I just purchased a Rem 870 12GA 18", it will be used for home defense and shooting in the desert. I've never fired a shotgun before, how often do you need to clean it? All I've ever cleaned are Glocks and revolvers, is there anything tricky or to look out for with the 870? Also it has a bead sight, if I were to get a ghost ring what would you recommend. I'll be taking a tactical shotgun class which has some 50- 100 yd slug shooting so I understand I'll need a ghost. Thanks
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- Thread starter Checkmate
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Checkmate,
Congrats on the 870, shes a good shotgun. I am found of my Mossberg 590, but trained on 870s for a while. As far as cleaning, I make it a point to clean after every trip to the range. But then again I fire 100+ rounds in an outing. Even if you are shooting less its still a good idea to keep it clean. The only issue I ever had with my issue 870 was the thing got damn heavy loaded with slugs. Can't really help with the ghost rings... one is as good as another to me. I put slugs down range all day long with my bead front sight, just takes practice. Hope this is of some help. Enjoy.
Congrats on the 870, shes a good shotgun. I am found of my Mossberg 590, but trained on 870s for a while. As far as cleaning, I make it a point to clean after every trip to the range. But then again I fire 100+ rounds in an outing. Even if you are shooting less its still a good idea to keep it clean. The only issue I ever had with my issue 870 was the thing got damn heavy loaded with slugs. Can't really help with the ghost rings... one is as good as another to me. I put slugs down range all day long with my bead front sight, just takes practice. Hope this is of some help. Enjoy.
RNB65
Member
The only time you MUST clean an 870 is when it's so filthy that it starts becoming difficult to cycle or when it's been exposed to a highly corrosive environment such as waterfoul hunting. We're talking thousands and thousands of rounds between cleanings. I've seen 870's that haven't been cleaned in 30+ years. Squirt a little CLP inside the receiver and they're 100% reliable.
All other cleanings are purely for cosmetic reasons. Some folks just don't like a dirty gun.
All other cleanings are purely for cosmetic reasons. Some folks just don't like a dirty gun.
I will beg to differ a little bit.
That's true about the inside of the gun, but the outside, especially if it has a rough finish, can rust badly if left covered with sweat from shooting in the desert. I know this from experience.
Remington's Rem Oil, or Bullfrog Rusthunter, wiped over the thing after a hot shooting session will take care of the problem. Both are available in spray cans, or in "handi-wipe" form. Individually packaged Rem Oil Wipes from Wal-Mart are a great, non-messy shooting bag accessory, also useful if you want to wipe out and lube the inside of the action at some point.
That's true about the inside of the gun, but the outside, especially if it has a rough finish, can rust badly if left covered with sweat from shooting in the desert. I know this from experience.
Remington's Rem Oil, or Bullfrog Rusthunter, wiped over the thing after a hot shooting session will take care of the problem. Both are available in spray cans, or in "handi-wipe" form. Individually packaged Rem Oil Wipes from Wal-Mart are a great, non-messy shooting bag accessory, also useful if you want to wipe out and lube the inside of the action at some point.
throdgrain
Member
You should clean the barrel every time you use it in my opinion, if you want it to last and not blow up in your face one day.
dfariswheel
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The better care you take of a gun, the longer it will last and look good.
Since I have to pay for my own guns, and I have respect for fine guns, I clean EVERY time I fire it, whether it's one shot or 1000.
If you clean it properly, you can't do any damage, but if you under clean it, it will deteriorate.
As for ghost ring sights, there are several good ones. Remington uses the Wilson sights on factory Police models.
On a gun that already has a bead front sight, the Wilson rifle front epoxies OVER the factory bead sight and base.
This is better than trying to remove the factory bead and base which are brazed on and require either cutting it off, or heating the barrel red hot until the braze melts.
If heated to remove, the barrel will have to be refinished.
You can send your gun to Wilson for installation. They do it right.
Since I have to pay for my own guns, and I have respect for fine guns, I clean EVERY time I fire it, whether it's one shot or 1000.
If you clean it properly, you can't do any damage, but if you under clean it, it will deteriorate.
As for ghost ring sights, there are several good ones. Remington uses the Wilson sights on factory Police models.
On a gun that already has a bead front sight, the Wilson rifle front epoxies OVER the factory bead sight and base.
This is better than trying to remove the factory bead and base which are brazed on and require either cutting it off, or heating the barrel red hot until the braze melts.
If heated to remove, the barrel will have to be refinished.
You can send your gun to Wilson for installation. They do it right.
HOLY DIVER
Member
what does wilson charge to install there gost ring sights?
as far cleaning a 870 every 1000 rounds....it may still work but is NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!!!!clean that fine shotgun!
as far cleaning a 870 every 1000 rounds....it may still work but is NOT A GOOD IDEA!!!!!!clean that fine shotgun!
