Maintaining your Remington 870 shotgun is crucial for its longevity, reliability, and, most importantly, your safety. A clean firearm functions optimally and reduces the risk of malfunctions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of properly cleaning your Remington 870, ensuring it remains in top condition for years to come.
Before You Begin: Safety First!
Before undertaking any cleaning, always prioritize safety:
- Unloaded Weapon: Absolutely ensure your Remington 870 is unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine tube to confirm no cartridges are present. Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times.
- Eye and Hearing Protection: Consider wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes from any debris and earplugs to muffle the sounds of cleaning tools.
- Proper Ventilation: Clean your shotgun in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling cleaning solvents.
Gathering Your Cleaning Supplies
You'll need the following items for a thorough cleaning:
- Remington 870 Shotgun Cleaning Kit: A dedicated kit often includes brushes, jags, patches, and a cleaning rod specifically sized for your shotgun. These are tailored to fit the firearm's dimensions, preventing damage.
- Cleaning Solvent: Choose a high-quality gun cleaning solvent designed for removing fouling and residue.
- Gun Oil: Use a high-quality gun oil specifically formulated for firearms to lubricate moving parts after cleaning.
- Cotton Patches: These are used to wipe down the barrel and other components. Avoid using paper towels, as they can leave fibers behind.
- Cleaning Rod: Ensure your cleaning rod is long enough to reach the end of the barrel without bending.
- Bore Brush: A bronze or nylon bore brush sized for your shotgun's gauge (12 gauge for the Remington 870).
- Cleaning Jag: This tool attaches to the cleaning rod to hold cleaning patches.
- Gloves (Optional): These protect your hands from solvents and gun oil.
- Old Rags or Paper Towels: For wiping up excess solvent and oil.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
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Disassembly: Carefully disassemble your Remington 870. Consult your owner's manual for detailed instructions on field stripping your specific model. Generally, this involves removing the barrel, bolt, and other components. Lay out the parts in an organized manner to avoid losing any small pieces.
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Cleaning the Barrel:
- Solvent Application: Apply a generous amount of cleaning solvent to the bore brush.
- Scrubbing: Run the bore brush through the barrel several times, pushing it from the breech (rear) to the muzzle (front). This removes the bulk of fouling.
- Patching: Attach a cleaning patch to the cleaning jag and run it through the barrel several times, following the brush. Continue patching until the patches come out clean. Repeat this process as needed.
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Cleaning the Receiver and Other Components:
- Solvent Application: Use patches and solvent to clean the receiver, bolt, and other components. Pay close attention to areas where fouling tends to accumulate, like the gas system (if applicable).
- Scrubbing: Gently use a cleaning brush to scrub away any remaining fouling and residue.
- Wipe Down: Use clean patches to wipe away all traces of solvent.
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Lubrication:
- Oil Application: Apply a thin layer of gun oil to all moving parts, including the bolt, trigger mechanism, and any other parts that move.
- Wipe Excess: Wipe off any excess oil to prevent attracting dirt and grime.
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Reassembly: Carefully reassemble your Remington 870, referring to your owner's manual for correct reassembly procedures.
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Function Check: Once reassembled, perform a function check to ensure all mechanisms operate smoothly.
Frequency of Cleaning
The frequency of cleaning your Remington 870 depends on how often you use it and the conditions in which you shoot. After a day at the range, a thorough cleaning is recommended. If shooting in adverse conditions (wet, muddy, dusty), even more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Regular cleaning will extend the life of your firearm and maintain its reliability.
Beyond Basic Cleaning
Regular cleaning will keep your Remington 870 functioning reliably, but occasional more in-depth cleaning might be required. This includes a deeper cleaning of internal components. Always refer to your owner's manual for detailed guidance on your specific model.
Remember, proper maintenance is essential for the safe and reliable operation of your firearm. Following these steps will ensure your Remington 870 remains a reliable companion for years to come.
