How to Field Strip a Remington 870
Field stripping a Remington 870 is an essential skill for any shotgun owner, as it allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a new gun enthusiast, knowing how to safely disassemble and reassemble your shotgun is crucial. In this article, we will guide you through the process of field stripping a Remington 870, ensuring that you can keep your firearm in top condition.
Step 1: Safety First
Before you begin, always remember to prioritize safety. Ensure that the shotgun is unloaded and the chamber is clear of any ammunition. Remove the magazine tube, if applicable, and double-check that there are no rounds in the chamber or magazine. Once you’re confident that the firearm is safe, you can proceed with the field stripping process.
Step 2: Removing the Forend
To remove the forend, first, pull the magazine tube release lever located on the left side of the receiver. This will allow you to slide the magazine tube out of the shotgun. Next, grasp the forend and pull it forward and down, away from the receiver. The forend is secured by two pins, so be sure to remove them before continuing.
Step 3: Removing the Action Bar
With the forend removed, you’ll now need to remove the action bar. Locate the action bar release lever on the left side of the receiver, just above the magazine tube release lever. Push the lever down and pull the action bar forward and out of the receiver. This will expose the barrel and bolt.
Step 4: Removing the Bolt and Bolt Carrier
To remove the bolt and bolt carrier, locate the bolt release lever on the left side of the receiver. Push the lever down and pull the bolt and bolt carrier assembly forward and out of the receiver. Be sure to keep track of the spring and detent pin that secure the bolt in place.
Step 5: Removing the Barrel
With the bolt and bolt carrier removed, you can now focus on the barrel. Locate the barrel retaining pin on the bottom of the receiver. Use a pin punch or a small flathead screwdriver to push the pin out of the receiver. Once the pin is removed, you can lift the barrel out of the receiver.
Step 6: Reassembly
To reassemble the Remington 870, follow the reverse order of the disassembly steps. Make sure to lubricate the necessary components, such as the bolt, bolt carrier, and barrel, before reassembly. Ensure that all parts are properly aligned and secure before testing the firearm.
By following these steps, you can successfully field strip and reassemble your Remington 870. Regular maintenance and field stripping will help keep your shotgun in excellent condition, ensuring reliable performance when you need it most. Always remember to prioritize safety and refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions and guidelines.
