Hey there, gun enthusiasts! Ever wondered how to take apart your Remington 870? Well, you're in luck! This guide will walk you through the Remington 870 disassembly process, making it super easy. Whether you're aiming for a deep clean, some slick upgrades, or just satisfying your curiosity, knowing how to disassemble your shotgun is a must. We'll cover everything from the basic field strip to some more detailed steps. So, grab your tools, and let's get started. Remember, safety first! Always make sure your shotgun is unloaded before you begin any disassembly. Check the chamber, check the magazine tube, and then double-check. Okay, now that we're clear on that, let's dive into the world of Remington 870 disassembly!

Tools You'll Need

Before we jump into the Remington 870 disassembly steps, let's gather our tools. Trust me, having the right gear makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. You won't need a whole gunsmithing kit, but a few essentials will be your best friends.

Firstly, you'll need a flat-head screwdriver. This is primarily for removing the magazine cap. Secondly, a punch and a small hammer are required to drive out the trigger group pins. A gun cleaning mat is highly recommended to protect your Remington 870 and keep all the small parts organized. Cleaning solvent and gun oil will be essential for cleaning and lubrication once your gun is disassembled. Lastly, safety glasses are a must. They protect your eyes from any flying debris or springs that might decide to escape during the disassembly. That's pretty much it! With these tools, you're well-equipped to tackle the Remington 870 disassembly and maintenance.

Field Stripping Your Remington 870

Alright, let's start with the basics: field stripping. This is the Remington 870 disassembly procedure you'll likely do most often for regular cleaning and maintenance. It's designed to be quick and straightforward. So, here’s how you do it:

1. Safety First: Again, ensure the shotgun is unloaded. Remove the barrel, and verify that the chamber is empty.
2. Remove the Magazine Cap: Unscrew the magazine cap at the end of the magazine tube. It usually unscrews counter-clockwise. You might need a flat-head screwdriver if it's on tight.
3. Remove the Fore-end: Slide the fore-end (the pump handle) forward off the magazine tube. It should come off easily.
4. Remove the Barrel: Pull the barrel forward and away from the receiver. There might be a bit of a wiggle needed, but it should slide out without much force.
5. Remove the Trigger Group: This is where we get a little deeper into the Remington 870 disassembly. Using your punch and hammer, gently tap out the two pins that hold the trigger group in place. They usually go from left to right. Once the pins are out, the trigger group will drop out of the receiver.
6. Remove the Bolt: The bolt can now be removed from the receiver. Just pull it rearward and out. Be careful with the extractor and ejector.

And that's it! You've successfully field-stripped your Remington 870. This is the perfect point to give your gun a good cleaning. Cleaning the barrel, receiver, and bolt. Now, let’s go a bit further.

Detailed Disassembly: Going Deeper

Okay, ready to go a bit deeper? We're going to dive into more detailed Remington 870 disassembly. This is useful if you want a more thorough cleaning or are planning to replace any internal components. This part requires a bit more care and attention to detail, so take your time and follow along carefully. Before beginning, make sure you have a clean workspace and good lighting, as small parts can be easily lost.

Disassembling the Trigger Group

Let’s start with the trigger group. Lay it down on your clean mat. You’ll see several pins and springs. Take photos as you go if you need to; it's a great way to remember how things go back together! The trigger group consists of many pieces that work in sync, like the trigger, hammer, sear, and various springs. Using a punch and hammer, you can remove the pins holding the components together. Start by removing the pin holding the hammer in place. Be careful because the hammer spring is under tension. Slowly remove the hammer, then take apart the sear, trigger, and other internal parts, being mindful of their orientation.

Cleaning and lubricating these parts well is important for a smooth trigger pull. Once cleaned, carefully reassemble the trigger group, paying close attention to the order of the parts and the position of the springs. Use gun oil to lubricate the moving parts.

