Swapping barrels on your Remington 870 tactical shotgun can significantly alter its capabilities, transforming it from a home-defense weapon to a bird-hunting shotgun or even a specialized competition firearm. This guide provides a step-by-step process for safely and effectively performing a Remington 870 tactical barrel swap, covering crucial considerations for different barrel types and ensuring optimal performance.
Understanding Remington 870 Barrel Variations
Before diving into the swap, it's vital to understand the diversity of Remington 870 barrels available. These variations significantly impact the shotgun's function and intended use. Key differences include:
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Barrel Length: Shorter barrels (18.5 inches or less) are favored for home defense due to maneuverability in close quarters, while longer barrels (20-28 inches) offer improved accuracy and range, making them suitable for hunting or sporting clays.
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Choke: The choke determines the shot pattern. Cylinder bore offers the widest pattern, ideal for close-range shooting, while tighter chokes like modified or full are preferred for longer-range targets. Tactical barrels often feature interchangeable chokes for versatility.
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Sight Options: Barrels come with different sighting systems. Ghost ring sights are common on tactical barrels, providing a fast sight picture, while others may feature rib mounts for scopes or red dot sights.
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Ribs: The presence and type of rib can influence accuracy and sight picture.
Choosing the right barrel depends heavily on your intended use. Thoroughly researching barrel specifications before purchase is crucial.
Tools Required for Barrel Swap
Before commencing the barrel swap, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth and safe process. You'll need:
- A properly fitted wrench: This is crucial; using the wrong wrench can damage the barrel threads. Consult your Remington 870 owner's manual for the correct wrench size.
- Cleaning supplies: Cleaning the gun before and after the swap prevents damage from dirt or debris.
- Eye and ear protection: Always prioritize safety.
Step-by-Step Remington 870 Tactical Barrel Swap
Caution: Always ensure the firearm is unloaded and the action is open before beginning any maintenance or modification.
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Unloading and Inspection: Thoroughly inspect your Remington 870 to verify it's completely unloaded. Visually and physically check the chamber and magazine tube.
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Removing the Old Barrel: Using the correctly sized wrench, carefully unscrew the barrel nut, counter-clockwise, from the receiver. Once loosened, the barrel should slide off the receiver.
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Installing the New Barrel: Align the new barrel with the receiver's threads and carefully screw it onto the receiver, clockwise. Tighten securely using the wrench. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage threads.
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Final Inspection: After installing the new barrel, perform another thorough inspection to confirm its proper alignment and secure attachment.
Post-Swap Considerations
Following the barrel swap, it is essential to:
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Function Test: After installation, perform a function test to ensure the action cycles smoothly and the new barrel operates correctly. Dry fire the weapon (without ammunition) several times.
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Accuracy Testing: Fire the weapon with different ammunition types at various ranges to verify accuracy and establish zeroing for your sights.
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Cleaning: Clean the weapon thoroughly after the swap and any testing to remove any residue or debris.
Choosing the Right Barrel for Your Needs
Selecting the correct barrel significantly impacts the performance of your Remington 870. Carefully consider your intended use:
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Home Defense: Shorter barrels (18.5 inches or less) offer superior maneuverability in confined spaces.
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Hunting: Longer barrels (20-28 inches) and specific chokes are best for hunting various game.
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Sporting Clays/Competition: Specific barrels optimized for speed and accuracy are available.
Disclaimer: Modifying firearms can be dangerous. Always adhere to all safety regulations. Improper modification can lead to malfunctions, injury, or even death. If you are uncomfortable performing this procedure, consult a qualified gunsmith. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always refer to your Remington 870 owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
