The Remington 870 is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a home defender, or a competitive shooter, understanding how to properly load and unload your Remington 870 is paramount for safety and effective operation. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, covering crucial safety precautions and techniques.
Safety First: Essential Precautions Before Handling Your Remington 870
Before even thinking about loading your shotgun, always prioritize safety. These steps are non-negotiable:
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded: This is the golden rule of firearm safety. Never assume a firearm is unloaded. Always visually and physically check.
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction: Never point the muzzle at anything you don't intend to shoot. This includes yourself, bystanders, pets, or anything else you might accidentally damage.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot: This prevents accidental discharges. Your finger should rest along the side of the receiver until you're aiming at your target.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it: Understand where your shot will go and what might be in its path. Consider ricochets and the possibility of a missed shot.
Loading the Remington 870: A Step-by-Step Guide
With safety firmly in mind, let's proceed with loading the Remington 870:
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Check the action: Ensure the shotgun is unloaded. Visually inspect the chamber and magazine tube. If you're unsure, cycle the action a few times to expel any cartridges that might be present.
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Open the action: The Remington 870's action is opened by pulling the slide/forend rearward. This allows access to the chamber and magazine tube.
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Load the chamber: Insert a single shell into the chamber at the rear of the receiver. Make sure it's fully seated.
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Load the magazine tube: Insert shells one at a time into the magazine tube, located under the barrel. The Remington 870's capacity varies depending on the model and barrel length; check your owner's manual for the maximum capacity of your specific shotgun. Do not overfill the magazine tube.
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Close the action: Push the slide/forend forward until it locks into place. This is the "closed" or "ready to fire" position.
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Verify the load: You should now have a single round in the chamber and multiple rounds in the magazine tube. You can confirm by carefully visually checking again.
Unloading the Remington 870: A Safe Procedure
Unloading is just as critical as loading. Follow these steps:
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Point the muzzle in a safe direction: This is always the first step.
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Open the action: Pull the slide/forend rearward.
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Remove the cartridge from the chamber: Carefully eject the round from the chamber.
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Remove shells from the magazine tube: Carefully remove all remaining shells from the magazine tube.
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Inspect again: Visually check the chamber and magazine tube again to ensure they're completely empty.
Beyond the Basics: Understanding Your Remington 870
This guide covers the fundamental steps of loading and unloading. However, there are other aspects to master, such as:
- Different types of ammunition: Understanding the various types of shotgun shells and their appropriate use for your Remington 870.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring the reliable operation of your firearm.
- Malfunctions: Knowing how to address and clear malfunctions safely is also critical. Your owner's manual is your best resource for this.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information on loading and unloading a Remington 870 shotgun. Always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding your model and for additional safety information. Proper firearm safety training is crucial. If you have any doubts or concerns, seek professional instruction from a qualified firearms instructor.
