Safety First: The Foundation of Responsible Gun Ownership
Important Safety Precautions
Before you even think about picking up a cleaning rod, remember this: safety is the absolute cornerstone of firearm handling. Every single time you handle your Remington 870, regardless of the task, you must adhere to these critical safety precautions. These are not optional; they are non-negotiable:
Always ensure the firearm is unloaded. This means physically opening the action and visually inspecting the chamber and magazine to confirm they are empty. Feel inside the chamber and magazine if necessary, making certain there are no shells present.
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. This is the cardinal rule. Your muzzle should never be pointed at anything you are not willing to destroy. The safest direction is generally downwards in a controlled environment or towards a backstop if you are on a shooting range.
Always verify the chamber is empty (visually and by feel). Even if you believe the gun is unloaded, double-check. Triple-check. This habit prevents potentially devastating accidents.
Wear appropriate eye protection. Debris, cleaning solvents, and potential malfunctions can all pose a risk to your eyesight. Safety glasses or goggles are mandatory.
Wear appropriate gloves. While not strictly necessary, gloves protect your hands from cleaning solvents and oils, preventing skin irritation. Nitrile or other solvent-resistant gloves are recommended.
Work in a well-ventilated area. Cleaning solvents often have strong fumes that can be harmful if inhaled excessively. Ensure adequate airflow to prevent the build-up of these fumes.
Keep ammunition separate from the cleaning area and the firearm itself.
These safety guidelines are not just suggestions; they are the foundation of responsible firearm ownership. Ignoring any of these precautions can lead to severe injury or even fatality. Always be vigilant and approach firearm maintenance with the utmost respect for its potential.
Gathering Your Cleaning Arsenal: Tools and Materials You Need
Having the right tools and materials is crucial for a successful cleaning session. Don’t cut corners here; investing in quality supplies will save you time, effort, and potentially, damage to your Remington 870. Here’s a comprehensive checklist:
- Cleaning Rod: Choose a cleaning rod that is specifically designed for shotguns. The rod should be the correct gauge (12 or 20, depending on your shotgun) and made of a durable material, such as coated steel or brass, to prevent scratching the bore.
- Bore Brush: Select a bore brush of the correct gauge (12 or 20). A nylon or bronze brush is suitable for general cleaning.
- Patch Holder or Jag: A patch holder holds cleaning patches securely while you push them through the barrel. A jag provides a tighter fit and offers better contact with the bore surface.
- Cleaning Patches: Use high-quality cotton or lint-free cleaning patches. Ensure they are the correct size for your chosen patch holder or jag.
- Gun Cleaning Solvent: A good-quality gun cleaning solvent is essential for dissolving powder residue, carbon buildup, and other contaminants. Popular choices include Hoppe’s No. 9 and Break-Free CLP.
- Gun Oil or Lubricant: A light gun oil or lubricant is necessary for lubricating moving parts and protecting against rust and corrosion. Choose a lubricant specifically designed for firearms.
- Small Brush: A small brush, such as an old toothbrush or a nylon brush, will aid in cleaning hard-to-reach areas and removing stubborn grime.
- Soft Cloths or Rags: Soft cloths or rags are needed for wiping down components, applying solvent, and removing excess oil.
- Screwdriver: You might need a screwdriver, usually a flathead, to remove the trigger group for a deeper cleaning (though this is usually not necessary for routine maintenance). Identify the screw type needed for your specific model.
- Gun Cleaning Mat (Optional): A gun cleaning mat provides a clean and protected surface to work on and can help prevent damage to your firearm.
These items can be easily found at most gun stores, sporting goods retailers, and online retailers specializing in firearm accessories. When selecting your supplies, prioritize quality.
A Quick Field Strip: Preparing for Cleaning
For routine maintenance, a complete disassembly of the Remington 870 is rarely necessary. A field strip, where you remove a few key components, is usually sufficient for thorough cleaning. *Important*: Always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on disassembly and reassembly.
Removing the Barrel
Ensure the firearm is unloaded. Pull back the forend/slide, check the chamber, and if clear, press the barrel retaining nut (found at the end of the magazine tube, located on the underside of the barrel) and unscrew it. Then, carefully remove the barrel from the receiver.
Removing the Forend and Slide Assembly
With the barrel removed, retract the forend/slide completely to the rear of the receiver. While holding the slide, depress the action bar release button (located near the ejection port). Carefully slide the entire forend/slide assembly forward and out of the receiver.
Separating the Bolt from the Receiver
With the forend removed, rotate the bolt assembly upwards (it should pivot with relative ease). It should lift off the receiver rails, allowing you to take out the bolt
Trigger group Removal
This step, in most cases, is best left for more in-depth cleaning. However, if you wish to clean the trigger group, be very careful. With the action closed, there are two pin holes at the top of the receiver. Use a punch or a small, non-marring object to gently tap out the retaining pins. The trigger group will then usually drop free. It is essential to note that the removal and replacement of the trigger group can be complex, and it is essential to ensure proper placement of all parts during reassembly. Be extremely careful not to lose any small springs or pins.
Cleaning the Barrel: The Heart of the Matter
The barrel is where all the action happens, and keeping it clean is paramount for accuracy and reliability. Follow these steps diligently:
Solvent Application
Attach a cleaning patch soaked with gun cleaning solvent to your patch holder or jag. Insert the patch into the chamber end of the barrel and carefully push it through to the muzzle. Be gentle and avoid forcing the patch.
Waiting and Dissolving
Allow the solvent to dwell in the bore for several minutes. This helps loosen any built-up residue. Follow the solvent’s instructions for the recommended dwell time.
Bore Brushing
Attach a solvent-soaked bore brush to your cleaning rod. Insert the brush into the chamber end of the barrel and scrub the bore with a back-and-forth motion. Go slowly. Repeat the process a number of times to make sure you scrub the entire bore.
