How to clean 870 Remington shotgun?

How to Clean Your 870 Remington Shotgun

The Remington 870 is a popular and iconic shotgun, widely used for hunting, home defense, and target shooting. As with any firearm, cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to clean your 870 Remington shotgun, so you can keep it running smoothly and reliably.

Why Clean Your Shotgun?

Before we dive into the cleaning process, it’s essential to understand the importance of regular cleaning and maintenance. Failure to clean your shotgun can lead to:

• Corrosion and rust: Dirt, debris, and moisture can cause rust and corrosion, damaging your shotgun’s metal components.
• Clogging: Dirt and debris can accumulate in the barrel, action, and other mechanisms, causing clogs and misfires.
• Decreased accuracy: Uncleaned and unmaintained shotguns can result in decreased accuracy and range, making it more difficult to hit your target.
• Safety risks: Uncleaned shotguns can pose safety risks, as dirt and debris can affect the function of critical components, leading to unintended discharge or accidents.

Materials Needed

Before cleaning your 870 Remington shotgun, you’ll need the following materials:

• Shotgun cleaning kit: A specialized kit containing the necessary tools and solvents for cleaning your shotgun.
• Gun brush: A sturdy brush for cleaning the barrel and chamber.
• Cleaning solvent: A specialized solvent designed for cleaning firearms.
• Clumsy patches: Pads for cleaning the barrel and chamber.
• Rod and jag: A long, thin rod and jag for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
• Towels and rags: For wiping down the shotgun and removing excess solvent.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Now that you have your materials, let’s move on to the step-by-step cleaning guide:

Step 1: Remove the Shell Latch and Forend

1. Release the shell latch: Open the shotgun’s action and release the shell latch. This will allow you to remove the forend (stock) and access the barrel.
2. Remove the forend: Pull the forend straight off the shotgun, taking care not to touch the barrel or any other moving parts.

Step 2: Remove the Action and Trigger Assembly

1. Pull the trigger assembly: Locate the trigger assembly and pull it out of the action. Take care not to touch the trigger or any other internal components.
2. Remove the bolt and carrier: Pull the bolt and carrier out of the action. This will allow you to access the chamber and breech area.

Step 3: Clean the Barrel and Chamber

1. Run the gun brush: Use the gun brush to scrub the barrel, paying attention to the breech and chamber areas.
2. Apply cleaning solvent: Dampen the gun brush with cleaning solvent and scrub the barrel again.
3. Wipe down the barrel: Use a clumsy patch to wipe down the barrel, removing excess solvent and debris.
4. Clean the chamber: Use a dry, clean patch to wipe down the chamber, ensuring it’s free of debris and residue.

Step 4: Clean the Action and Trigger Assembly

1. Run the gun brush: Use the gun brush to scrub the action and trigger assembly, paying attention to any crevices or tight spaces.
2. Apply cleaning solvent: Dampen the gun brush with cleaning solvent and scrub the action and trigger assembly again.
3. Wipe down the action and trigger: Use a dry, clean cloth to wipe down the action and trigger assembly, removing excess solvent and debris.

Step 5: Reassemble the Shotgun

1. Replace the bolt and carrier: Slide the bolt and carrier back into the action, ensuring they’re properly seated.
2. Replace the trigger assembly: Insert the trigger assembly back into the action, ensuring it’s properly seated.
3. Replace the forend: Slide the forend back onto the shotgun, ensuring it’s properly seated.
4. Replace the shell latch: Slide the shell latch back into place, ensuring it’s properly seated.

Additional Tips and Reminders

• Regularly clean your shotgun: Cleaning your shotgun every 1-2 weeks, or after each use, will help maintain its performance and extend its lifespan.
• Use the right cleaning solvent: Only use specialized cleaning solvents designed for firearms, as other chemicals can damage your shotgun’s components.
• Avoid using compressed air: Compressed air can push debris and dust further into the shotgun, making it more difficult to clean and potentially causing damage.
• Check for corrosion and rust: Regularly inspect your shotgun for signs of corrosion and rust, addressing any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

By following these steps and using the right materials, you’ll be able to keep your 870 Remington shotgun in top condition, ensuring it runs smoothly, accurately, and safely for years to come.