How To Take A Remington 870 Apart: Field Stripping And Detailed Disassembly

Learning how to take a Remington 870 apart ensures reliable maintenance, smooth cycling, and extended firearm longevity for this legendary pump-action shotgun. This comprehensive guide details safe field stripping and deep cleaning procedures using standard workshop tools while maintaining strict safety protocols.

Pre-Operation & Safety Preparation Checklist

Proper preparation before disassembling any firearm prevents component damage, loss of small springs, and accidental discharges. Familiarity with the nomenclature of the receiver, magazine tube, trigger plate assembly, and bolt carrier helps streamline the process.

• Essential Gear, Tools, and Materials: Clean workspace, padded workbench mat, flathead screwdriver, brass punch set, small non-marring hammer, solvent, and gun oil.
• Mandatory Prerequisite Knowledge and Standards: Absolute verification of an empty chamber, uncompromised muzzle control, and clear understanding of the mechanical relationship between the bolt, action bars, and trigger assembly.
• Estimated Budget and Duration Benchmarks: Time required is approximately 15 to 30 minutes for a complete field strip and thorough maintenance cycle.

Step-by-Step Remington 870 Disassembly Workflow

Step 1: Safety Verification and Clearing the Firearm

Ensure the shotgun is completely unloaded before attempting any disassembly work. Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times. Open the action by pulling the forend rearward to inspect both the chamber and the tubular magazine. Press the magazine follower with a finger or wooden dowel to verify no live rounds remain trapped inside the magazine tube.

Warning: Never rely solely on visual inspection of the chamber. Physically probe the chamber with a finger to confirm zero ammunition is present in the weapon.

Step 2: Removing the Barrel and Magazine Cap

Unscrew the magazine cap located at the muzzle end of the magazine tube by turning it counterclockwise. Note that some extended magazine configurations utilize a clamp or sling swivel mount that must be removed first. Once the cap is free, slide the barrel forward out of the receiver, taking care not to strike the gas port (if applicable) or the delicate bead sight. With the barrel removed, pull the forend and action bars slightly forward to expose the internal receiver components.

Step 3: Removing the Trigger Plate Assembly

Place the shotgun on a stable, padded surface. Locate the two cross-pins passing through the rear of the receiver above the trigger guard. Using a brass punch and a small hammer, drive both trigger plate pins out from left to right. Once the pins are removed, pull downward and rearward on the trigger guard to disengage the trigger plate assembly from the receiver housing.

Pro-Tip: Keep the safety half-engaged or fully in the fire position depending on your exact 870 generation, and avoid pulling the trigger while the assembly is removed to prevent hammer-drop damage.

Step 4: Extracting the Bolt, Carrier, and Action Bars

With the trigger plate removed, reach into the interior of the receiver and locate the left and right shell latches. Depress the left shell latch to release the action bars, then slide the forend assembly completely forward out of the magazine tube. The bolt assembly, breech bolt slide, and action bar assembly can now be withdrawn upward and out through the bottom of the receiver. Separate the bolt from the action bar assembly by sliding it off the rails.

Step 5: Removing the Magazine Spring and Follower

If deep cleaning or spring replacement is required, locate the magazine spring retainer inside the front opening of the magazine tube. Carefully depress the plastic retainer while inserting a punch or small flathead screwdriver into the notches to pop the retainer out. Control the tension of the magazine spring as it expands, then remove the spring and the magazine follower from the tube.

Remington 870 Maintenance Standards and Specifications

Troubleshooting Common Remington 870 Disassembly and Assembly Issues

• Root Cause: The action bars bind and refuse to slide out of the receiver during step four.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Ensure the hammer on the trigger plate assembly is cocked before attempting to remove the bolt and action bars, as an uncocked hammer blocks the rearward travel of the bolt slide.
• Root Cause: The magazine cap is rusted or over-tightened and will not turn.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Apply a penetrating gun lubricant to the threads at the end of the magazine tube, let it sit for ten minutes, and use a padded strap wrench for leverage without marring the finish.
• Root Cause: The trigger plate pins are stubborn and will not drift out using standard punches.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Ensure the shotgun is not under torsional stress on an uneven surface, and use a properly sized flat-faced brass punch to avoid mushrooming the pin ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special tools to take a Remington 870 apart?

No specialized gunsmithing tools are required for standard field stripping. A simple brass punch set, a small hammer, and a flathead screwdriver are sufficient to complete the entire disassembly process safely.

Can I remove the ejector from a Remington 870 receiver?

The ejector is riveted into the interior wall of the Remington 870 receiver and should not be removed during routine cleaning. Removing the ejector requires specialized riveting tools and gunsmithing expertise.

How often should I fully disassemble my Remington 870?

Standard field stripping for cleaning should occur after every heavy range session or exposure to moisture. A complete deep teardown of all small parts is generally recommended once per year or after every 1,000 rounds fired.

What is the correct way to lubricate the magazine tube after cleaning?

Apply a very thin film of high-quality gun oil or synthetic grease to the exterior of the magazine tube where the forend slides. Wipe away any excess oil to prevent dirt, carbon, and unburnt powder from accumulating on the metal surfaces.

Is reassembly performed in the exact reverse order of disassembly?

Yes, reassembly follows the reverse sequence. Slide the magazine follower and spring into the tube, reinstall the bolt and action bars into the receiver, insert the trigger plate assembly, and secure the barrel with the magazine cap.

Mastering firearm maintenance guarantees reliable operation and preserves the mechanical integrity of your shotgun for decades of dependable field use.