The Remington 870: A Classic for a Reason
The Remington 870 shotgun is a true American icon, a pump-action marvel renowned for its reliability, versatility, and widespread use by civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel alike. Its robust design and ease of use have made it a favorite for home defense, hunting, and competitive shooting. But, like any firearm, the Remington 870 requires a thorough understanding of its operation, particularly the loading process. Knowing how to properly and safely load your Remington 870 is paramount not only for enjoying the firearm’s capabilities but also for ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. This guide will walk you through the process, providing clear, concise instructions on how to load your Remington 870 safely and effectively.
Safety First: The Unwavering Foundation
Before delving into the mechanics of loading, it’s critical to reiterate the absolute importance of firearm safety. These rules are not suggestions; they are the bedrock of responsible gun ownership and must be adhered to at all times. Failure to do so can have catastrophic consequences.
Always prioritize these essential rules:
Muzzle Awareness
Always keep the muzzle of the shotgun pointed in a safe direction. This means away from anything you do not intend to destroy or shoot. This principle applies whether the gun is loaded or unloaded.
Treat Every Firearm as Loaded
Never assume a firearm is unloaded. Always handle every firearm as if it is ready to fire. This instills a constant state of awareness and prevents potentially fatal accidents.
Finger Off the Trigger
Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you have made a conscious decision to fire. This seemingly simple rule is crucial in preventing accidental discharges.
Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond
Identify your target clearly and be aware of the area surrounding it. Bullets can travel significant distances, and it’s essential to know what’s behind your target to avoid unintended casualties or property damage.
Eye and Ear Protection
Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection when handling or shooting a firearm. Flying debris and the loud noise of gunfire can cause serious injury.
Prior to handling any firearm, including the Remington 870, always verify it is unloaded. To do so, point the muzzle in a safe direction, engage the safety (if present), and cycle the action fully to eject any existing rounds. Visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine tube to ensure they are empty.
Understanding Your Remington 870
Before loading your Remington 870, it’s helpful to become familiar with the key components involved in the loading process. Knowing the names and functions of these parts will make the loading procedure easier and more intuitive.
These are the key elements:
Magazine Tube
This cylindrical tube, located beneath the barrel, is the primary storage for the shotgun shells.
Loading Port
This opening, typically found on the bottom of the receiver, allows access to the magazine tube for loading shells.
Ejection Port
This opening, on the side of the receiver, allows for spent casings to be ejected.
Shell Lifter
This metal arm lifts the shells from the magazine tube up into the chamber.
Chamber
The part of the barrel that holds the shell when it is ready to fire.
The Step-by-Step Loading Process
Now, let’s get into the core of the matter: the step-by-step process of loading your Remington 870. Follow these instructions carefully, always prioritizing safety.
Loading the Magazine Tube
This is the standard method for loading the Remington 870, providing you with a full magazine of rounds.
Begin by:
- Safely orienting the shotgun, ensuring the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction.
- With the shotgun held securely, locate the loading port on the underside of the receiver.
- Grip a shotgun shell firmly, with the base of the shell (the brass end) facing towards the loading port.
- Insert the shell into the magazine tube. You might feel a slight resistance initially.
- Push the shell firmly and directly into the tube until it clicks into place. This indicates that the shell has been properly seated and engaged with the magazine follower.
- Repeat this process, one shell at a time, until you have loaded the magazine tube to your desired capacity, or until it’s full, which will typically be the maximum the tube can hold.
- Once you are done, follow up and rack the slide.
Loading the Chamber
Loading the chamber is crucial to ensure the firearm is ready to fire. It happens automatically after loading the magazine when the slide is racked.
Following these steps:
- With the magazine tube now loaded, and the firearm still pointed in a safe direction, grasp the slide, located on the receiver.
- Pull the slide fully rearward, and then push it forward as quickly and smoothly as possible. This cycle will load the first shell from the magazine tube into the chamber.
- After this cycle, the Remington 870 is ready to fire. You can verify that a shell is chambered through a visual inspection of the ejection port.
- When finished, you are ready to fire the firearm.
Checking the Load
Before handling the shotgun, it’s good practice to double-check your work. Safety should be paramount, so it’s essential to know how many shells are in the shotgun. You can accomplish this by:
- Racking the slide. This will ensure the shell is properly chambered.
- Inspecting the ejection port and magazine tube to confirm. This will show whether you have loaded the shotgun correctly.
Different Loading Methods
While the standard loading method is efficient and common, there are other ways to load your Remington 870. One such method, often used in specific situations, is top loading.
Top Loading (Single Shells)
Top loading is a useful technique for adding a single shell to the chamber, typically during a “tactical reload” or to top off the gun.
- Open the action by racking the slide.
- With the action open, and the firearm pointed safely, place a single round into the ejection port.
- Close the action by pushing the slide forward. This loads the shell directly into the chamber.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper technique, sometimes issues can arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems that can occur when loading your Remington 870:
Shells not feeding:
- Make sure the shells are the correct gauge.
- Ensure the magazine tube is clean.
- Check the magazine spring for damage or weakness.
- Check the action of the firearm and see if the lifter is moving correctly.
- Ensure the loading port is free of obstructions.
Shells jamming in the lifter:
- The shell may be slightly damaged. Try another shell.
- The lifter could be damaged. A qualified gunsmith should inspect it.
Failure to chamber:
- Ensure the action is fully cycled.
- Make sure you are using the correct ammunition type.
- Check the chamber for debris.
- The extractor may be broken.
Clearing a jam:
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Attempt to cycle the action several times to see if it clears.
- If that doesn’t work, try removing the magazine tube cap and spring to relieve pressure on the shells.
- If the jam persists, and you do not know how to fix it, seek help from a qualified gunsmith.
Safety Tips and Best Practices
Beyond the fundamental safety rules, here are some additional tips to enhance your safety when handling your Remington 870:
- Regularly inspect the magazine tube and action for any signs of debris, such as dirt, grime, or foreign objects. A clean firearm is a safer firearm.
- Always use the correct ammunition for your shotgun. Consult the owner’s manual or a qualified gunsmith for the specific gauge and shell types recommended for your model. Using the wrong ammunition can be dangerous.
- Practice safe handling and loading techniques frequently. The more you practice, the more ingrained these habits will become, reducing the risk of errors.
- Properly maintain your firearm. Cleaning and lubrication can help to keep the firearm running smoothly.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Loading
Loading your Remington 870 is a fundamental skill for any owner. By understanding the steps, adhering to safety protocols, and practicing regularly, you can ensure your safety and be prepared for any situation. Remember, safe and responsible gun ownership is paramount, so never compromise on safety. Continue to expand your knowledge, seek out additional training, and always prioritize the safe handling and use of your firearm. With practice, proper safety measures, and a thorough understanding of the loading process, you can confidently and safely operate your Remington 870.
