J B Wood - The Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly, Pt. V: Shotguns

The Gun Digest
Book of

FIREARMS

ASSEMBLY/DISASSEMBLY

Part V: Shotguns
Second Edition

J. B. Wood

Editorial Comments and Suggestions

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Iola, WI 54990
email: ramagek@krause.com

2002
by Krause Publications
Printed in the United States of America.
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CAUTION: Technical data presented here, particularly technical data on the handloading and on firearms adjustment and alteration, inevitably reflects individual experience with particular equipment and components under specific circumstances the reader cannot duplicate exactly. Such data presentations therefore should be used for guidance only and with caution. Krause Publications, Inc., accepts no responsibility for results obtained using this data.

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Introduction

As a general rule, the average shotgunner is likely to know more about simple takedown than most other shooters. In modem semi-auto and slide-action guns, especially, several extra barrels in different lengths and choke degrees may be kept on hand and changed frequently. Because of the sometimes-inclement weather conditions in which it is used, the hunter's shotgun will often need to be taken completely apart, dried and cleaned. Besides the effects of rain, snow, or dust, there are always a few cases of the gun being inadvertently dropped over the side of a boat.

When the non-gunsmith is faced with the necessity of total takedown, the original instruction sheet or booklet supplied with the gun can be of some help, if he has it. Most of these, though, go only as far as field-stripping. Also, for some of the older guns, these booklets are scarce and valuable collector items, not usually available to the average gun owner. Some of the foreign manuals are direct translations, and are sometimes more amusing than helpful. So, this series of books is designed to help, with clear instructions for complete takedown and reassembly. The first four volumes have covered pistols, revolvers, rimfire rifles, and centerfire rifles, in that order. A sixth volume covered law enforcement weapons.

Some points in complete disassembly and reassembly may require the special tools and skills of a gunsmith. It can usually managed by a very knowledgeable amateur, but there must be some mechanical aptitude. Since this book is intended for both the amateur and the professional, even the simpler operations are often described and shown in detail.

In some cases, the tools needed are not available at an ordinary store, so a section on tools is included, along with the sources for each tool or set of tools.

A few general rules can be applied to the takedown of any gun: A nylon or plastic mallet may sometimes be used to tap a tight assembly free, but no extreme force should be used. Wear safety glasses at all times to protect the eyes from springs and spring-propelled parts. Avoid taking a gun apart in circumstances where small parts are likely to be lost. Finally, read the instructions through at least once, before you start.

My readers, I assume, are intelligent, and would not try to dismantle a loaded gun. So, I won't begin each set of instruction with the standard warning. However, since anyone can have a momentary lapse, I'll say it once: Before starting the takedown of any gun, be sure it is entirely unloaded. Don't rely on the feed and ejector systems -look inside and make certain. In some tube-magazine types, a round can "hide."

An important addition to the back of this book is a comprehensive index and cross-reference list, linking all of the shotguns covered here to guns of similar or identical pattern. When these are included in the count, the instructions in this revised edition can be used for the takedown and reassembly of hundreds of shotguns.

J. B. Wood
Raintree House
Corydon, Kentucky
April, 2002

A Note on Reassembly

Most of the shotguns covered in this book can be reassembled by simply reversing the order of disassembly, carefully replacing the parts in the same manner they were removed. In a few instances, special instructions are required, and these are listed with each gun under "Reassembly Tips." In certain cases, reassembly photos are also provided.

If there are no special instructions or photos with a particular gun, you may assume that it can just be reassembled in reverse order. During disassembly, note the relationship of all parts and springs, and lay them out on the workbench in the order they were removed. By following this procedure you should have no difficulty.

The Gun Digest Book of
Firearms Assembly/Disassembly
Part V: Shotguns, 2nd Edition

Contents

Tools

This book is dedicated to my father, James W. Wood.

Acknowledgements

My thanks to these people, who helped to make this book possible:

John S. Yarger, John A. Yarger, James W. Yarger, and Larry McClarney of Lock & Load Gun Shop; Dr. Kenneth Eblen, A1 Paulsen, Brian Paulsen, Donald L. Harrison, Kenny B. Woods, James H. Manion, Don Hatten, Bill Risinger, Mel Luton, Mike Burkdoll, and Stanley Hopper; Joe Koziel of Mossberg; Dick Dietz of Remington; George Woford of American Arms; Tyke Arbaugh and Rafael Aguine of Beretta; Dan Flaherty of Magtech; Phil Hunter of the Gun Parts Corporation; Larry Sterett; James W. Wood; Terah L. Flaherty, James R. Blough; Glenn Lancaster; John Huff; Paul Thompson of Browning; Don Madole of Tri-Star; Keith Bernkrant and Paul Richter of EAA; Jay Langston, Stephen McElvain, and Joe Triani of Stoeger and Benelli.

Tools

Countless firearms, old and new, bear the marks, burrs, and gouges that are the result of using the wrong tools for taking them apart. In the interest of preventing this sort of thing, I am including here a group of tools that are the best types for the disassembly of shotguns. Except for the few shop-made tools for special purposes, all of those shown here are available from one of these sources.