Safety First: Before You Begin
Before you even think about picking up a cleaning rod, safety must be your absolute priority. Cleaning a firearm, especially a semi-automatic shotgun like the Remington 1100, requires careful adherence to safety protocols. Never underestimate the importance of these precautions.
First and foremost, always confirm that the shotgun is unloaded. Open the action and visually inspect the chamber to ensure no shell is present. Check the magazine, too, to make sure no ammunition is loaded there. Run your finger along the interior of the receiver to make certain. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. This is the single most crucial safety rule.
Eye protection is another absolute necessity. Small particles of carbon, debris, and cleaning solvents can easily find their way into your eyes during the cleaning process. A good pair of safety glasses will shield your eyes from potential hazards.
Choose a well-lit and ventilated workspace. Good lighting allows you to see all the components clearly, and proper ventilation is essential to avoid inhaling fumes from cleaning solvents. A clean, stable surface, such as a workbench or table, will provide a safe and convenient area to work. It’s advisable to avoid working in a cluttered area where parts could get lost or damaged. A gun vise or cradle can also be incredibly helpful for stability during the cleaning process.
Finally, a reminder: be sure to consult your firearm’s manual for any manufacturer-specific instructions or recommendations.
Gathering Your Supplies: The Tools of the Trade
Having the right tools and materials at your disposal will make the cleaning process smoother and more efficient. Here’s a list of essential items:
- Cleaning Rod: Choose a cleaning rod that is the correct gauge for your Remington 1100 (e.g., 12, 16, or 20 gauge). A one-piece rod is generally preferred for its durability and lack of potential to scratch your barrel.
- Bore Brush: You’ll need a bore brush, also of the correct gauge, to scrub the inside of the barrel. A bronze or nylon brush is usually a good choice.
- Cleaning Patches: A supply of cleaning patches, sized appropriately for your shotgun’s bore, is crucial for removing debris and applying solvents and lubricants.
- Gun Solvent: Use a quality gun-specific solvent formulated to dissolve carbon, powder residue, and other fouling. Select a solvent that is appropriate for the type of fouling common in your gun (lead, copper, etc.).
- Gun Lubricant: You’ll need a gun-specific lubricant to protect the metal components from rust and corrosion and to ensure smooth operation of the moving parts. Gun oil or grease are common choices.
- Cleaning Brush: A toothbrush or small cleaning brush is helpful for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas.
- Cotton Swabs/Q-tips: These are excellent for cleaning tight spaces, removing excess solvent, and applying lubricant.
- Cleaning Cloth or Rag: A clean cloth or rag is useful for wiping down components and wiping up spills.
- Optional Tools: A gun vice or holder, a brass pick for stubborn debris, and a small screwdriver (for any adjustments) can also prove useful.
Field Stripping Your Remington 1100: Preparing for the Deep Clean
Before you can effectively clean your Remington 1100, you need to disassemble it into its primary components. This process, known as field stripping, is relatively straightforward.
First, you must remove the forend. Start by pushing the forend retaining cap forward. This should allow the forend to slide off.
Next, the barrel. Pull the barrel forward and away from the receiver.
Then comes the bolt and bolt carrier. Open the action and slide the bolt and bolt carrier towards the rear of the receiver. The bolt and carrier assembly can then be separated from the receiver.
Finally, separate the action bar assembly from the receiver. This assembly typically slides out with relative ease.
With the primary components separated, you are ready to begin cleaning.
Cleaning the Heart of the Matter: The Barrel
The barrel is the heart of any firearm and is vital to its performance. Regular and meticulous barrel cleaning is paramount.
Start by soaking a cleaning patch with gun solvent. Attach the patch to your cleaning rod and carefully push it through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle. Do not reverse direction in the barrel, always push in the same direction. Let the solvent sit in the bore for a few minutes to loosen any fouling.
Next, attach the bore brush to the cleaning rod. Insert the brush into the chamber end of the barrel and scrub the bore with a back-and-forth motion, ensuring the brush covers the entire length of the bore. Take your time, making several passes, especially if the barrel is heavily fouled.
Once you’ve scrubbed the bore thoroughly, remove the brush and attach another solvent-soaked patch to the cleaning rod. Pass the patch through the bore to remove the loosened debris and solvent. Continue using solvent-soaked patches, and if necessary, brush the bore, until the patches emerge clean. This process removes carbon and powder residue that will interfere with your shotgun’s accuracy and performance.
