How to Clean a Remington 870: A Comprehensive Guide
The Remington 870 is a reliable and iconic shotgun that requires regular maintenance to ensure it functions smoothly and safely. Cleaning your Remington 870 is a crucial task that helps remove dirt, debris, and corrosion from its intricate components. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to clean a Remington 870.
Before You Start: Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin cleaning your Remington 870, make sure you have the following essential tools and materials:
- Cleaning kit for shotguns
- Rod and brush combination
- Patching lube or silicone-based spray
- Soft cloth or brush for wiping down exterior
- Gun cleaning gloves (optional)
- Optional: rust preventive wipe-down liquid
Step 1: Disassemble the Remington 870
Contents
Disassembling the Remington 870
Disassembling your Remington 870 allows you to access the internal components for cleaning. Follow these steps:
- Muzzle Assembly: Remove the muzzle cap by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
- Forend Assembly: Release the latch by lifting it, then pull the forend assembly downwards.
- Magazine Tube Assembly: Rotate the magazine tube assembly counter-clockwise, then pull it out from the stock.
- Pump Assembly: Pull the pump assembly rearwards and disengage the clip.
- Firing Mechanism: Rotate the bolt handle clockwise and disengage it.
- Receivers Assembly: Lift the receivers assembly upwards to disengage the clip.
- Barrel Assembly: Release the barrel assembly by sliding it back and forth several times.
- Chokes Assembly: Remove the chokes by rotating them counterclockwise.
Step 2: Cleaning the Barrel Assembly
Cleaning the Barrel Assembly
The barrel assembly is one of the most critical components of your Remington 870. Follow these steps:
- Rod and Brush Combination: Feed the rod and brush combination through the barrel, aiming for the chamber.
- Clean the Inside: Push the rod and brush combination through the barrel, making sure to remove any dirt, debris, or residue.
- Wipe Down Exterior: Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the exterior of the barrel assembly, removing any dirt or grime.
- Patching: Use patching lube or silicone-based spray on a cleaning patch and wipe down the barrel, making sure to remove any residue.
Step 3: Cleaning the Firing Mechanism and Receivers Assembly
Cleaning the Firing Mechanism and Receivers Assembly
Follow these steps to clean the firing mechanism and receivers assembly:
- Cylinder Bore: Clean the cylinder bore using the rod and brush combination.
- Firing Pins and Springs: Inspect the firing pins and springs for any dirt, debris, or corrosion.
- Receivers Assembly: Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the receivers assembly, removing any dirt, grime, or rust.
- Cleaning the Magazine Tube Assembly: Use the rod and brush combination to clean the inside of the magazine tube assembly.
Step 4: Cleaning the Pump and Forend Assembly
Cleaning the Pump and Forend Assembly
Follow these steps to clean the pump and forend assembly:
- Pump Cylinder: Clean the pump cylinder using the rod and brush combination.
- Pump Rod: Remove any dirt, debris, or residue from the pump rod using a soft cloth or brush.
- Forend Assembly: Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the forend assembly, removing any dirt, grime, or rust.
Step 5: Reassembling the Remington 870
Reassembling the Remington 870
Follow these steps to reassemble your Remington 870:
- Barrel Assembly: Reattach the barrel assembly to the receivers assembly, making sure it’s secure.
- Pump Assembly: Reattach the pump assembly to the receivers assembly, making sure it’s secure.
- Magazine Tube Assembly: Reattach the magazine tube assembly to the receivers assembly, making sure it’s secure.
- Firing Mechanism: Reattach the firing mechanism to the receivers assembly, making sure it’s secure.
- Forend Assembly: Reattach the forend assembly to the receivers assembly, making sure it’s secure.
Additional Tips and Best Practices
Additional Tips and Best Practices
- Always handle your Remington 870 with gloves to prevent oils from your skin from affecting the functionality of the gun.
- Use a rust preventive wipe-down liquid on the external surfaces of the gun to protect it from corrosion.
- Regularly inspect your Remington 870 for signs of wear and tear, and replace any worn parts as necessary.
- Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the external surfaces of the gun to prevent scratching.
- Make sure to clean your Remington 870 after every use, and perform a thorough cleaning every 6-12 months.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Remington 870 is an essential part of maintaining its reliability and performance. By following these steps and best practices, you’ll ensure your gun remains in good working condition and is safe to use. Remember to always handle your Remington 870 with care and attention to detail, and never skip a cleaning job. Happy shooting!