Why the Plug Matters
The Remington 870, a name synonymous with reliable performance and enduring design, has long been a favorite among hunters, law enforcement professionals, and shooting enthusiasts. Its rugged construction, ease of use, and adaptability have cemented its place as a staple in the world of shotguns. One common feature that owners often encounter is the magazine plug. This component, designed to restrict the number of shells the shotgun can hold, serves a crucial purpose in complying with hunting regulations and sometimes, even local laws. This article provides a detailed and straightforward guide to Remington 870 plug removal, empowering you to understand the process and ensure your shotgun is compliant with your local regulations.
Why do shotguns, especially those used for hunting, even *have* a plug? The answer lies in conservation and safety. Many areas have regulations in place that limit the number of shells a shotgun can hold while hunting waterfowl or other game. This restriction helps prevent excessive harvesting and promotes fair chase. The plug, essentially a limiter within the magazine tube, ensures compliance with these rules. Understanding this regulatory landscape is paramount before attempting any modifications to your firearm. Also, in some locations, depending on their use, it may be against local law to have the plug removed. *Always consult your local and federal laws before making any alterations.*
Prioritizing Safety First
Before you even *think* about grabbing your tools, the first and foremost consideration *must* be safety. Firearms are inherently dangerous, and handling them requires utmost care and respect. Never take your safety, or the safety of those around you, for granted.
- **Confirm the firearm is unloaded.** This is the *single most important* step. Before touching *anything*, open the action of your Remington 870 and visually inspect both the chamber and the magazine tube. Make *absolutely certain* there are no shells present. Point the muzzle in a safe direction, away from yourself and others, throughout this process.
- **Safety Glasses:** Wear appropriate eye protection. During the removal process, small parts or debris might become dislodged, potentially causing injury.
- **Work Area:** Find a well-lit, uncluttered workspace. This minimizes the risk of losing small parts and makes it easier to see what you’re doing.
- **Be Calm and Patient:** There is no need to rush. Take your time and follow the steps carefully. If you feel stressed or unsure at any point, stop and re-evaluate.
Understanding Your Remington 870
Understanding the anatomy of the Remington 870 is critical before starting the plug removal process. The plug itself is typically a wooden dowel or a plastic rod, though in older models, you might find a metal variant. Its purpose is to occupy space within the magazine tube, limiting how many shells can be loaded. The plug’s position is inside the magazine tube, running from the end cap towards the action of the shotgun. The specific method of removal varies slightly depending on the plug type and the design of the magazine cap.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Here’s a simple checklist of tools and materials you’ll likely need:
- **Screwdriver:** A flathead or Phillips screwdriver (depending on your magazine cap design).
- **Dowel Rod (Optional):** If the plug is wooden and stubborn, a small dowel rod can be used to help push it out.
- **Needle-nose Pliers:** Useful for gripping and pulling out some types of plugs.
- **Gun Cleaning Supplies:** Optional, but recommended for cleaning the magazine tube after removal.
- **Gun Oil:** A light lubricant to ensure smooth reassembly.
- **Clean Rags or Paper Towels:** For wiping up any excess lubricant or debris.
- **Mallet or Rubber Hammer (Optional):** Can be helpful if the plug is particularly difficult to remove (use this with care!).
The Step-by-Step Removal Process
The moment of truth has arrived! Now, let’s move on to the actual process of Remington 870 plug removal.
Removing the Magazine Cap
This is the first point of entry to access the inner workings of your magazine.
- **Magazine Cap Removal:** Most Remington 870s feature a magazine cap that’s threaded onto the magazine tube. Depending on your model, you may need to unscrew this cap by hand or with the help of a screwdriver, taking care not to damage any threads. Some magazine caps have a small retainer pin, so you may need to depress this pin to allow removal. If you’re having difficulty, try using a rubber strap wrench to provide extra grip without marring the finish.
