Complete Guide On How To Take Apart A Remington 870 Shotgun Safely And Efficiently
Field stripping and maintaining a Remington 870 pump-action shotgun requires clearing the chamber, removing the barrel via the magazine cap, and extracting the trigger plate assembly without specialized gunsmithing tools. Mastering this routine maintenance procedure ensures reliable cycling, prevents corrosion in high-friction receiver channels, and preserves the operational longevity of your firearm.
Pre-Operation Setup and Safety Requirements
Undertaking a complete or field-level disassembly of a Remington 870 requires a clean, well-lit workspace and basic maintenance gear. Before handling any tools, you must verify that the weapon is completely unloaded. Visually and physically inspect both the chamber and the tubular magazine to ensure no live ammunition remains in the firearm.
- Essential Gear and Tools: Flathead screwdriver (for the magazine tube spring retainer if deep cleaning), a non-marring brass or polymer punch set, a small armorer's hammer, a clean microfiber workbench mat, high-grade gun cleaning solvent, and synthetic lubricating oil.
- Prerequisite Knowledge: Familiarity with the basic safety rules of firearm handling, mechanical comprehension of single-action bar pump mechanisms, and an understanding of the difference between standard field stripping and full armorer disassembly.
- Operational Benchmarks: Estimated completion time for a standard field strip is 5 to 10 minutes. Budget 25 to 30 minutes if performing a deep clean of the trigger group and internal receiver channels. No specialized budget is required beyond standard household cleaning supplies and lubricants.
Step-by-Step Remington 870 Field Stripping Instructions
Step 1: Verify Safety and Unload the Firearm
Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Engage the safety button located at the rear of the trigger guard. Press the action bar lock—positioned on the left-rear underside of the trigger plate assembly—and pull the fore-end completely to the rear to open the action. Visually and physically inspect the chamber through the ejection port to confirm it is empty. Look down into the loading port to verify the tubular magazine contains no cartridges.
Warning: Never skip the physical and visual chamber check. Always assume the firearm is loaded until you have explicitly proven otherwise with the action locked open.
Step 2: Remove the Barrel and Magazine Cap
Unscrew the magazine cap located at the muzzle end of the tubular magazine by turning it counterclockwise. Continue turning until the cap completely threads off the magazine tube. Pull the barrel straight forward out of the receiver. If the barrel is tight due to carbon fouling, gently rock it up and down while pulling forward, taking care not to bend the magazine tube.
Pro-Tip: Place the magazine cap and barrel on a clean cloth to prevent scratching the blued or parkerized finish during the cleaning process.
Step 3: Detach the Fore-End and Action Bar Assembly
With the barrel removed, locate the two action bars attached to the fore-end tube assembly inside the receiver. Gently press the left and right shell latches inward (toward the interior walls of the receiver) to release the action bars. Slide the fore-end assembly completely forward off the magazine tube.
Step 4: Remove the Trigger Plate Assembly
Use a flathead screwdriver, the rim of a cartridge, or a specialized punch to push out the front and rear trigger plate pins from the receiver. Once both pins are removed, pull downward and rearward on the trigger guard to disengage the trigger plate assembly from the aluminum receiver. Set the assembly aside; avoid spraying harsh aerosol solvents directly into the trigger group to protect internal springs and sear surfaces.
Step 5: Remove the Bolt and Carrier
Reach inside the receiver and pull the bolt assembly forward out of the receiver tracks. Separate the breech bolt from the carrier (the elevator). These components slide apart easily once removed from the internal guide rails. Do not force them; ensure you lift the rear of the bolt upward slightly to clear the internal locking block recess.
| Component Part | Material Composition | Primary Maintenance Interval | Common Wear Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel & Chamber | Chrome-Moly Steel | Every 100–200 rounds | Carbon ring buildup in chamber throat |
| Receiver | Aircraft-Grade Aluminum | Annual deep clean | Scuffing on internal action bar rails |
| Magazine Spring | Heat-Treated Spring Steel | Bi-annual inspection | Sluggish feeding or rust formation |
| Extractor | Machined Tool Steel | Every 500 rounds | Rounded claw edges causing failure-to-extract |
Case: Taking a shot at an honest review of the new Remington 870 ...
Troubleshooting Common Remington 870 Disassembly Hurdles
- Root Cause: The barrel refuses to slide off the magazine tube despite removing the magazine cap. Actionable Fix: Old carbon fouling and dried factory grease often bind the barrel ring to the magazine tube. Apply a few drops of penetrating solvent around the magazine ring junction, let it sit for five minutes, and gently tap the barrel lug forward using a padded mallet.
- Root Cause: The trigger plate pins are seized in the aluminum receiver. Actionable Fix: Avoid striking hardened steel punches with excessive force against the aluminum receiver walls. Apply a foaming solvent to the pin heads, allow it to penetrate, and use a properly sized brass drift punch to drive the pins out squarely.
- Root Cause: The fore-end assembly binds midway during forward removal. Actionable Fix: The dual action bars must exit the receiver evenly. If one side hangs up on the shell latch, gently press the opposing shell latch deeper into the receiver wall to square up the action bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special tools to take apart a Remington 870?
No specialized gunsmithing tools are required for standard field stripping. A standard flathead screwdriver, a punch set, and cleaning solvents are sufficient to break down the shotgun into its primary modular assemblies for routine maintenance.
How often should I perform a complete breakdown of my Remington 870?
You should perform a standard field strip and cleaning after every range session or hunting trip in wet conditions. A deep disassembly of the trigger group and internal components is generally only necessary every 500 to 1,000 rounds, or when the action feels gritty.
Can I remove the magazine tube from the receiver?
The magazine tube is threaded and silver-soldered or thread-locked into the receiver at the factory. Attempting to remove the magazine tube requires specialized vise blocks, heat sources, and armorer tooling, and it should not be attempted during routine maintenance.
What is the correct way to lubricate the Remington 870 after cleaning?
Apply a very light coat of synthetic gun oil to high-friction areas such as the action bars, receiver rails, and outer surface of the magazine tube. Wipe away all excess oil with a clean rag to prevent the accumulation of unburnt powder, dust, and debris.
Master the upkeep of your shotgun today by sourcing reliable cleaning kits and OEM replacement parts for your maintenance bench.
