Prioritizing Safety: Your First and Foremost Consideration
Before you even think about touching your **Remington 870**, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Firearms are inherently dangerous, and carelessness can have severe consequences. Therefore, every step in this process must be undertaken with caution and a firm commitment to safe gun handling practices.
Always, and without exception, treat every firearm as if it were loaded. This is the golden rule.
The first action you must take before commencing any **disassembly of Remington 870** is to confirm that the firearm is unloaded. This means more than just assuming; it means positively verifying its unloaded status.
Begin by pointing the muzzle of the shotgun in a safe direction – away from yourself, other people, and anything you wouldn’t want to accidentally damage. Then, operate the action. Pump the slide fully to the rear, ejecting any shells from the chamber. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure it’s empty. Next, inspect the magazine tube. Depress the shell stop to ensure there are no shells loaded in the magazine tube either. Finally, visually inspect the loading port of the shotgun and verify the chamber is empty.
Once you have verified that the firearm is unloaded, it is essential to remove all ammunition from the immediate vicinity of your work area.
Besides checking the firearm’s chamber and magazine, consider these other safety precautions. Always wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety glasses. This is crucial for preventing debris from entering your eyes during disassembly. A well-lit, uncluttered workspace is also critical. A clean workspace minimizes the risk of losing small parts and makes the process easier to manage. Additionally, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from grease, oil, and sharp edges. Finally, refrain from attempting **disassembly of Remington 870** if you are not feeling well, are fatigued, or are under the influence of any substance that may impair your judgment.
Gathering Your Tools: Essential Equipment for the Task
With safety precautions in place, it’s time to gather the necessary tools. While the **disassembly of Remington 870** doesn’t require a vast collection of specialized equipment, having the right tools on hand will streamline the process and prevent frustration.
Here’s a list of essential tools you’ll need:
- Screwdriver: A flathead screwdriver of an appropriate size is needed.
- Punch: A roll pin punch and/or a small diameter punch are essential for driving out pins. Having a selection of punches is advantageous.
- Cleaning Rod: Required for cleaning the barrel.
- Small Hammer: May be needed to tap punches when removing pins.
- Gun Cleaning Solvent and Lubricant: Choose a quality gun cleaner and lubricant designed for firearms.
- Cleaning Patches and Brush: For cleaning the barrel and other components.
- Shop Towels or Clean Cloths: To wipe down parts and clean the work surface.
- Optional: Bench Block: A bench block can be helpful for supporting the receiver and trigger group during the pin removal process.
- Optional: Rubber Mallet: May assist in gently tapping stuck components.
Having these tools readily available will make the entire **disassembly of Remington 870** process smoother and more efficient.
Field Stripping Your 870: The Fundamental Breakdown
Field stripping is the basic level of disassembly, allowing for cleaning and lubrication of key components. This is what you’ll likely do most often for routine maintenance. Let’s break down the fundamental steps:
Removing the Barrel: Accessing the Core Components
1. Remove the Magazine Cap and Forend: Begin by unscrewing the magazine cap, located at the end of the magazine tube. With the cap removed, you can slide the forend assembly forward, away from the receiver and off the magazine tube. Be mindful of the forend as it may have some springs inside.
2. Unscrewing the Barrel Nut: This is located on the magazine tube. Rotate the barrel nut counter-clockwise. If the nut is tight, it might need some firm pressure.
3. Extracting the Barrel: Pull the barrel forward, away from the receiver. The barrel will slide out of the receiver. Be careful not to damage the receiver or any of its components as you perform the barrel extraction.
Forend Disassembly: Removing the Handguard
1. Remove the Forend Assembly: The forend assembly consists of the forend itself, the action bars, and the forend tube. You’ve already removed the forend from the magazine tube.
The Bolt Carrier Assembly:
1. Remove the Action Bar: The action bar is attached to the bolt.
2. Remove the Bolt: The action bars are now loose. Gently slide the bolt and carrier assembly out the rear of the receiver.
Taking Out the Trigger Group: The Heart of the Action
1. Remove the Trigger Group Pins: Locate the two pins that secure the trigger group to the receiver. Using a punch and hammer, carefully drive these pins out. Work slowly and deliberately to avoid damaging the receiver.
2. Extraction of the Trigger Group: Once the pins are removed, the trigger group can be carefully removed downwards from the receiver. Be mindful that the trigger group has springs inside, and it’s a good idea to keep it pointed in the correct direction when you are removing it.
Further Exploration: Detailed Disassembly (Optional)
For more thorough cleaning and maintenance, you might consider a more detailed disassembly, but this is generally not necessary for routine care. This involves separating the various components further. Let’s touch on some of these additional steps:
The Ejector System:
1. Ejector Removal: The ejector is usually held in place by a pin or screw. You’ll need to remove this to remove the ejector. Be careful as the ejector can be spring-loaded.
Bolt Disassembly: The Firing Mechanism
1. Extractor Removal: The extractor is a small part that grips the cartridge rim.
2. Firing Pin Extraction: The firing pin is what strikes the primer of the cartridge.
Trigger Group Breakdown
This involves taking apart the trigger group to its individual components. This is only recommended for experienced gun owners or when necessary for repair.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Preserving Performance
After disassembly, cleaning and lubrication are critical. Use a quality gun cleaning solvent to remove carbon buildup, powder residue, and grime from all the components. Pay particular attention to the barrel, chamber, and bolt face.
Use cleaning patches and a brush to clean the barrel. Apply lubricant to the barrel and other areas. Wipe down components as needed.
Lubricate moving parts such as the action bars, bolt, and trigger group, using a dedicated gun lubricant. Avoid over-lubrication, as excessive oil can attract dirt and debris.
Inspect all components for wear and tear. Look for cracks, corrosion, or damage to the springs, and other parts. Replace any worn or damaged parts promptly.
Reassembly: Bringing Your 870 Back to Life
Reassembly is the reverse of the disassembly process. Carefully reassemble your **Remington 870**, taking your time and making sure all parts are correctly positioned.
1. Trigger Group Reassembly: Reinsert the trigger group into the receiver, aligning the holes for the pins. Insert and tap the trigger group pins back into place.
2. Bolt Reassembly: Place the bolt and carrier assembly back into the receiver, aligning it with the action bars.
3. Forend Reassembly: Slide the forend assembly back onto the magazine tube.
4. Barrel Reassembly: Slide the barrel back into the receiver. Screw the barrel nut back into place.
Addressing Potential Challenges
You may encounter some issues.
- Stuck Parts: If parts are stuck, try applying penetrating oil or using a rubber mallet.
- Difficulty Aligning Pins: Ensure that all holes are aligned before attempting to reinsert pins. Use a punch to help guide the pins.
Closing Remarks: Mastery Through Practice
**Disassembly of Remington 870** is not a one-time event; it’s a skill that improves with practice. The more you take apart and reassemble your **Remington 870**, the more familiar you’ll become with its inner workings.
Mastering the **disassembly of Remington 870** provides you with an advantage. It allows you to maintain your firearm. Remember to always prioritize safety. If you are unsure about any step in the process, consult a qualified gunsmith.