After cleaning the bore with patches, visually inspect the interior of the barrel for any remaining fouling or obstructions. Also, wipe down the exterior of the barrel with a clean cloth to remove any lingering solvent or debris.
Cleaning the Bolt and Bolt Carrier: Ensuring Smooth Cycling
The bolt and bolt carrier are critical for the semi-automatic function of the Remington 1100. These parts must function reliably to ensure proper extraction, ejection, and feeding of shells.
Begin by wiping down the bolt and bolt carrier to remove any carbon, powder residue, and other debris. Use a cleaning cloth or rag for the initial wipe down.
Next, use a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in solvent to clean the tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas of the bolt and bolt carrier. Pay particular attention to the extractor, the small hook that pulls the spent shell casing from the chamber. Make sure the extractor moves freely and is clean. Also inspect and clean the ejector. Ensure the ejector is free of debris, as this is the part responsible for ejecting the spent shell.
Cleaning the Receiver: The Engine Room
The receiver houses the operating mechanisms of the Remington 1100. Keeping it clean is essential for smooth and reliable function.
Using patches, solvent, and brushes, clean the interior of the receiver. Apply solvent to the patches and use them to wipe down the interior surfaces. A small cleaning brush can be helpful for removing fouling from corners and crevices. Pay close attention to the rails on which the bolt carrier slides. These rails must be clean and well-lubricated for the action to operate smoothly.
Cleaning the Action Bar Assembly: The Link to Reliability
The action bar assembly is the mechanical link that connects the bolt carrier to the forend and is critical for the cycling of the action.
Clean the action bar assembly to remove any fouling or debris that may have accumulated. Use a cleaning cloth, brushes, and solvent to ensure the action bars are clean. Clean any areas that make contact with the forend, receiver, and bolt assembly.
Lubrication: Keeping Things Moving
Once all the components are cleaned, it’s time to apply lubricant. Lubrication is vital for reducing friction, preventing wear, and protecting metal surfaces from corrosion.
Apply a light coat of gun lubricant to the appropriate areas. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess oil can attract dirt and grime and may interfere with the operation of your firearm.
Specifically, you should lubricate the following areas:
- The bolt.
- The bolt carrier.
- The action bars.
- The receiver rails.
- The trigger components (sparingly).
When lubricating the trigger components, use a very small amount to avoid potential problems.
Reassembly: Putting It All Back Together
Once all the components are thoroughly cleaned and lubricated, it’s time to reassemble your Remington 1100. This is essentially the reverse of the field stripping process.
Begin by reassembling the action bar assembly. Insert the action bar assembly back into the receiver.
Next, insert the bolt and bolt carrier back into the receiver. Ensure they slide smoothly and function correctly.
Then, reattach the barrel.
Finally, replace the forend.
Post-Cleaning Inspection and Function Check: Ensuring Everything is Right
After reassembly, it’s essential to perform a post-cleaning inspection and function check.
Start with a visual inspection. Make sure all parts are correctly assembled and that there are no missing parts. Check for any remaining debris.
Then, conduct a function check. Manually cycle the action several times to ensure smooth operation. The bolt should move freely, and the action should cycle properly. Test the trigger function. Does it function properly? Confirm the safety mechanism is working as designed.
Storage: Preserving Your Firearm
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining your Remington 1100. Store the firearm in a secure location, such as a gun safe or a locked cabinet, away from children and unauthorized individuals.
Consider using a gun sock or case to protect the firearm from scratches and dings.
To prevent rust, store your firearm in a dry environment. Avoid storing it in areas with high humidity.
Troubleshooting: Addressing Potential Issues
Even with proper cleaning, problems can sometimes arise. A clean firearm is less prone to malfunctions, but understanding how to troubleshoot common issues is helpful.
Some common problems, such as failure to feed or failure to eject, can often be traced to inadequate cleaning or lubrication. Addressing these issues starts with a thorough cleaning.
In Summary
Cleaning your Remington 1100 is a vital aspect of firearm ownership. By following these steps, you can maintain the reliability, accuracy, and longevity of your shotgun. Remember that regular cleaning is essential for optimal performance, safety, and enjoyment. Taking the time to properly clean and maintain your Remington 1100 is an investment that will reward you with years of dependable service.
If you have any questions or concerns, consider consulting with a qualified gunsmith or visiting Remington’s official website for further assistance. Keep your firearm in good condition, and it will serve you well.