Disassembling the Bolt

The bolt is a crucial part of your Remington 870. It contains the extractor, which grabs the spent shell casing, and the ejector, which kicks the shell out. Now, let's get into the bolt's disassembly. First, you'll need to remove the extractor. It's held in place by a small pin. Using your punch, carefully push the pin out. Once the pin is out, the extractor can be removed. Next, remove the ejector. Be mindful of the spring that sits behind the ejector. Clean the extractor and ejector thoroughly. You can polish them if necessary. Reassemble the bolt components in reverse order, making sure the extractor and ejector are correctly positioned. Be sure to lubricate the bolt with gun oil after reassembly for smooth operation.

Disassembling the Fore-end

The fore-end on your Remington 870 is made up of a few key parts: the pump handle, the action bars, and the fore-end tube. Removing the fore-end tube is generally not recommended unless necessary. If your action bars or pump handle need maintenance, this is the area to focus on. To disassemble the pump handle, remove the two screws that hold the handle to the action bars. Separate the handle from the action bars. Clean the action bars and the inside of the fore-end. Lubricate the action bars and the fore-end tube with gun oil. Reassemble the fore-end, making sure all parts are correctly aligned and the screws are properly tightened.

Reassembling Your Remington 870

Okay, you've disassembled your Remington 870; now it's time to put it back together. Reassembly is basically the reverse of disassembly, but let's go over some key steps to ensure everything goes smoothly and your shotgun functions perfectly.

1. Reassemble the Bolt: Start by reassembling the bolt if you took it apart. Make sure the extractor and ejector are in place and the ejector spring is correctly positioned. Lubricate all parts of the bolt before placing them back into the receiver.
2. Insert the Bolt: Slide the bolt back into the receiver. Ensure it moves freely.
3. Insert the Trigger Group: Carefully insert the trigger group back into the receiver. Make sure it sits correctly in its housing. Align the holes and insert the trigger group pins. Tap the pins in with your hammer and punch until they are flush.
4. Insert the Barrel: Slide the barrel back into the receiver. Ensure it's properly seated and locked in place.
5. Attach the Fore-end: Slide the fore-end back onto the magazine tube. Make sure it moves smoothly.
6. Attach the Magazine Cap: Screw the magazine cap back on and tighten it.
7. Function Check: Finally, perform a function check. Make sure the action cycles correctly, and the trigger works. Load a dummy round (or a spent casing) and cycle the action to ensure the extractor and ejector are working as they should.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry; it happens! Here are some common issues you might encounter during Remington 870 disassembly and reassembly, along with quick solutions.

Trigger Group Problems

• Trigger Won't Engage: This could mean the trigger group pins aren't fully seated, or a component isn't correctly positioned. Double-check your pin alignment and make sure all parts are in the right place.
• Hammer Won't Drop: The hammer might be blocked by the sear, or there could be debris in the trigger group. Try cleaning the trigger group again and ensuring all parts move freely.

Bolt Issues

• Failure to Extract: This is often caused by a worn or damaged extractor. Check the extractor for wear or damage and replace it if necessary.
• Failure to Eject: The ejector might be damaged or the ejector spring might be weak. Check the condition of these parts and replace them if needed.

General Issues

• Parts Won't Fit: If a part doesn’t seem to fit, it's likely not aligned correctly. Carefully review your steps and make sure you haven't missed anything. Try rotating or repositioning the part until it fits properly.
• Action is Stiff: This usually indicates a lack of lubrication. Apply gun oil to all moving parts, and cycle the action several times to ensure the oil is distributed evenly.

Final Thoughts

Remington 870 disassembly can be a satisfying experience. You gain a deeper understanding of your firearm and are better equipped to maintain it. However, if you are not comfortable with any step, don't hesitate to seek professional help. There's no shame in consulting a gunsmith, especially if you encounter a problem you can’t resolve. Remember, safety always comes first. Always handle firearms responsibly. Now, go forth, disassemble, clean, and reassemble with confidence. Happy shooting, folks!