I just cleaned my 870. Something about that super smooth "click clack" after a good cleaning makes it all worth it. It's really easy to clean anyway. I just use Powderblaster on everything inside and follow it up with a little CLP and #9 on the exterior of the receiver and the wood. Plus a 12 ga. boresnake and good to go in under 5 minutes. The only real trick is that when removing the bolt you have to press the release on the left first, wiggle the slide forward 1/2 an inch or so and press the right release to remove completely. Enjoy your new gun!
macFarlaine
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Iv'e always been of the opinion that if you take your shotgun out even if you don't use it,it should be cleaned on return.I work in the trade and I have seen some accidents when using an uncleaned gun,and accidents waiting to happen.
HisDivineShadow
Member
I guess this is sort of related so forgive me for making an OT post. I am getting an USMC 870 Bayonet lug soon for my 870, now as I understand the lug will cover the front sight, this means I have to remove it. It's "silver-soldered" on as I understand, I hear you have to heat it with an acetylene torch to get it off, will this damage the metal of the barrel? It sounds like it will damage the sight at any rate.
Then I have another conundrum, which way should I go? What sight system should I add? I don't think I'll bother with the rifle sights, I don't like the rear sight post being on the barrel so it'll probably be taken off too.
I've looked at Wilsons ghost ring sights, they look good but pricey. I am leaning towards a bead sight, I just wonder how much this will impede accuracy when shooting slugs, which I do from time to time but I mostly shoot various shot. Do you think a bead sight will suffice, or should I keep my rifle sights(even possible?) or aim for ghost ring sights?
Then I have another conundrum, which way should I go? What sight system should I add? I don't think I'll bother with the rifle sights, I don't like the rear sight post being on the barrel so it'll probably be taken off too.
I've looked at Wilsons ghost ring sights, they look good but pricey. I am leaning towards a bead sight, I just wonder how much this will impede accuracy when shooting slugs, which I do from time to time but I mostly shoot various shot. Do you think a bead sight will suffice, or should I keep my rifle sights(even possible?) or aim for ghost ring sights?
KBintheSLC
Member
I clean mine every time I shoot it. I pretty much do that with any gun I use for self defense. Practice field stripping it a few times. It is very easy to do and makes your cleaning/lube job more effective.
When practicing, make sure you train yourself to cycle the pump hard and fast. I have never had a cycle failure myself. But I have see it happen when folks cycle the pump slow and weak.
As for the ghost, I can't say. Never replaced the bead sight. I just added a zenon light and a laser. All, I can say is congrats. You will love this gun. Shoot the heck out of it with some Wally World specials and have fun.
When practicing, make sure you train yourself to cycle the pump hard and fast. I have never had a cycle failure myself. But I have see it happen when folks cycle the pump slow and weak.
As for the ghost, I can't say. Never replaced the bead sight. I just added a zenon light and a laser. All, I can say is congrats. You will love this gun. Shoot the heck out of it with some Wally World specials and have fun.
Tom Held
Member
Personal Protection Course
You might also consider taking the NRA Course on Personal Protection Inside the Home. It's taught by certified instructors and a good introduction to self defense. I think it's more practical than a tactical course for home defense. You can also purchase the textbook and a DVD from NRA if you don't have time to take the entire course.
Tom
You might also consider taking the NRA Course on Personal Protection Inside the Home. It's taught by certified instructors and a good introduction to self defense. I think it's more practical than a tactical course for home defense. You can also purchase the textbook and a DVD from NRA if you don't have time to take the entire course.
Tom
HisDivineShadow
Member
I think I'll just start out with a bead. If I don't like it, upgrading should be simple.
Where can I buy the factory bead and base?
Where can I buy the factory bead and base?
Waywatcher
Member
Try out your bead before going to shot rings. You may find it's accurate enough and then again it may not be. You'll just have to try.
I find my vent rib is plenty accurate with slugs... stationary clay pigeons at 40-50yards is do-able and is more than enough. Then again you probably don't have a rib.
As for cleaning I wrap a patch around a bronze brush to clean the barrel, and after slugs I use a tornado brush--it really removes the leading well. Make sure you clean the chamber well--I use a 10 ga brush
I find my vent rib is plenty accurate with slugs... stationary clay pigeons at 40-50yards is do-able and is more than enough. Then again you probably don't have a rib.
As for cleaning I wrap a patch around a bronze brush to clean the barrel, and after slugs I use a tornado brush--it really removes the leading well. Make sure you clean the chamber well--I use a 10 ga brush
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