Taking apart a Remington 870 requires respect for the tool and an understanding of its robust design. This legendary shotgun has served everyone from law enforcement to waterfowl hunters for generations, and knowing how to disassemble it properly is fundamental to responsible ownership. Whether you are cleaning after a day at the range or performing maintenance deep in the marsh, the process begins with safety and a clear workspace.
The Foundation of Safety and Preparation
Before any mechanical action occurs, the weapon must be verified as clear. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded until you personally confirm the chamber and magazine tube are empty. For the Remington 870, this involves locking the action open and visually inspecting the chamber and breech. Only after this verification should you proceed to the workbench, ensuring the gun is pointed in a safe direction throughout the entire process.
Step One: Securing the Action
The initial step in disassembly is rendering the shotgun safe and ready for the take down. You must close the action fully, then pull the forend forward to the end of the magazine tube. While holding the forend, you will locate the cross-bolt safety or the magazine release button, depending on your model. Engaging the safety or pressing the release allows you to slide the forend off the magazine tube, separating the action group from the barrel and receiver.
Separating the Action Group
With the forend removed, the next phase involves separating the bolt group from the receiver. Caution is required here, as the recoil spring holds significant energy. Grasp the bolt handle and carefully retract the bolt about one inch to relieve tension. You will then press the bolt release button, allowing the bolt assembly to move forward and out of the carrier. This exposes the recoil spring and guide rod, which can then be removed by sliding them straight out of the receiver.
Removing the Trigger Assembly (Field Strip)
A deeper clean often requires removing the trigger group, a step commonly referred to as a field strip. This process is straightforward but deliberate. You must locate the two pins securing the trigger group to the receiver. Using the appropriate punch, drive these pins out carefully. Once the pins are removed, the trigger guard, trigger spring, and hammer assembly can be lifted straight up and out of the receiver housing.
The Barrel and Magazine Tube
The barrel is secured by a cross bolt located just behind the receiver. Finding the correct size Allen wrench or hex key is essential for this step. Loosening this bolt allows the barrel to be swung downward, freeing it from the receiver lugs. Concurrently, the magazine tube can be removed. This is achieved by unscrewing the cap at the forend, extracting the spring and follower, and sliding the tube off the action bars.
Reassembly and Function Checks
Putting the 870 back together is the reverse of the disassembly process, but it demands the same attention to detail. As you reinsert the recoil spring and bolt group, ensure the firing pin moves freely and returns to its cocked position. When sliding the forend back onto the magazine tube, align the action bars correctly to avoid binding. Before finalizing the assembly, it is critical to conduct a function check—dry firing the weapon (with the action open and no ammunition present) to verify the trigger reset and hammer fall operate smoothly.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Regular disassembly for cleaning prevents carbon buildup and rust, ensuring the Remington 870 remains reliable season after season. After the components are dry, apply a light coat of lubrication to the rails and working parts, but avoid over-greasing, which can attract dirt. Wiping down the metal with a protective finish and storing the shotgun in a cool, dry environment will preserve the integrity of the wood and steel, keeping the weapon ready for action whenever you need it.
