For over seven decades, the Remington 870 has been a staple in American gun safes, from home defense to hunting and competitive shooting. Its reliability and versatility are legendary. But to keep your 870 performing at its best, knowing how to take apart a Remington 870 is crucial for proper cleaning, maintenance, and even customization. This guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from basic disassembly to common issues and upgrades, whether you own a classic 12 gauge, a compact Shockwave, a 20 gauge, or even a .410 model.
Why Disassemble Your Remington 870?
Regular disassembly isn't just about cleaning; it's about preventative maintenance. Here's why you should learn this skill:
- Cleaning: Removing built-up fouling, powder residue, and debris ensures smooth operation and prevents corrosion.
- Inspection: Disassembly allows you to thoroughly inspect parts for wear, damage, or potential issues before they become major problems.
- Lubrication: Applying proper lubrication to key components reduces friction and extends the life of your shotgun.
- Customization: If you're planning upgrades like a mag tube extension, new sights, or a different stock, disassembly is the first step.
- Troubleshooting: Identifying and fixing malfunctions often requires taking the shotgun apart to pinpoint the source of the problem.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential tools:
- Remington 870 Disassembly Tool (or a small punch)
- Screwdrivers (various sizes, including Phillips and flathead)
- Gun Cleaning Mat
- Gun Cleaning Solvent
- Gun Oil or Lubricant
- Small Brush (for cleaning)
- Rag or Cleaning Patches
- Safety Glasses
How to Take Apart a Remington 870: Step-by-Step Disassembly
Safety First: Always ensure the shotgun is unloaded before beginning any disassembly. Double-check the chamber and magazine tube. Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Remove the Forend: Depress the forend retainer (located just below the receiver) and slide the forend forward off the magazine tube.
- Remove the Barrel: With the forend removed, slide the barrel forward and down. It should come free from the receiver.
- Remove the Receiver Cap: Using the Remington disassembly tool (or a small punch), carefully push the receiver cap down and forward, then remove it.
- Remove the Bolt Assembly: Slowly slide the bolt assembly rearward out of the receiver.
- Remove the Trigger Group: Using a screwdriver, remove the trigger guard screws. The trigger group can then be carefully lifted out of the receiver.
- Disassemble the Bolt Assembly (Optional): For a deeper clean, you can disassemble the bolt assembly further. This involves removing the firing pin, extractor, and other small parts. Take pictures as you go! This is where things can get tricky, and remembering the order of parts is essential. Refer to the Remington 870 Owner's Manual for detailed diagrams.
Understanding Common Remington 870 Models & Disassembly Nuances
While the core disassembly process is similar across models, some variations exist:
- Remington 870 Tactical (DM): These models often have additional accessories like rails and ghost ring sights. Remove these before disassembly.
- Remington 870 Shockwave: The short barrel and bird's head grip require a slightly different approach to barrel removal.
- Remington 870 20 Gauge & .410: The smaller frame size doesn't significantly alter the disassembly process, but pay attention to the smaller parts.
- Remington 870 Trap Models: These often have longer barrels and different stock configurations, but the receiver disassembly remains the same.
Cleaning Your Remington 870
With the shotgun disassembled, it's time to clean. Use a quality gun cleaning solvent to remove fouling from the barrel, receiver, bolt, and other parts. Pay particular attention to the chamber and the inside of the receiver. Use a brush to scrub away stubborn residue. Once clean, wipe down all parts with a clean rag and apply a light coat of gun oil or lubricant.
Reassembly: Putting It All Back Together
Reassembly is essentially the reverse of disassembly. Follow these steps carefully:
- Install the Trigger Group: Carefully place the trigger group back into the receiver and secure it with the trigger guard screws.
- Install the Bolt Assembly: Slide the bolt assembly back into the receiver.
- Install the Receiver Cap: Place the receiver cap back on and secure it with the disassembly tool.
- Install the Barrel: Slide the barrel back onto the receiver.
- Install the Forend: Slide the forend back onto the magazine tube and secure it with the forend retainer.
Function Check: After reassembly, perform a function check to ensure everything is working correctly. Manually cycle the action and check the trigger pull. Always double-check that the shotgun is unloaded before performing a function check.
Common Remington 870 Issues & Troubleshooting
Even a well-maintained 870 can experience issues. Here are a few common problems and potential solutions:
- Failure to Eject: Often caused by a dirty or worn extractor. Inspect and clean or replace the extractor.
- Failure to Feed: Can be caused by a dirty chamber, a bent shell latch, or a faulty magazine spring.
- Sticking Action: Usually due to lack of lubrication or built-up fouling. Thorough cleaning and lubrication are the first steps.
- Loose Forend: The forend retainer may be worn or damaged. Replace the retainer.
Remington 870 Upgrades & Customization
The 870 is a highly customizable platform. Here are some popular upgrades:
- Mag Tube Extension: Increase your capacity with an extended magazine tube.
- Sights: Upgrade to ghost ring sights, a red dot sight, or a scope.
- Stocks & Grips: Replace the factory stock with a more comfortable or tactical option. Consider a youth stock for smaller shooters.
- Rails: Add a rail system for mounting accessories like lights and optics.
- Recoil Pads: Reduce felt recoil with a quality recoil pad.
Choosing the Right Accessories for Your 870
When selecting accessories, consider your intended use. A Remington 870 DM Tactical will benefit from different upgrades than a Remington 870 Wingmaster used for sporting clays. Research compatibility and read reviews before making a purchase.
Resources & Further Information
- Remington Official Website
- National Park Service (for hunting regulations)
- Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (responsible hunting practices)
- REI Expert Advice (general firearm safety and maintenance)
- USDA Forest Service (for hunting regulations)
Magazine Tube Extensions
Adding a magazine tube extension is a popular upgrade for the Remington 870, increasing capacity for hunting or competition. Several companies offer extensions, with options for different lengths and materials. Ensure the extension is compatible with your specific 870 model.
Remington 870 Youth Models
The Remington 870 Youth model is designed for young shooters, featuring a shorter length of pull and a reduced weight. It's crucial to ensure a proper fit for young shooters to promote safe and effective handling.
Remington 870 Extractor Replacement
A worn or damaged extractor can cause failures to eject. Replacing the extractor is a relatively straightforward process, but requires careful attention to detail. Refer to the owner's manual or a gunsmith for guidance.
Recoil Reduction
Reducing recoil can improve comfort and accuracy. Options include recoil pads, gas-operated recoil systems, and proper shooting technique.
Remington 870 Tactical Models
The Remington 870 Tactical models, such as the DM, are designed for law enforcement and home defense. They often feature shorter barrels, pistol grips, and rail systems for mounting accessories.
Remington 870 Wingmaster
The Remington 870 Wingmaster is a classic sporting model known for its reliability and smooth action. It's a popular choice for hunting and clay shooting.
By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to disassemble, clean, maintain, and even customize your Remington 870, ensuring years of reliable service. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a qualified gunsmith if you're unsure about any aspect of the process.