Maintaining your Remington 870 shotgun is crucial for its longevity, reliability, and safe operation. Regular cleaning prevents malfunctions, extends the lifespan of your firearm, and ensures consistent performance on the range or in the field. This guide provides a step-by-step process for cleaning your Remington 870, catering to both novice and experienced shooters.
Safety First: Essential Precautions Before Cleaning
Before you begin cleaning your Remington 870, always prioritize safety. Follow these essential steps:
- Unloaded Weapon: Absolutely confirm the firearm is unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine tube to ensure no cartridges are present. This is paramount.
- Safe Environment: Clean your shotgun in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.
- Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris or cleaning solvents.
- Gloves: Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from chemicals and residue.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies: What You'll Need
You'll need the following supplies for a thorough cleaning:
- Remington 870 Shotgun Cleaning Kit: A dedicated kit often includes brushes, jags, patches, and a cleaning rod sized appropriately for your firearm. Choosing a kit specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns (or the appropriate gauge for your Remington 870) is essential.
- Cleaning Solvent: A high-quality gun cleaning solvent designed for removing powder residue, lead, and other contaminants.
- Gun Oil: A light gun oil to lubricate moving parts after cleaning. Avoid using household oils.
- Patches: Plenty of clean patches of appropriate size for your shotgun bore.
- Cotton Swabs: For cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Brush: A bore brush designed for your shotgun's gauge.
- Cleaning Rod: Ensure it's the correct length and material for your Remington 870. Avoid using rods that are too short, as this can damage the firearm.
- Toothbrush or Small Brush: Useful for cleaning smaller parts.
- Rags or Paper Towels: For wiping down the exterior of the shotgun.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process: A Detailed Guide
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Field Strip Your Remington 870: Consult your owner's manual for detailed instructions on field stripping your specific model. This typically involves removing the stock, forearm, and barrel. Improper disassembly can damage your firearm.
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Clean the Barrel: Attach the cleaning rod and bore brush to the jag. Apply a small amount of solvent to the brush and run it through the barrel several times. Follow this with patches soaked in solvent to remove any remaining residue. Continue using clean patches until they emerge clean.
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Clean the Chamber: Use a cotton swab or patch to clean the chamber thoroughly. Pay attention to removing any built-up residue.
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Clean the Receiver: Use a toothbrush or small brush and solvent to clean the receiver, paying close attention to any moving parts.
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Clean the Magazine Tube: Use a magazine tube brush and solvent to clean the magazine tube. Remove all residual powder and debris.
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Clean the Bolt and Other Components: Disassemble the bolt and carefully clean all parts with a brush and solvent. Pay close attention to removing any carbon build-up or fouling.
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Dry and Lubricate: Once all parts are clean, allow them to dry completely. Then, apply a light coat of gun oil to all moving parts and any areas prone to friction.
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Reassemble Your Remington 870: Carefully reassemble your shotgun, following the instructions in your owner's manual. Double-check that all parts are correctly installed before handling live ammunition.
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Final Wipe Down: Wipe down the exterior of the shotgun with a clean rag to remove any remaining solvent or oil.
Frequency of Cleaning: Maintaining Your Remington 870
The frequency of cleaning depends on usage. After every shooting session, a quick cleaning of the barrel and chamber is recommended. A more thorough cleaning, as described above, should be performed at least every few shooting sessions or after exposure to particularly harsh conditions (rain, mud, etc.).
Conclusion: Keeping Your Remington 870 in Top Condition
Proper cleaning is essential for maintaining your Remington 870 shotgun's performance and longevity. By following these steps and prioritizing safety, you can ensure your firearm remains reliable and safe to use for years to come. Remember, always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions relating to your model of Remington 870.
