The Remington 870 is a legendary pump-action shotgun, known for its reliability and durability. Proper disassembly is crucial for cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, ensuring you can safely and effectively disassemble your Remington 870. Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before beginning any disassembly. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
Before you even think about touching your Remington 870, follow these critical safety steps:
- Unloading: Completely unload the shotgun. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine tube to confirm it's empty.
- Pointing: Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, preferably downrange at a safe backstop.
- Dry Practice: If you're new to firearm disassembly, consider dry practicing with an unloaded firearm first. This will help you familiarize yourself with the process.
Tools You'll Need
For basic disassembly, you'll only need a screwdriver (usually a standard Phillips head). For more extensive cleaning or repairs, you might need additional tools such as a cleaning rod, patches, and gun oil.
Step-by-Step Disassembly Guide
Here’s how to disassemble your Remington 870:
1. Removing the Fore-End
- Step 1: Open the action by pulling the slide handle fully rearward.
- Step 2: Rotate the fore-end slightly to the right.
- Step 3: Pull the fore-end straight forward and off the receiver.
2. Removing the Barrel
- Step 1: Locate the barrel latch located on the underside of the receiver, just in front of the trigger guard.
- Step 2: Using your screwdriver, push the barrel latch upwards slightly and rotate it to the left until it comes free from the receiver.
- Step 3: Carefully lift the barrel and slide it forward off the receiver.
3. Removing the Bolt and Carrier Assembly
- Step 1: With the barrel removed, you should now see the bolt and carrier assembly.
- Step 2: Pull the bolt handle rearward to lock the bolt open.
- Step 3: Carefully lift the bolt and carrier assembly out of the receiver. Be mindful of the small parts within the assembly. Take your time.
4. Disassembly of the Bolt and Carrier (Optional)
The bolt and carrier assembly can be further disassembled for more thorough cleaning, though it's not always necessary. Consult your Remington 870 owner's manual or a detailed video tutorial for instructions on further disassembly of these components. This usually involves removing the ejector and other small parts within the assembly.
Reassembly: A Reverse Process
Reassembly is simply the reverse of the disassembly process. Remember to take your time and ensure all parts are correctly aligned before fully closing the action. Always double-check that the barrel latch is properly engaged and that all components are firmly secured.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Once disassembled, clean all components thoroughly using a suitable gun cleaning solvent and oil. Pay close attention to the bolt and carrier assembly, removing any carbon build-up or residue. After cleaning, lubricate all moving parts with gun oil to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear and tear.
Seeking Professional Help
If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of disassembling your Remington 870, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a qualified gunsmith. Improper disassembly or reassembly can damage your firearm and potentially lead to malfunction or injury.
This guide provides a general overview of Remington 870 disassembly. Always consult your owner's manual for detailed instructions specific to your model and for any warnings or precautions not included here. Remember: safety is paramount.
