The Remington 870 is a legendary shotgun, prized for its reliability and versatility. Proper cleaning is crucial for maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of how to effectively clean your Remington 870, ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come.
Safety First: Before You Begin
Before you even touch your Remington 870, always prioritize safety:
- Unloaded Weapon: Absolutely ensure the shotgun is unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine tube to confirm no ammunition is present. Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times.
- Eye and Hearing Protection: Consider wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris, especially when disassembling the firearm. Hearing protection may also be beneficial if you're using a cleaning rod forcefully.
- Proper Ventilation: Cleaning solvents release fumes, so work in a well-ventilated area.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gather the following before you begin:
- Remington 870 Cleaning Kit: A kit specifically designed for the 870 will contain the necessary tools and often includes appropriately sized brushes and patches.
- Solvent: A high-quality gun cleaning solvent is essential for dissolving fouling and residue. Choose a solvent designed for shotguns and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Gun Oil: Use a gun oil specifically designed for firearms to lubricate moving parts after cleaning.
- Cleaning Rod: A cleaning rod of the appropriate length and diameter for the 870's bore. Avoid using a brass rod, as it can damage the barrel.
- Patches: Use patches that fit snugly into the bore. Multiple patches will likely be needed.
- Bore Brush: A bore brush designed for the gauge of your 870 (12 gauge, 20 gauge, etc.).
- Cotton Swabs: Useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Toothbrush (optional): A soft-bristled toothbrush can be handy for detailed cleaning.
- Cleaning Patches: Use a variety of patches, including some slightly smaller than the bore for tighter cleaning and larger patches for final cleaning and oiling.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
1. Disassembly:
- Safety Check: Reiterate the safety check—is the firearm definitely unloaded?
- Separate the Barrel and Receiver: Refer to your Remington 870 owner's manual for specific instructions on disassembling your model. Generally, this involves removing the barrel from the receiver.
2. Cleaning the Barrel:
- Attach the Cleaning Rod: Securely attach the cleaning rod to the cleaning patch.
- Apply Solvent: Apply a small amount of solvent to the patch.
- Push and Pull: Push the cleaning rod and patch through the barrel from the breech (rear) to the muzzle (front). Repeat several times with fresh, solvent-soaked patches until the patches come out clean.
- Bore Brush: Use the bore brush with solvent to scrub the barrel, focusing on areas with visible fouling. Follow with clean patches to remove any remaining residue.
3. Cleaning the Receiver:
- Solvent and Brush: Use a solvent-dampened brush or cotton swabs to clean the receiver, paying attention to the bolt, ejector, and other moving parts.
- Detailed Cleaning: A toothbrush can be helpful for cleaning small crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
4. Cleaning the Magazine Tube:
- Remove the Magazine Cap: Carefully remove the magazine cap (often requires a tool).
- Clean the Tube: Use a solvent-soaked patch attached to a cleaning rod to clean the inside of the magazine tube.
5. Reassembly:
- Dry Parts Thoroughly: Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembly.
- Oiling: Apply a thin layer of gun oil to all moving parts, paying particular attention to the bolt, ejector, and other friction points.
- Reassemble: Carefully reassemble the shotgun, following the instructions in your owner's manual.
6. Final Inspection and Function Check:
- Visual Inspection: Perform a final visual inspection to ensure all parts are correctly assembled and clean.
- Function Check (Dry Fire): With the weapon still unloaded, perform a dry fire check (pull the trigger without any ammunition) to ensure the action functions smoothly.
Maintaining Your Remington 870: Tips and Best Practices
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your Remington 870 after each shooting session for optimal performance and longevity.
- Storage: Store your shotgun in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Proper Lubrication: Regular lubrication is crucial for preventing rust and corrosion.
- Professional Cleaning (Optional): Consider professional cleaning services for a deep clean, especially after extended use or if you encounter any difficulties.
By following these steps and consistently maintaining your Remington 870, you can ensure its reliability and performance for many years to come. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms.
