How to Take Apart a Remington 870: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Remington 870 is a classic pump-action shotgun widely used for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. Over time, maintenance and repair of this iconic firearm may be necessary. One of the most common procedures is disassembling the gun for cleaning, lubricating, or replacing worn-out parts. In this article, we will guide you through the process of taking apart a Remington 870 shotgun.
Important Safety Reminders
Before you start disassembling your Remington 870, please make sure you:
- Ensure the shotgun is unloaded, with no shell in the chamber or magazine.
- Remove the firing pin spring and the safety button (if your 870 is equipped with a tang safety).
- Keep the shotgun away from children and unauthorized individuals.
Removing the Trigger Group
The first step in disassembling your Remington 870 is to remove the trigger group.
- Trigger Group Removal: Pull the trigger and slide the safety button to the "safe" position.
- Remove the screws holding the trigger group housing in place.
- Lift the trigger group housing out of the receiver.
Removing the Barrels
Next, you’ll need to remove the barrels.
- Barrel Removal: Remove the magazine tube cap by turning it counterclockwise.
- Pull the fore-end towards you to loosen the barrels from the receiver.
- Lift the barrels out of the receiver. Be careful not to damage the rib or the muzzle.
Removing the Action Bars and Fore-End
Now, you’ll need to remove the action bars and fore-end.
- Action Bars and Fore-End Removal:
- Remove the magazine tube cap and slide it back towards the receiver to loosen the action bars from the fore-end.
- Lift the action bars out of the fore-end.
- Pull the fore-end towards you to loosen it from the receiver.
- Lift the fore-end out of the receiver.
Removing the Bolt
The next step is to remove the bolt.
- Bolt Removal:
- Remove the bolt from the receiver by sliding it backwards and out of the shell elevator.
- Take note of the bolt’s orientation, as it will need to be reassembled in the same way.
Removing the Ejector and Extractor
You’ll need to remove the ejector and extractor from the bolt.
- Ejector and Extractor Removal: Gently pry the ejector out of its seat on the bolt.
- Lift the extractor out of the bolt. Be careful not to damage the extractor or the bolt.
Disassembling the Magazine Tube
Now, you can disassemble the magazine tube.
- Magazine Tube Disassembly: Remove the magazine tube from the receiver by sliding it back towards the fore-end.
- Remove the tube extension by unscrewing it from the magazine tube.
Disassembling the Trigger Group
You can now disassemble the trigger group.
- Trigger Group Disassembly:
- Remove the trigger return spring from the trigger group housing.
- Remove the trigger from the trigger group housing.
- Remove the safety button and the safety spring.
Reassembly
To reassemble your Remington 870, follow the steps in reverse order, making sure to:
- Replace all parts in the same way they were removed.
- Ensure all parts are securely fastened with the appropriate screws and springs.
- Test the shotgun to ensure it functions properly.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when taking apart and reassembling your Remington 870:
- Use a cleaning rod and bore brush to clean the barrels and magazine tube.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe down all metal surfaces and prevent corrosion.
- Apply a small amount of gun oil to moving parts and pivots.
- Store all disassembled parts in a dry, secure location to prevent damage or loss.
Table of Disassembly Steps
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Remove Trigger Group |
2 | Remove Barrels |
3 | Remove Action Bars and Fore-End |
4 | Remove Bolt |
5 | Remove Ejector and Extractor |
6 | Disassemble Magazine Tube |
7 | Disassemble Trigger Group |
8 | Reassemble in Reverse Order |
Conclusion
Taking apart a Remington 870 shotgun is a straightforward process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. By following these steps, you’ll be able to disassemble and reassemble your shotgun, keeping it in top working condition and ensuring many years of reliable service. Always remember to follow proper safety procedures and handle your firearms with care.