How To Take Apart A Remington 870: Field Stripping And Maintenance Guide
Disassembling a Remington 870 requires a standard field strip to separate the barrel, bolt, and trigger plate assembly from the receiver for essential cleaning and lubrication. Maintaining this modular pump-action shotgun involves ensuring the magazine cap is securely fastened and the action bars are aligned during reassembly to ensure consistent mechanical reliability and long-term firearm longevity.
Pre-Procedure Workspace and Equipment Requirements
Before initiating any mechanical work on the Remington 870, establish a clean, well-lit, and dedicated workstation. Proper maintenance requires specific tools that minimize the risk of marring the finish or damaging internal components. Attempting to force parts or using improvised tools can lead to sheared pins or stripped threads on the magazine tube.
- Essential Tools: A flathead screwdriver (of appropriate width for the magazine cap screw if applicable), a nylon or brass punch set, and a soft-faced rubber mallet.
- Cleaning Materials: A high-quality CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, and Preservative), a bore snake or cleaning rod with bronze brushes, lint-free microfiber patches, and a nylon-bristled utility brush.
- Environment: A non-slip rubber mat or a heavy-duty gun cleaning pad to prevent component migration and protect the receiver’s blued or parkerized finish.
- Safety Protocol: Confirm the chamber is empty, the magazine tube is verified clear, and the firearm is pointed in a safe direction before starting the disassembly process. The safety should be engaged throughout the duration of the procedure.
The Systematic Field Stripping Process
Step 1: Barrel Removal
Ensure the action is open by depressing the action bar lock located at the front of the trigger guard and pulling the fore-end rearward. Unscrew the magazine cap at the front of the magazine tube. Once the cap is removed, grasp the barrel near the receiver and pull it forward firmly to disengage it from the receiver. If the barrel is tight due to carbon buildup, apply a light coat of solvent to the barrel ring and receiver junction.
Step 2: Trigger Plate Assembly Removal
With the barrel removed, move to the underside of the receiver. Locate the two large pins—the front and rear trigger plate pins—that traverse the receiver. Using a nylon punch, drive these pins out from the left side of the receiver. Once the pins are removed, push the trigger plate assembly slightly forward and pull it downward away from the receiver.
Warning: Do not pull the trigger while the assembly is removed from the receiver, as this can cause the hammer to snap forward, potentially damaging the disconnector or the trigger housing itself.
Step 3: Carrier and Bolt Assembly Extraction
After the trigger assembly is out, the shell carrier can be removed. Depress the carrier toward the bottom of the receiver while simultaneously sliding the bolt assembly forward out of the receiver. The bolt assembly consists of the bolt, the bolt slide, and the action bars. Once these slide out of the front of the receiver, the carrier will drop free.
Step 4: Magazine Spring and Follower Maintenance
If the shotgun is exhibiting failure-to-feed issues, the magazine spring may require inspection. With the barrel removed, check the magazine tube nut (if applicable to your specific model). Use a screwdriver to carefully depress the spring retainer inside the magazine tube while twisting it to release the tension. Slowly remove the spring and the follower. Ensure the tube is free of debris or congealed oil, as this causes the follower to hang during cycling.
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Component Specifications and Maintenance Parameters
The Remington 870 utilizes a steel-on-steel contact system that requires specific lubrication points to maintain a smooth cycling action. The following table outlines the critical service intervals and maintenance thresholds for the primary sub-assemblies.
| Component | Maintenance Frequency | Lubrication Requirement | Service Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Bore | After every firing session | Light coat of CLP | Remove lead/plastic fouling |
| Action Bars | Every 200-500 rounds | Thin grease/oil film | Reduce friction coefficient |
| Bolt Slide | Every 500 rounds | High-temp gun grease | Prevent metal-to-metal galling |
| Trigger Group | Annually or 1000 rounds | Dry lubricant (PTFE) | Prevent debris-induced sear drag |
| Magazine Tube | Every 500 rounds | Dry (clean/degrease) | Ensure follower reliability |
Common Field Failures and Remediation
Addressing mechanical irregularities requires identifying the root cause before applying corrective measures. Most issues on the 870 platform stem from improper assembly or excessive lubrication attracting grit.
- Failure to Feed: Often caused by a dirty magazine tube or a crushed magazine spring. Action: Remove the spring and follower, scrub the interior of the tube with a nylon brush, and wipe completely dry to avoid trapping grit.
- Stiff Action/Binding: Typically the result of dried-out grease or carbon buildup on the action bars. Action: Clean the rails with solvent, apply a light, even layer of high-quality synthetic gun oil, and cycle the action manually 10-15 times to distribute the lubricant.
- Trigger Pin Migration: Pins working their way out during firing. Action: Inspect the pins for wear. If they slide out easily, the detents inside the receiver are worn; replace the trigger pins with an oversized set or consult a certified gunsmith for receiver repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the stock to clean the Remington 870?
No, the stock is not part of the standard field-stripping procedure. You only need to remove the stock if you are performing a deep-clean of the recoil spring or if you are replacing the stock assembly itself.
Why won't my barrel seat back into the receiver?
Ensure the action bars are properly aligned with the cutouts inside the receiver. If the bolt is positioned too far forward or the slide is slightly tilted, the barrel extension will not enter the receiver channel correctly.
Is it necessary to disassemble the bolt assembly?
For standard maintenance, it is not required. Only disassemble the bolt if there is a specific mechanical failure, such as a broken firing pin or an extractor that fails to grab the shell rim.
What is the best lubricant to use on the 870?
Synthetic CLP is the industry standard for this platform. It cleans, lubricates, and prevents corrosion simultaneously. Avoid heavy automotive greases, as they collect dust and debris, which will eventually impede the movement of the action bars.
How often should I perform a full field strip?
A full field strip should be performed after every significant range session or hunting trip. If the shotgun is stored in a humid environment, perform a surface wipe-down monthly to prevent external corrosion on the blued steel.
Maintain your Remington 870 with consistent care to ensure peak operational readiness and reliability in the field. Consult a professional gunsmith for any internal modifications or issues exceeding standard field-maintenance requirements.
