Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Inherited an old shotgun from a family member? Before you refinish it, learn how to properly clean, preserve, and maintain it without removing the character that makes it special. In this Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb walks through a complete disassembly, deep cleaning, rust removal, lubrication, inspection, and reassembly of a classic Remington 870 Wingmaster.
Using his father's well-used shotgun as an example, Caleb demonstrates how to stabilize surface rust, preserve the original finish, inspect wear points, and prepare an heirloom firearm for years of continued use. Along the way, he covers specialized Remington 870 tools, common maintenance mistakes, trigger group disassembly, bolt service, magazine tube cleaning, barrel maintenance, and proper lubrication.
Whether you've inherited a family shotgun, picked up a well-used Remington 870, or simply want to learn proper shotgun maintenance, this detailed guide walks through the entire process step by step.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:08 Preserving an Inherited Remington 870
01:13 Cleaning Supplies and Tools
02:46 Remington 870 Specific Tools
04:02 Field Strip and Basic Disassembly
05:38 Trigger Group Removal
06:20 Removing the Bolt and Action Bars
07:26 Bolt Disassembly
11:51 Forend Disassembly
16:30 Removing the Buttstock
20:33 Magazine Tube Disassembly
22:54 Trigger Group Disassembly
33:26 Cleaning the Trigger Group
35:27 Lubrication and Trigger Group Reassembly
45:27 Cleaning the Receiver
47:12 Magazine Tube Maintenance
49:26 Cleaning the Bolt Assembly
51:33 Removing Surface Rust
57:32 Cleaning the Barrel Exterior
01:01:01 Cleaning the Bore
01:03:09 Magazine Components
01:06:26 Bolt Reassembly
01:10:00 Final Reassembly and Function Check
Products Featured
• Remington 870 Wingmaster
• Hoppe's No. 9 Bore Cleaner
• Rem Oil
• Wilson Combat Universal Grease
• Brownells Magna-Tip Screwdriver Set
• Brownells Remington 870 Forend Wrench
• Brownells Magazine Spring Retainer Tool
• 0000 Steel Wool
• Shotgun Cleaning Rod and Brushes
• Pipe Cleaners and Nylon Brushes
This process is ideal for preserving vintage firearms without refinishing them. Rather than removing decades of honest wear, the goal is to stop active corrosion, clean accumulated fouling, lubricate moving parts, and keep the shotgun functioning reliably for future generations.
If you've inherited a firearm with sentimental value, preserving its history is often more meaningful than making it look factory new.
Have questions about Remington 870 maintenance, shotgun repair, or preserving an heirloom firearm? Leave a comment below or contact the Brownells Tech Line. We're always happy to help.
Inherited an old shotgun from a family member? Before you refinish it, learn how to properly clean, preserve, and maintain it without removing the character that makes it special. In this Brownells Tech Tip, Caleb walks through a complete disassembly, deep cleaning, rust removal, lubrication, inspection, and reassembly of a classic Remington 870 Wingmaster.
Using his father's well-used shotgun as an example, Caleb demonstrates how to stabilize surface rust, preserve the original finish, inspect wear points, and prepare an heirloom firearm for years of continued use. Along the way, he covers specialized Remington 870 tools, common maintenance mistakes, trigger group disassembly, bolt service, magazine tube cleaning, barrel maintenance, and proper lubrication.
Whether you've inherited a family shotgun, picked up a well-used Remington 870, or simply want to learn proper shotgun maintenance, this detailed guide walks through the entire process step by step.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:08 Preserving an Inherited Remington 870
01:13 Cleaning Supplies and Tools
02:46 Remington 870 Specific Tools
04:02 Field Strip and Basic Disassembly
05:38 Trigger Group Removal
06:20 Removing the Bolt and Action Bars
07:26 Bolt Disassembly
11:51 Forend Disassembly
16:30 Removing the Buttstock
20:33 Magazine Tube Disassembly
22:54 Trigger Group Disassembly
33:26 Cleaning the Trigger Group
35:27 Lubrication and Trigger Group Reassembly
45:27 Cleaning the Receiver
47:12 Magazine Tube Maintenance
49:26 Cleaning the Bolt Assembly
51:33 Removing Surface Rust
57:32 Cleaning the Barrel Exterior
01:01:01 Cleaning the Bore
01:03:09 Magazine Components
01:06:26 Bolt Reassembly
01:10:00 Final Reassembly and Function Check
Products Featured
• Remington 870 Wingmaster
• Hoppe's No. 9 Bore Cleaner
• Rem Oil
• Wilson Combat Universal Grease
• Brownells Magna-Tip Screwdriver Set
• Brownells Remington 870 Forend Wrench
• Brownells Magazine Spring Retainer Tool
• 0000 Steel Wool
• Shotgun Cleaning Rod and Brushes
• Pipe Cleaners and Nylon Brushes
This process is ideal for preserving vintage firearms without refinishing them. Rather than removing decades of honest wear, the goal is to stop active corrosion, clean accumulated fouling, lubricate moving parts, and keep the shotgun functioning reliably for future generations.
If you've inherited a firearm with sentimental value, preserving its history is often more meaningful than making it look factory new.
Have questions about Remington 870 maintenance, shotgun repair, or preserving an heirloom firearm? Leave a comment below or contact the Brownells Tech Line. We're always happy to help.
