Remington 870 Disassembly Questions

mattz357 · January 15, 2008, 02:47 AM

I just got a Remington 870 Home Defense (synthetic stock and 2 shot mag extension) and the manual doesn't really address several issues. At what point do you need to remove the barrel clamp/band, or do you even have to remove it to disassemble the gun? When I unscrew the mag cap, does it slide over the end of the mag extension or does the entire assembly come off? I have watched several videos, and searched several forums, but I haven't found the specific answers to my questions yet. Also, does anyone know of a way to change the front handguard without a special tool? Thanks in advance if anyone can provide any info, pictures, videos, links, etc.

Checkmate · January 15, 2008, 05:36 AM

I just bought my first 870 also, I was hoping someone knowledgable would answer your questions.

proud2deviate · January 15, 2008, 06:24 AM

You will probably have to remove the barrel clamp for disassembly. The mag extension needs to be able to turn freely when you unscrew it. This is usually my first step.

When you unscrew the extension, both the tube and the nut should come off. However, the tube can then be unscrewed from the nut. This isn't usually necessary, though. Of course, this will depend on the brand of your extension, and the Express guns might be a bit different in this regard.

By "the front handguard" I assume you mean the fore end; the part you hold with your off-hand, and rack the slide with. No special tools are required; but they are available. I wouldn't recommend buying one unless you build 870s for a living.

To remove the fore end nut, I first used a clothespin that I separated into the two halves. Many people have had success using needle nose pliers. You'll get the idea once you see the nut.

MAX100 · January 15, 2008, 07:17 AM

Sometimes the mag tube ext can be very hard to unscrew because they over tighten them at the factory. The 870 is a very simple design shotgun but a good one. If the fore nut is on very tight you will probably need a fore end wrench to get it off. There is no need the remove it unless you planning to change the fore end for a different one.

GC

Leadhead · January 15, 2008, 02:27 PM

Pretty easy to make a foreend wrench if you have a file and a hacksaw...
The piece of pipe I used has an 1 1/16" inside diam and 1 1/4" outside diam.

Black Majik · January 15, 2008, 03:30 PM

You'll have to take off the mag extension and clamp to take off the barrel. The magazine extension is 2 piece, you'll have the actual tube, then the fore end retaining nut. The extended magazine tube screws into the foreend nut, and the 2 piece assembly screws on to the actual magazine tube.

So, you don't have to unscrew the two pieces of the extended magazine tube, you can unscrew the foreend retaining nut and remove the assembly off the shotgun. As tac08 stated, it's under spring pressure so be careful. The spring and follower will follow. Now you can take off the barrel.

The foreend can be taken off with a tool from brownells, which is highly recommended. If you search on there you can find the specific tool needed. However, I got cheap and just used needle nose pliers and carefully unscrewed the nut holding the fore end. Most on here recommend against doing this and buying the actual tool, but it worked for me. YMMV however.

Good luck!

nezumi · January 15, 2008, 06:06 PM

Since the nut has been brought up (and several times previously) - You WILL have a problem with it, and you will need to remove it to change your handguard.

The nut is on way too tight. I got a plumber's wrench and a layer of felt, although that still caused some minor damage to the finish. Oh well, I'm not going out in the rain with it and it's not meant to be pretty, right? Note that the nut does not screw on how you might expect it. Look at how it's threaded on the inside. It's threaded like that the whole way through, so if you brace the muzzle against your forehead (not recommended) you'd turn the nut counter-clockwise. Definitely pad your wrench.

After you take off the nut the barrel comes off easily. Then you'll pull out the handguard. Be careful doing this, it pulls out other pieces in the chamber and they all fall out all over the floor. You'll want to carefully note how all the pieces fall together as you pull it out. To pull it out, you'll pull the handguard as far forward as it comfortably goes, then reach inside the bottom port. There are two spring-loaded catches holding it from going farther. Gently press them both and the handguard will slide free (throwing said pieces on the floor).

Leadhead · January 15, 2008, 11:36 PM

If the mag cap is tight try resting the butt on the ground and pushing with your left hand down on the muzzle as you twist the mag cap with your right hand....

Here's a video,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ORAzzeyz90

Waywatcher · January 16, 2008, 09:59 AM

Instead of covering the muzzle (!) I just grab the barrel and pull down.

Maybe not as much force but i don't have my hand over the muzzle.

Leadhead · January 16, 2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Instead of covering the muzzle (!) I just grab the barrel and pull down.

Maybe not as much force but i don't have my hand over the muzzle.

Call me crazy but I unload my guns when doing maintenance!!
I've even been known to check the chamber and visually inspect the bore with my naked eye by placing my face in front of the muzzle!!