Patching for Cleanliness
Remove the brush and replace it with a clean patch. Push the patch through the bore from the chamber end to the muzzle. Repeat this process with fresh, clean patches until the patches come out clean. This indicates that all the grime and powder residue have been removed.
Inspection
Carefully inspect the bore for any remaining fouling. Use a bore light if necessary. You can also run a clean patch through the barrel to check for any remaining residue.
Final Oiling
Attach a lightly oiled patch to your patch holder or jag. Push the patch through the bore to provide a protective layer of oil. Avoid excessive oiling.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: Avoid using steel wool or abrasive materials to clean the bore, as they can scratch the bore. Never leave solvent in the barrel for extended periods, as it can potentially damage the finish. Use proper cleaning rod guides to prevent any abrasion or damage.
Beyond the Barrel: Cleaning Other Critical Components
The barrel is not the only component requiring attention. Here’s how to clean the other essential parts of your Remington 870:
Receiver
Use a solvent-soaked cloth or brush to clean the inside of the receiver. Pay particular attention to the area where the action bars slide. Remove any debris, carbon buildup, or dirt. Wipe down the receiver and dry it thoroughly.
Bolt
Clean the bolt with solvent and a brush. Focus on the bolt face and the locking lugs. Remove any residue or debris that could interfere with the locking mechanism. Wipe down and dry the bolt.
Trigger Group
Use a small brush and solvent to remove debris from the trigger group. Do not over-lubricate this area, as it can attract dirt and cause malfunctions.
Magazine Tube
Inspect the magazine tube for rust, dirt, or other debris. Clean it with a solvent-soaked patch or brush if necessary.
Action Bars
Clean the action bars with solvent and a cloth. Ensure they are free of any buildup or residue that could impede smooth cycling.
Cleaning the internal components is critical. You should inspect these components regularly for wear. Clean the components regularly for long-term performance.
Lubrication: The Importance of a Light Touch
Lubrication is essential, but over-lubrication is a common mistake. A little oil goes a long way. Apply a light coat of gun oil or lubricant to these areas:
Inside the Receiver
Lightly lubricate the inside surfaces of the receiver, particularly the areas where the action bars slide.
Action Bars
Apply a thin film of lubricant to the action bars to ensure smooth cycling.
Bolt
Apply a very small amount of lubricant to the bolt face, locking lugs, and the moving parts of the bolt.
Trigger Group
Lightly lubricate the trigger group if necessary, but avoid applying too much oil. A tiny amount of lubricant on the moving parts of the trigger mechanism is usually sufficient.
Wipe away any excess lubricant with a clean cloth. Remember, excess lubricant can attract dirt and grime, which can lead to malfunctions. Using high-quality gun oils or lubricants are essential.
Reassembly: Putting It All Back Together
Reassembling your Remington 870 is essentially reversing the disassembly steps. If you followed the disassembly instructions, the reassembly should be straightforward.
Reinsert the trigger group
(If removed, carefully insert the trigger group back into the receiver. Replace the retaining pins)
Reinstall the bolt
(Insert the bolt into the receiver. Make sure that it’s seated properly)
Replace the Forend/Slide Assembly
(With the bolt correctly positioned, slide the forend and slide assembly back onto the receiver rails)
Reinstall the Barrel
Carefully slide the barrel back into the receiver. Tighten the barrel retaining nut until snug.
Testing
Once reassembled, cycle the action several times to ensure smooth operation. Test the trigger to make sure it functions correctly.
Pay close attention to how each part fits together. If you encounter any resistance or difficulty, stop and re-examine the process. Review your owner’s manual or seek help from a gunsmith if needed.
Post-Cleaning and Ongoing Maintenance
Once you’ve completed the cleaning and reassembly, perform a final inspection. Make sure all parts are correctly installed and functioning properly. Some other essential steps are:
Inspection
After cleaning and reassembly, always inspect the firearm for any signs of wear and tear.
Storage
Store your Remington 870 in a clean, dry, and secure location. The best place to store your Remington 870 is locked and out of reach of children or unauthorized individuals.
Regular Inspections
Perform regular inspections of your firearm, looking for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion.
Seek Professional Help
If you notice any issues that you are uncomfortable addressing yourself, consult a qualified gunsmith.
Preventative maintenance prolongs the life of your Remington 870. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can prevent numerous problems.
Common Problems and How Cleaning Can Help
Even a well-maintained Remington 870 can occasionally experience issues. Regular cleaning can often resolve or mitigate some common problems:
Stuck Action
A dirty or poorly lubricated action can cause the forend to stick. Thorough cleaning and lubrication can often resolve this issue.
Failure to Feed
Dirt, debris, or a lack of lubrication in the magazine tube or chamber can cause failures to feed. Cleaning the chamber and magazine tube can prevent this.
Failure to Eject
A dirty chamber, extractor, or ejector can interfere with ejection. Cleaning these components can often solve extraction issues.
If you experience any of these problems, start by thoroughly cleaning and lubricating your shotgun. If the problems persist, consult a qualified gunsmith.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Benefits of a Clean Firearm
Cleaning your Remington 870 isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an investment in your safety, the reliability of your firearm, and its longevity. By following this step-by-step guide, you can maintain your shotgun in peak condition, ensuring it functions flawlessly whenever you need it. Regularly cleaning a Remington 870 helps to minimize the risk of malfunctions. From safety precautions to the reassembly process, it should be a fundamental part of being a responsible gun owner. Regular cleaning, coupled with safe handling practices, will ensure that your Remington 870 is ready for action. Now, go out and experience the difference a clean, well-maintained Remington 870 makes!
