How to Clean a Remington 870 Shotgun: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun known for its reliability and durability. However, even the most well-maintained shotguns require regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance and longevity. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to clean a Remington 870 shotgun, covering everything from disassembly to reassembly.
Before You Start
Before you begin cleaning your Remington 870, make sure you have the following materials:
- A cleaning kit specifically designed for shotguns (available at most gun shops or online)
- A soft-bristled brush
- A cleaning rod with a shotgun adapter
- Gun oil or a silicone-based lubricant
- A cloth or microfiber towel
- Optional: a bore brush, a patch, and a bore light
Step 1: Disassembly
To clean your Remington 870, you’ll need to disassemble the shotgun. This involves removing the following parts:
- Magazine tube: Pull the magazine tube latch located on the right side of the shotgun and remove the tube.
- Fore-end: Pull the fore-end latch located on the right side of the shotgun and remove the fore-end.
- Receiver: Pull the receiver latch located on the left side of the shotgun and remove the receiver.
- Barrel: Pull the barrel latch located on the right side of the shotgun and remove the barrel.
Step 2: Cleaning the Barrel
Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the barrel, paying attention to the chamber and bore. Use a gentle circular motion to avoid scratching the barrel.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove any visible debris or fouling |
| 2 | Apply a small amount of gun oil or silicone-based lubricant to the brush |
| 3 | Work the brush through the barrel, focusing on the chamber and bore |
| 4 | Remove the brush and wipe the barrel clean with a cloth or microfiber towel |
Step 3: Cleaning the Receiver and Action
Use a cleaning rod with a shotgun adapter to clean the receiver and action. Use a gentle back-and-forth motion to avoid damaging the receiver or action.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove any visible debris or fouling |
| 2 | Apply a small amount of gun oil or silicone-based lubricant to the cleaning rod |
| 3 | Work the cleaning rod through the receiver and action, focusing on the internal mechanisms |
| 4 | Remove the cleaning rod and wipe the receiver and action clean with a cloth or microfiber towel |
Step 4: Cleaning the Fore-end and Stock
Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the fore-end and stock. Use a gentle circular motion to avoid scratching the wood or synthetic materials.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove any visible debris or fouling |
| 2 | Apply a small amount of gun oil or silicone-based lubricant to the brush |
| 3 | Work the brush through the fore-end and stock, focusing on the wood or synthetic materials |
| 4 | Remove the brush and wipe the fore-end and stock clean with a cloth or microfiber towel |
Step 5: Reassembly
Once you’ve finished cleaning the various components, it’s time to reassemble the shotgun. Follow the reverse order of disassembly:
- Barrel: Insert the barrel into the receiver and latch it in place.
- Receiver: Insert the receiver into the stock and latch it in place.
- Fore-end: Insert the fore-end into the receiver and latch it in place.
- Magazine tube: Insert the magazine tube into the receiver and latch it in place.
Additional Tips and Best Practices
- Regular cleaning: Clean your Remington 870 regularly to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance.
- Dry the shotgun: After cleaning, use a cloth or microfiber towel to dry the shotgun, paying attention to the receiver, action, and barrel.
- Lubricate the shotgun: Apply a small amount of gun oil or silicone-based lubricant to the shotgun’s moving parts, such as the bolt and trigger.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents to clean your Remington 870, as they can damage the finish or harm the shotgun’s internal components.
- Store the shotgun properly: Store the shotgun in a dry, secure location, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
By following these steps and best practices, you’ll be able to keep your Remington 870 shotgun clean, well-maintained, and ready for action. Remember to always handle the shotgun with care and attention, and to follow all safety guidelines when cleaning and handling firearms.