What are you afraid of by placing your hand over the muzzle of an unloaded gun?

Waywatcher · January 16, 2008, 07:41 PM

I suppose I'm just extra safe, even if I know a gun is unloaded I still don't point it at people, myself included.

**Jorg** · January 16, 2008, 07:46 PM

This is how mine comes apart:

I undo the barrel clamp, then just twist of the extension as one piece. Watch it as there is no retaining cap for the spring.

Leadhead · January 17, 2008, 12:56 AM

Quote:

I suppose I'm just extra safe, even if I know a gun is unloaded I still don't point it at people, myself included.

Nothing wrong with safe!

Just curious though...how do you check your bore for obstructions? Mirror?
The safety course I took involved examining the bore with a visual inspection once the mag was emptied and the chamber was cleared.

...anyways back to the mag cap I just find leaning my body weight takes advantage of gravity... and I'm a little lazy when it comes to un neccesasary extra work

Waywatcher · January 17, 2008, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Just curious though...how do you check your bore for obstructions? Mirror?
The safety course I took involved examining the bore with a visual inspection once the mag was emptied and the chamber was cleared.

I check for shells from the breech with the action open, can stick a finger into it to double check if you doubt your eyes.

Once the barrel is off I point it at a light source and look down it(still viewing from breech end) to verify nothing is in the bore.

Even if I'm at the range I just take the barrel off to check for obstructions.

Shrinkmd · February 27, 2008, 11:35 PM

I was just about to post the same question when I RTFM and saw this thread...

So on the 870 HD with the mag extension tube installed, you need to

1) Remove the clamp

2) Then remove the magazine cap by turning the whole thing counterclockwise (lefty loosey, correct?) and then follow the usual directions available on the net?

I was struggling with it tonight and wondering why it was on so tight, and before I started unscrewing things I figured it would be good to check THR. Glad I did.

I guess I will switch out that stupid locking safety tomorrow night, then!

dfariswheel · February 28, 2008, 12:15 AM

Remember that on the factory extension, the actual tube and the grooved cap are two separate pieces.

Generally, you unscrew the TUBE, then remove the cap.
Note that many guns have been coming out of the factory with the grooved cap screwed on so tight, you have to use padded pliers or a small strap wrench to unscrew it.

When reassembling, screw the cap on finger tight, then give it ONE more "click".
Then screw the tube in until it just touches the guns magazine tube.
Don't over tighten the extension tube.... just until it touches, then install the clamp.

January 15, 2008, 02:47 AM	#1
mattz357 Member Join Date: February 27, 2004 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 356	Remington 870 Disassembly Questions I just got a Remington 870 Home Defense (synthetic stock and 2 shot mag extension) and the manual doesn't really address several issues. At what point do you need to remove the barrel clamp/band, or do you even have to remove it to disassemble the gun? When I unscrew the mag cap, does it slide over the end of the mag extension or does the entire assembly come off? I have watched several videos, and searched several forums, but I haven't found the specific answers to my questions yet. Also, does anyone know of a way to change the front handguard without a special tool? Thanks in advance if anyone can provide any info, pictures, videos, links, etc. __________________ Colt King Cobra 6" : Glock 17 Hard Chrome : Glock 19 : Ruger K10/22-22 : S&W 686-5+ 4" : S&W 65-5 3" : S&W 65LS-5 : Walther P22 : S&W 686-5 2-1/2" : S&W 681PC : S&W 686PC : S&W 686-4 6"

January 15, 2008, 06:24 AM	#3
proud2deviate Member Join Date: December 9, 2004 Location: Missouri Posts: 452	You will probably have to remove the barrel clamp for disassembly. The mag extension needs to be able to turn freely when you unscrew it. This is usually my first step. When you unscrew the extension, both the tube and the nut should come off. However, the tube can then be unscrewed from the nut. This isn't usually necessary, though. Of course, this will depend on the brand of your extension, and the Express guns might be a bit different in this regard. By "the front handguard" I assume you mean the fore end; the part you hold with your off-hand, and rack the slide with. No special tools are required; but they are available. I wouldn't recommend buying one unless you build 870s for a living. To remove the fore end nut, I first used a clothespin that I separated into the two halves. Many people have had success using needle nose pliers. You'll get the idea once you see the nut. __________________ You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system, that they will fight to protect it. . .

