The Remington 870 is a legendary pump-action shotgun, renowned for its reliability and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a home defense enthusiast, or a competitive shooter, understanding how to properly load your Remington 870 is paramount for safety and effective operation. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you handle your firearm responsibly and confidently.
Safety First: Essential Precautions Before Handling Your Remington 870
Before even thinking about loading your shotgun, prioritize safety. These are non-negotiable steps:
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded: This is the single most important rule of firearm safety. Never assume a gun is unloaded. Always check.
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction: Never point the shotgun at anything you don't intend to shoot. This includes yourself, others, or anything you don't want to damage.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot: This prevents accidental discharges. Your finger should only be on the trigger when you're actively aiming and ready to fire.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it: Understand where your shot will go and what could be impacted. This includes knowing the trajectory of your shot and potential ricochets.
- Unload your firearm when not in use: Properly unloading and storing your Remington 870 is crucial when it's not being actively used.
Step-by-Step Guide to Loading a Remington 870
Now, let's delve into the loading procedure:
1. Verify the Gun is Unloaded:
- Visually inspect the chamber: Open the action (pump the slide all the way back and hold it open) and visually check the chamber to ensure it's empty.
- Check the magazine tube: Look down the magazine tube (the long tube under the barrel) to verify no shells are present.
2. Insert Shells into the Magazine Tube:
- Open the action: Pump the slide to the rear, locking it open.
- Load shells: Carefully insert the shells, one at a time, into the magazine tube. The Remington 870 typically holds 5+1 (5 in the tube + 1 in the chamber). The number of shells will vary depending on your specific model and barrel configuration.
- Close the action: Gently push the slide forward until it clicks shut.
3. Load a Shell into the Chamber (Optional):
While the previous step loads the magazine, you may also choose to load a round directly into the chamber. This is not mandatory, but some prefer this for immediate firing capabilities.
- Open the action: Pump the slide to the rear and hold it open.
- Insert shell: Insert a single shell into the chamber.
- Close the action: Gently push the slide forward until it clicks shut.
4. Final Safety Check:
Before handling the loaded shotgun, perform one final safety check. Repeat steps from the "Safety First" section and confirm the shotgun is pointing in a safe direction.
Different Types of Remington 870s and Loading Considerations
While the basic loading process remains consistent, variations in Remington 870 models (e.g., Wingmaster, Express, Police Magnum) might have minor differences. Always consult your firearm's owner's manual for specific instructions tailored to your exact model. This will also outline any additional safety considerations or features.
Unloading Your Remington 870
Unloading your Remington 870 is just as crucial as loading it. Follow these steps:
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Open the action by pumping the slide fully to the rear and holding it open.
- Remove the shell from the chamber.
- Eject the shells from the magazine tube by gently tipping the shotgun muzzle down, allowing shells to fall out.
- Visually inspect both the chamber and magazine tube to confirm they're empty.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general instructions. Always consult your firearm's owner's manual for specific loading and safety procedures. Improper handling of firearms can lead to serious injury or death. Seek professional training from a certified firearms instructor for proper handling, safety, and shooting techniques.