- *Carefully remove the magazine spring. Be cautious as this spring can be under some tension, but generally there isn’t a lot to worry about.*
Locating the Plug
Once the magazine cap is removed, and with the magazine spring set aside, you should be able to see the plug inside the magazine tube. The plug will likely be near the end of the magazine tube. It might be a wooden dowel, a plastic rod, or some other type of insert.
Plug Removal Techniques
The method of removal depends on the type of plug you’re dealing with.
- **Dowel Plug:** If your Remington 870 has a simple wooden dowel plug, it’s often relatively easy to remove. If the shotgun is oriented with the barrel pointing downwards, gravity may even assist. The plug may be located by simply tipping the shotgun. You can gently push the plug out from the end of the magazine tube. Sometimes, you may be able to push the plug out by inserting a dowel rod from the end of the magazine. Exercise patience and avoid excessive force.
- **Plastic/Metal Plug:** These plugs may be more complex. Using needle-nose pliers, carefully grasp the plug from the end of the magazine tube, where the magazine cap was removed. Once you have a good grip, slowly and firmly pull the plug out. Wiggle the plug gently as you pull to loosen it. Avoid using excessive force, as this might damage the magazine tube.
Verification and Testing
After removing the plug, there’s a simple yet important step: verifying the removal. Once the plug is removed, make sure that the magazine tube is now free of any obstructions. You can confirm this by sliding a shell into the magazine tube. If the plug has been successfully removed, the shell should slide in easily, and you should be able to load the full capacity of shells (as per your local laws).
Reassembly: Putting it All Back Together
Reassembling your Remington 870 is straightforward but requires attention to detail.
- **Replacing the Magazine Spring:** Carefully reinsert the magazine spring into the magazine tube. Make sure the spring is correctly seated and isn’t binding.
- **Reattaching the Magazine Cap:** Screw the magazine cap back onto the magazine tube, making sure to tighten it securely. Don’t overtighten it, though.
- **Function Check:** The final step is to cycle the action of your Remington 870. Load a few shells into the magazine tube (observing all local and federal laws). Cycle the action to ensure that the shotgun feeds and ejects shells properly.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After removing the plug, it’s a good practice to perform some basic cleaning and maintenance. This helps to ensure the long-term reliability of your shotgun.
- **Cleaning the Magazine Tube:** After removing the plug, use a cleaning rod and appropriate solvent to clean the inside of the magazine tube. This will remove any debris or residue that may have accumulated.
- **Lubrication:** Lightly lubricate the magazine tube with gun oil. This helps to reduce friction and ensures smooth feeding of shells.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
This is an especially important section that emphasizes the legal and ethical side of modifying your firearm.
- **Local and Federal Regulations:** *Before* you even consider removing the plug, it is your *sole* responsibility to thoroughly research and understand all applicable local, state, and federal regulations regarding shotgun magazine capacity. Hunting regulations, in particular, often dictate the maximum number of shells allowed. These rules can vary significantly from place to place, and ignorance of the law is *not* a defense. Failure to comply can result in serious penalties, including fines, the confiscation of your firearm, and even criminal charges.
- **Consequences of Non-Compliance:** Be aware of the consequences of violating firearms regulations. Penalties can range from minor infractions to severe legal ramifications. *Always* err on the side of caution and prioritize compliance.
- **Responsible Gun Ownership:** Removing the plug is a personal choice, but it comes with a responsibility. Prioritize safety, obey the law, and respect the rights of others. As a responsible gun owner, you have a duty to know and abide by all applicable rules and regulations.
Conclusion
In summary, **Remington 870 plug removal** is a relatively simple procedure, provided you approach it with the proper knowledge, tools, and safety precautions. By following the steps outlined above, and by understanding the legal implications, you can modify your shotgun responsibly. Always prioritize safety and legal compliance.
Remember this isn’t an exhaustive guide but should provide a good understanding of how to remove the plug and to keep you in compliance. If you are unsure of the procedures, it is best to consult with a gunsmith or a certified firearms instructor.
