How to disassemble and clean a Remington 11-87

The Remington 11-87 is a pump-action shotgun, and a routine clean is more than wiping the bore. Burnt powder, oil, wadding and salt can accelerate corrosion or leave the action gritty. The safest strip-down starts with an unloaded gun, a clear bench and the manual for the exact 11-87 revision.

This guide covers a field strip suitable for home maintenance rather than a full factory rebuild. Some 11-87s are 12-gauge and others are 20-gauge, so check the markings and use a brush, rod and patches for the correct calibre. If a retainer or release differs from the description, stop and consult the manual.

Australian ownership, storage and transport rules vary by state or territory. Firearms must be handled under the relevant licence, ammunition purchases are recorded, and dealers play a key role in lawful sales. Shooters in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or regional areas should also account for humidity, coastal salt and travel to a qualified gunsmith.

Prepare the shotgun for a safe strip-down

Work on a stable bench with a non-slip gun mat, good lighting and ventilation. Keep ammunition in a separate location until the firearm has been cleaned, inspected and reassembled. Wear eye protection and have cotton patches, a suitable solvent and small hand tools nearby.

Point the muzzle in a safe direction throughout. Open the action slowly and remove any shell from the chamber by hand, then release the magazine tube and remove its contents. Visually and physically check the chamber, magazine tube and action, and repeat the check before dismantling anything. Never rely on the safety or an empty-looking chamber alone.

Before checking out a firearm or replacement component, ordering firearms online explains common purchasing errors. The retailer uses a customer’s chosen FFL dealer for firearm dispatch, but an FFL is a United States arrangement and does not replace Australian import approval, state or territory registration, or Australian Border Force customs requirements.

Open the action and remove the fore-end

On most 11-87 variants, draw the fore-end rearward, rotate it to the right and then move it downward until the locking sleeve holds the action open. Where an action-release button is fitted, operate it as shown in the manual for your revision. Keep the muzzle directed safely and never force the fore-end.

With the action open, release the fore-end retaining pin or catch at the front of the receiver and draw the fore-end down and forward. Support the barrel, release its retaining fastener and remove it in the direction specified by the manual. Retainers may be buttons, pins or threaded nuts, so do not substitute a procedure intended for a different shotgun model.

Place each component on the clean mat in removal order. Bag small springs and pins in a labelled container, and photograph unfamiliar assemblies before removing them. This makes correct reassembly much easier while reducing the chance of losing a small component.

Separate the bolt and firing components

Operate the bolt-release catch beneath the receiver and draw the bolt assembly rearward while supporting its weight. Some revisions use a captive arrangement, so follow the manual rather than levering against the receiver. Keep control of the bolt until it is fully clear.

For a deeper clean, press the firing-pin retainer through its access hole with a correctly fitting punch. Rotate the firing pin a quarter-turn, then withdraw it and its spring. The extractor and action bars can usually be lifted from the carrier after that. Watch for springs under tension and keep your fingers clear of sharp edges and spring ends.

Leave the locking sleeve and mainspring intact unless the manual covers their removal and you have the appropriate experience. Those components belong to a more advanced strip-down. Note the orientation of every part as it comes out so that the carrier, action bars, extractor and firing pin can be returned correctly.

A dependable cleaning checklist

Begin with dry cleaning. Brush away loose fouling before applying any solvent, then work through the components in small sections. Use the correct bore brush and inspect the bore, chamber and action for damage as you proceed.

• Fit the correct-gauge bore brush and work it gently from the breech end. Never force it past a tight spot or use steel wool inside the barrel.
• Use soft patches with a small amount of approved, nonflammable firearm solvent. Keep excessive liquid away from the piston and magazine tube.
• Degrease the bolt, carrier, extractor and action bars with a solvent-dampened patch, clearing every gas port and sliding surface.
• Inspect the firing-pin recess, spring chambers and locking sleeve for carbon deposits, then dry each component thoroughly.
• Apply a light coat of quality firearm oil only where the manufacturer permits it. Keep oil away from the bore, chamber, trigger, hammer and timber surfaces.
• Wipe the stock and metal with a clean cloth, treat any light surface rust and protect exposed steel with a suitable corrosion inhibitor.

Never use WD-40 as a long-term lubricant, petroleum solvents on rubber or polyurethane furniture, or oil on a recoil pad. Around coastal Australia, clean and lightly oil the shotgun promptly after use. In humid inland climates, inspect the bore, magazine tube and action pins for pitting, swelling or trapped moisture.

Reassemble and function-check the shotgun

Confirm that every component is clean and completely dry before reassembly. Follow the removal sequence in reverse, fitting the carrier, action bars, extractor, firing pin and bolt as directed by the manual. Check that springs are seated correctly and that no part is pinched beneath another component.

Align the barrel with the receiver and locking sleeve, then secure its retainer in the specified orientation. Fit the fore-end and tighten its screws evenly without excessive force. Damaged or stripped screw threads should be assessed before the shotgun is returned to service.

With no ammunition present, cycle the action and operate the safety. Only after confirming that the chamber and magazine tube are empty, pull the trigger while keeping the muzzle in a safe direction. Check that the locking sleeve holds securely, the carrier moves freely and the extractor operates correctly. Stop if the action binds and have a qualified Australian gunsmith investigate it.

Store it lawfully and prepare for the next outing

Store the 11-87 under the applicable state or territory rules, generally in a locked container that cannot be accessed by unauthorised people. Keep ammunition separate when required. For transport, use a locked hard case and comply with local ammunition rules; never leave a loaded shotgun loose in a vehicle or place it in checked luggage. Temporary travel or export can also require permits.

Humid summers, coastal salt and temperature changes affect both firearms and ammunition. Keep the storage area dry and ventilated, use corrosion protection on exposed steel, and inspect the bore, fasteners and action periodically. A qualified gunsmith can advise on service intervals and issues that are beyond routine home maintenance.

For questions about an order, dealer fulfilment, account access or delivery, customer support can help beyond order tracking. Create an account, check current cryptocurrency and military-discount terms, and use order tracking for eligible direct-shipped magazines or ammunition. Have the chosen dealer confirm every Australian requirement before a firearm is dispatched, then visit the store today to prepare for your next clean and safe outing.