Complete Guide On How To Clean Remington 870 Shotguns Like A Professional Gunsmith

Regular maintenance of the Remington 870 pump-action shotgun prevents carbon buildup, eliminates stubborn receiver friction, and ensures cycling reliability in harsh field conditions. By utilizing proper solvent chemistry, nylon brushes, and high-viscosity lubricants, shooters can completely strip, clean, and reassemble this legendary platform in under thirty minutes.

Pre-Operation Setup and Required Maintenance Gear

Maintaining a Remington 870 requires specific cleaning equipment designed to protect the firearm's internal tolerances and blued or parkerized exterior finishes. Before beginning any maintenance procedure, ensure the shotgun is completely unloaded by checking the chamber and the tubular magazine, and verify that all live ammunition is stored in a separate room.

• Essential Gear and Cleaning Solvents: 12-gauge cleaning rod, phosphor bronze bore brush, 12-gauge cotton mops, high-grade bore solvent, synthetic gun grease, aerosol cleaner-degreaser, and lint-free microfiber cleaning patches.
• Tools and Hardware: Small flathead screwdriver, wooden or brass punch set, non-marring small hammer, and a clean, padded workbench.
• Preparation Standards and Time Benchmarks: Complete the process in a well-ventilated area with safety glasses. Allow approximately twenty to thirty minutes for a standard field strip and deep cleaning session.

Step-by-Step Remington 870 Disassembly and Cleaning Workflow

Step 1: Safety Verification and Barrel Removal

Verify the Remington 870 is unloaded by pulling the action bar lock, retracting the slide to inspect the chamber, and visually checking the magazine follower inside the loading port. Point the muzzle in a safe direction while you unscrew the magazine cap counterclockwise from the end of the magazine extension tube. Remove the magazine cap, detach the barrel support ring from the magazine tube, and pull the barrel forward firmly out of the receiver.

Warning: Never force the barrel out of the receiver before unscrewing the magazine cap completely, as doing so will permanently warp the thin-walled magazine tube or damage the barrel ring brazing.

Step 2: Trigger Assembly and Bolt Removal

Locate the two cross-pins passing through the aluminum trigger plate assembly on the side of the steel receiver. Use a blunt punch and a light tap from a non-marring hammer to push both trigger pins out from either the left or right side. Pull the rear of the trigger assembly downward and away from the receiver housing. Reach inside the open receiver, push the bolt slide forward slightly, and pull the bolt assembly and associated action bars out through the front opening of the receiver.

Pro-Tip: Place the removed trigger plate assembly into a clean container; do not submerge the entire trigger housing in harsh aerosol degreasers unless you plan to completely remove and re-lubricate the internal sear and hammer springs.

Step 3: Bore and Magazine Tube Scrubbing

Attach the brass or phosphor bronze 12-gauge bore brush to your cleaning rod, saturate it with high-grade bore solvent, and pass it completely through the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle. Repeat this scrubbing motion ten to fifteen times to lift embedded lead, plastic wad fouling, and carbon rings. Follow the brush with a dry patch, then a solvent-moistened patch, and finish with a clean, dry patch until it emerges completely free of dark residue. Clean the exterior of the tubular magazine with a rag soaked in solvent to remove old, gritty grease and unburnt powder residue.

Step 4: Receiver and Internal Component Degreasing

Spray a moderate amount of aerosol gun cleaner or solvent onto the interior rails and floor of the steel receiver, letting it break down dried carbon and fouled lubricants for two minutes. Use a nylon-bristled utility brush to scrub the locking block recess in the top of the receiver, the shell latches, and the elevator mechanism. Wipe away all dissolved carbon and grime using clean patches and compressed air, ensuring the track surfaces where the action bars travel are spotless.

Step 5: Lubrication and Reassembly Procedures

Apply a very thin film of synthetic gun grease to the slide rails inside the receiver, the action bars, and the locking lug surfaces on top of the bolt. Apply a single drop of gun oil to pivot points on the trigger assembly, but leave the bore lightly oiled with a dry patch. Reinsert the bolt and action bar assembly into the receiver, lock the trigger plate assembly back into place by inserting the front hook first, and tap the two retaining trigger pins flush. Slide the barrel back onto the magazine tube, screw the magazine cap down firmly, and cycle the action three times to verify smooth, snag-free mechanical operation.

Remington 870 Specifications and Maintenance Parameters

Common Remington 870 Maintenance Errors and Field Fixes

• Root Cause: Excessive application of heavy oil or wet lubricants inside the trigger housing and magazine tube. Actional Fix: Completely degrease the interior components using an evaporating aerosol cleaner, wipe dry with a lint-free cloth, and switch to a dry lubricant or extremely sparse synthetic grease film to prevent dust and unburnt powder from forming a thick paste.
• Root Cause: Failure to properly tighten the magazine cap during reassembly. Actional Fix: Ensure the serrated magazine cap is screwed down firmly until the spring-loaded detent engages the notch on the barrel ring, preventing barrel wobble and erratic shot patterns during firing.
• Root Cause: Stubborn plastic wad accumulation inside the forced cone or choke area of the barrel. Actional Fix: Use a dedicated bronze screen brush soaked in specialized plastic-dissolving shotgun solvent, allowing it to sit for ten minutes before aggressively scrubbing the fouling out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my Remington 870 shotgun?

You should perform a basic field strip and bore cleaning after every shooting session, especially if you shoot high-volume lead or corrosive hunting loads. A deep cleaning of the trigger group and internal receiver rails is recommended every five hundred rounds or at least once per year.

Can I use WD-40 to clean and lubricate my Remington 870?

No, WD-40 is a water-displacing solvent, not a proper gun lubricant, and it will gum up and harden into a varnish-like substance over time when exposed to air and powder residue. Always use dedicated gun oils, bore solvents, and synthetic greases designed specifically for firearms.

Why is my Remington 870 action feeling gritty after reassembly?

A gritty action usually indicates that residual sand, dirt, or carbon debris remains trapped inside the action bar channels or the receiver rails. Disassemble the shotgun, scrub the internal tracks with a nylon brush and solvent, wipe clean, and re-apply a thin layer of fresh grease.

Do I need to remove the magazine spring during routine cleaning?

No, for routine cleaning and maintenance, you do not need to remove the magazine spring and follower from the tubular magazine. Simply wipe the exterior of the tube and use a clean patch on a cleaning rod to swab out the inside of the magazine tube if debris entered during wet or muddy field conditions.

Master Your Shotgun Maintenance Today

Keep your Remington 870 operating with factory-grade precision by following a disciplined cleaning schedule and utilizing the proper solvents and protective lubricants after every outing. Stock up on professional cleaning supplies today to ensure your firearm remains reliable, accurate, and completely protected against rust and wear.