January 15, 2008, 03:30 PM	#6
Black Majik Member Join Date: September 13, 2003 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 5,026	You'll have to take off the mag extension and clamp to take off the barrel. The magazine extension is 2 piece, you'll have the actual tube, then the fore end retaining nut. The extended magazine tube screws into the foreend nut, and the 2 piece assembly screws on to the actual magazine tube. So, you don't have to unscrew the two pieces of the extended magazine tube, you can unscrew the foreend retaining nut and remove the assembly off the shotgun. As tac08 stated, it's under spring pressure so be careful. The spring and follower will follow. Now you can take off the barrel. The foreend can be taken off with a tool from brownells, which is highly recommended. If you search on there you can find the specific tool needed. However, I got cheap and just used needle nose pliers and carefully unscrewed the nut holding the fore end. Most on here recommend against doing this and buying the actual tool, but it worked for me. YMMV however. Good luck! __________________ -Richard

January 16, 2008, 09:59 AM	#9
Waywatcher Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: WI Posts: 576	Instead of covering the muzzle (!) I just grab the barrel and pull down. Maybe not as much force but i don't have my hand over the muzzle. __________________ Deny people the means of self defense and you deny them the right of self defense.

January 16, 2008, 07:41 PM	#11
Waywatcher Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: WI Posts: 576	I suppose I'm just extra safe, even if I know a gun is unloaded I still don't point it at people, myself included. __________________ Deny people the means of self defense and you deny them the right of self defense.

January 15, 2008, 05:36 AM	#2
Checkmate Member Join Date: November 11, 2007 Posts: 27	I just bought my first 870 also, I was hoping someone knowledgable would answer your questions.

January 15, 2008, 07:17 AM	#4
MAX100 Member Join Date: August 11, 2007 Location: SC- at the GUN-CONNECTION Posts: 1,074	Sometimes the mag tube ext can be very hard to unscrew because they over tighten them at the factory. The 870 is a very simple design shotgun but a good one. If the fore nut is on very tight you will probably need a fore end wrench to get it off. There is no need the remove it unless you planning to change the fore end for a different one. GC

January 15, 2008, 02:27 PM	#5
Leadhead Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 611	Pretty easy to make a foreend wrench if you have a file and a hacksaw... The piece of pipe I used has an 1 1/16" inside diam and 1 1/4" outside diam.

January 15, 2008, 06:06 PM	#7
nezumi Member Join Date: April 29, 2007 Location: MD Posts: 108	Since the nut has been brought up (and several times previously) - You WILL have a problem with it, and you will need to remove it to change your handguard. The nut is on way too tight. I got a plumber's wrench and a layer of felt, although that still caused some minor damage to the finish. Oh well, I'm not going out in the rain with it and it's not meant to be pretty, right? Note that the nut does not screw on how you might expect it. Look at how it's threaded on the inside. It's threaded like that the whole way through, so if you brace the muzzle against your forehead (not recommended) you'd turn the nut counter-clockwise. Definitely pad your wrench. After you take off the nut the barrel comes off easily. Then you'll pull out the handguard. Be careful doing this, it pulls out other pieces in the chamber and they all fall out all over the floor. You'll want to carefully note how all the pieces fall together as you pull it out. To pull it out, you'll pull the handguard as far forward as it comfortably goes, then reach inside the bottom port. There are two spring-loaded catches holding it from going farther. Gently press them both and the handguard will slide free (throwing said pieces on the floor).

January 15, 2008, 11:36 PM	#8
Leadhead Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 611	If the mag cap is tight try resting the butt on the ground and pushing with your left hand down on the muzzle as you twist the mag cap with your right hand.... Here's a video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ORAzzeyz90

January 16, 2008, 07:46 PM	#12
Jorg Moderator Join Date: April 13, 2006 Posts: 4,554	This is how mine comes apart: I undo the barrel clamp, then just twist of the extension as one piece. Watch it as there is no retaining cap for the spring.

February 27, 2008, 11:35 PM	#15
Shrinkmd Member Join Date: July 1, 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 680	I was just about to post the same question when I RTFM and saw this thread... So on the 870 HD with the mag extension tube installed, you need to 1) Remove the clamp 2) Then remove the magazine cap by turning the whole thing counterclockwise (lefty loosey, correct?) and then follow the usual directions available on the net? I was struggling with it tonight and wondering why it was on so tight, and before I started unscrewing things I figured it would be good to check THR. Glad I did. I guess I will switch out that stupid locking safety tomorrow night, then!

February 28, 2008, 12:15 AM	#16
dfariswheel Member Join Date: December 26, 2002 Posts: 4,568	Remember that on the factory extension, the actual tube and the grooved cap are two separate pieces. Generally, you unscrew the TUBE, then remove the cap. Note that many guns have been coming out of the factory with the grooved cap screwed on so tight, you have to use padded pliers or a small strap wrench to unscrew it. When reassembling, screw the cap on finger tight, then give it ONE more "click". Then screw the tube in until it just touches the guns magazine tube. Don't over tighten the extension tube.... just until it touches, then install the clamp.

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