870 Barrel problem(?)

[bluemike807]

I've been following instructions to disassemble/clean my new 870 - when it comes to removing the barrel, I unscrew the magazine cap, and the barrel will basically come out - without having to move the slide 1/2 way rearward. Its not 'loose' or jiggly, but all I need to do to remove the barrel is take off the cap.

Is that normal? What should I be looking for if something is faulty?

Similarly, Im hoping to put a magazine extension on there eventually - if that's all that would be keeping the barrel in place, would that be safe?

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I have a Wingmaster 870 that acts the same way as you describe. Never had a problem with it in 25 years.

I have a plain jane 870 Express and an 870 Super Magnum that both require a bit of josstling with the slide at the half way mark.

 

[easy]

When removing the barrel, the fore-end must be retracted enough so the locking block disengages from the locking block notch under the barrel hood.

'Jostling' the fore-end isn't necessary, nor does it do anything in removing the barrel. The barrel may be a snug fit to the receiver, that's all. Twist the barrel in the receiver a millimeter to each side while with control pulling it forward and out.

As far as barrel retention, when the cap, or the extension is installed, the magazine cap detent and spring located in the barrel band locks the cap, or extension in place. Unless you have the newer system used in the late Express models which use a ratcheting system with a magazine spring retainer in conjunction with teeth 'inside' the magazine cap.

 

[Squamch]

my express comes apart as soon as the mag cap is off...

 

[bluemike807]

ok so no big deal apparently. Thats good - I was just worried that the only thing physically preventing the barrel from, say, flying off like a rocket, was a relatively spindly mag tube cap. No worries.