First time cleaning

[funksoldier]

First time cleaning the 870 (without firing). Ran a copper brush through a few times and needed close to 20 patches with solvent before they came through remotely clean. is this typical? Also, outside of keeping the rods clear of the muzzle is there anything I need to be cautious of when cleaning the barrel? rifling, etc.?

Thanks for the help.

[Kentactic]

Not really much to it. Is your barrel Rifled? If not it has no rifling. Try not to rub the edge of the chamber and muzzle with the rod like you said and clean as needed. I think when i bought my 870 i just ran a few patches with solvent through it and it was coming out clean.

[Synchronizor]

I like to use my brush to get as much of the crud out as I can, then I use a patch & swab to get the last little bit. I usually only need to run a couple patches through before they come out clean.

Also, be sure to clean out the locking notch in the breech-end of the barrel. The bolt locks into that notch in battery, so you don't want residue building up in it.

If your barrel has a removable choke tube, take the tube out and clean it and the threaded area in the barrel thoroughly, especially the threads. Before you put the tube back in, use some type of lubricant to maintain the threads and keep things from seizing up.

One thing to be careful with is the dust that'll come out of your barrel when you run your brush through it (especially after a heavy shooting session). It'll have fine lead particles in it, which are dangerous if they get internalized. Kids are far more susceptible to this than adults, so if you have any underfoot, keep an eye on them until you finish and clean up the area.

[Jamie]

The barrel is probably coated with a preservative, probably a good one, that's why it's tough to remove, it works! Shooting through it will help remove it also, A light coat of grease on the internal bolt rails doesn't hurt either.

[rythomas0704]

I fully disassemble my 870 and clean on a regular basis. I find it rather calming LOL

Especially remembering to clean the area that Synchronizor mentions

Also, be sure to clean out the locking notch in the breech-end of the barrel. The bolt locks into that notch in battery, so you don't want residue building up in it.

Every once and awhile I remove my trigger group and clean and lightly oil that as well to insure that it functions smoothly.

I learned a really neat trick a few years back and have been doing it ever since. Hope you like it:
http://www.rem870.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=614

[Kentactic]

Yeah i break my guns down completely after every outing. The 870 could probably go many years without cleaning but my guns are for fighting (self defense) so out of respect for them i make them spotless and lubricated in hopes that they treat me good if i ever need them.

[rythomas0704]

Yeah i break my guns down completely after every outing. The 870 could probably go many years without cleaning but my guns are for fighting (self defense) so out of respect for them i make them spotless and lubricated in hopes that they treat me good if i ever need them.

Kentactic, I fully understand your thinking as my guns are used for home defense and property defense. I live on a few acres in the Midwest and I get quite a few annoying varmint on my property. Pretty sure they want my smallest dog.

I also believe in just taking care of my guns. If they sit... they get cleaned once to twice a month.

EVERYTIME I fire one... it gets cleaned. If I go through some serious rounds then I disassemble,inspect and clean.

If you take good care of your firearms they will take good care of you and give you many years of dependable and fun use.