
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Remove the Bolt: The bolt should slide out of the receiver. Gently guide it clear of the receiver and set it aside. Note: Observe the orientation of the bolt and ejector to ensure proper reassembly.
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Removing the Bolt Handle (Optional): Some users prefer to remove the bolt handle for easier cleaning. This often involves a small pin that can be removed with a punch or small screwdriver. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Removing the Forend and Barrel
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Remove the Forend: The forend (the wooden or synthetic stock surrounding the magazine tube) usually slides off towards the muzzle (the front end of the barrel). Carefully slide it forward and off the receiver.
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Remove the Barrel: With the forend removed, the barrel can be rotated slightly and pulled out of the receiver. There may be a small amount of resistance.
Removing the Receiver Components (Advanced)
This section pertains to more advanced cleaning and maintenance. If you're only performing a basic cleaning, you may not need to proceed further.
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Trigger Group Removal: This requires careful attention to detail. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on removing the trigger group. This typically involves removing pins and springs.
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Hammer Removal: Once the trigger group is removed, you may remove the hammer. Again, consult the owner's manual for specific instructions.
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Safety Removal (Advanced): Removing the safety is a more complex task. Unless you're performing a repair or significant maintenance, avoid disassembling this part.
Reassembly: Putting Your Remington 870 Back Together
Reassembly is essentially the reverse of disassembly. However, it's important to pay attention to the following:
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Orientation of Parts: Ensure all parts are correctly oriented before reassembly. Incorrect assembly can lead to malfunctions.
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Springs and Pins: Be careful with springs. Improper compression or placement can damage your firearm or cause injury.
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Tightness: Parts should fit snugly but not too tightly. Forcing parts can cause damage.
Maintenance Tips for Your Remington 870
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Regular Cleaning: Clean your Remington 870 after each use, or at least every few months if infrequent use.
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Lubrication: Apply a high-quality gun lubricant to moving parts, such as the bolt, trigger group, and barrel.
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Storage: Store your firearm in a cool, dry place, unloaded and safely secured.
Conclusion: Safe and Proper Disassembly of Your Remington 870
Disassembling and cleaning your Remington 870 is a vital part of firearm ownership. By following these steps and always prioritizing safety, you can keep your shotgun in optimal condition. If at any time you feel unsure about a particular step, always consult your owner's manual or seek guidance from a qualified professional. Remember, safety is always the top priority.