870 doesn't feed

R

Ren

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I've got an 870 express that has 2 3/4'' and 3'' capabilities. I bought the gun almost 6 years ago. The first time I had it out after about 80 rounds I had a failure to feed. Took a shot pumped it to eject which was fine but it would not feed a fresh round into the chamber. Took it to a smith and it "was fixed" under warranty. Every so often this still happens. The only way to un-jam the fresh round from the mag tube, is to remove the barrel and push in the 2 shell latches manually and then re-assemble what a pain in the A$$!!! :bangHead: Anyone have some ideas to fix this?
 
I just did some major 870 work including replacing both latches... I was occasionally experiencing double feeds due to weak latches (sometimes the force of the shell coming out would knock a latch and release another shell).

If so, it sounds like one of your latches is "hooped." Replacing the latches with brand new ones should cure the problem you were/are having.

If it is just not feeding right (you can't move the forend forward) it sounds like something is binding (again, a latch perhaps?). What I suspect happened is the person who was doing the repairs just removed, bent your existing latches and re-installed them. I suspect this, because I did that and the problem was a little better but still existed and I always experienced a couple jams as you've described. When I ordered new latches the problem went away 100%.

I used to think 870's were complex... but having spent several hours rebuilding mine, they are cleverly-simple. :)
 
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G37:

Im familiar with the 870, but not to the extent I wold like. I will be honnest, and not quite sure what your talking about.

In my quest for greater knowledge, would you mind positng a picture and highlighting the part you are talking about.

Or perhaps you could reference me to an exploded part diagarm.

I really appreciate your time

regards and all the Best

R
 
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The only thing that would make sense to me is that the shell latches aren't staked in properly, so they're still hanging up on the shell when it tries to feed onto the lifter. (Or, maybe, there's something stuck underneath one of the latches that isn't letting it back out of the way when the forearm tries to cam it to the side.)
 
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/sc...hemid=2&m=12&mn=Remington®&model=870+Express+

#88 and #89 are the latches... as mentioned they are staked into place. I did this myself with a tiny ball bearing attached to a vice grip (then clamp down and it indents the steel and stakes the latches in place - a piece of brass on the outside so the finish isn't scratched).

You might be better off though just having someone like Casey look at it.
h ttp://www.tacord.com/

That's where I got my parts from... he'll set you straight. Good luck!
 
This is exactly why I trade my 870 wingmaster for a winchester 1300 10 years ago (now reborn as a tactical one) The problem is I now want a 870 (or norc) because I want a 14'' barrel. This thread question my new choice. I tought I was the only one to have problem with a 870. The shell stuck between bolt and (I don't know the name in english but it is the thing that guide the shell into the magazine) Should I keep my 1300 (that NEVER jam by the way) or have my 14'' 870 and possibly have the same problem?!?
This is not a hijack of the thread but just a question to know if its happen often with a 870.
 
Sametwinnie:

Well, that is exactly the situation I was in. My only dislikes with the 870 are the staked parts which are not easily replaced (same with the ejector); I think it is the weak point in the 870 design. The Mossberg is what I really wanted, also because the aluminum receiver - so it is lighter.

However, like you, I wanted a super short barrel... there is absolutely no other options for anything shorter than 18.5" or 20" in other models... so, you have to go 870 ;)

The 870 in its defense though, once it is working right, it will keep working right for a long time.
If you want a 14" go with a Norinco as I think they are better quality than the Express (I'd get a Norinco if I could do it again). As it is, I am very happy with my Express "now" - I've probably put close to 1000shells through it in the last 2 weeks and I haven't had a single problem.
 
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Marstar list Norc as ''in stock'' so you can probably get it.
The problem with me is I will have to trade my dream shotgun (it took 4 years because of my financial situation) for a 14'' one that I will have to stack my life (and my family) on. Beside the SxS I'm looking for for bear defense, this shotgun will be use for fun and protection...so it must be TOTALY reliable.
 
870 latches

The only reason the latches are staked in place is to keep them from falling out when removing or replacing the trigger group. the pin holds them in the correct position. but i do agree that you should try replacing the latches first to fix your problem.
 
Well I took my time, sprayed and scrubbed and repeated twice more all the while letting it sit in excess cleaner in between the scrubbings. Then went with a light coat of dri-lube in a few areas. Ran a few shells throught it and is seems to be ok, but I guess only time will tell. Gonna have to take it out one day and let loose to see how she handles with some better ammo. Then if all else fails I'll get the latches replaced. Thanks for all of you opinions :rockOn:
 
This won't solve your problem, but may reduce the pita factor a bit. You can push those latches by putting your thumb or finger in through the loading port, and manually release a round.

This is how I unload my 870's to avoid having to chamber each shell in the magazine with the remote possibility of it firing if the trigger/hammer assembly malfunction.

I open the action ejecting the round in the chamber and leave it there, push the levers to release a round onto the carrier, then tip the shotgun so it falls out the ejection port into my hand. Repeat as needed, no more looking in the grass or snow for a dropped round.

The 870 is a great shotgun design, change out those latches and get on with enjoying your purchase. :)
 
For some reason myself and a buddy who also owns the same gun could not press the latches inward without taking off the barrel. I know that it's possible to do so but this one time neither of us could. There was absolutly no give at all. Gonna take it out this weekend to see how she runs.
 
badboybeeson said:
870 is stil la better combat shotgun then anyother on the market.
2nd id say maybe to the mossy 590.
bbb
Click to expand...
How often do you use it in "combat"?
 
Not as often as I would like, but I think that will change this year. Had it about 5 years now with around 1200 rounds through it.
 
I took my 870 to a gunsmith yesterday, with a shell still stuck in the mag tube so he could see what was happeneing. He played around with it for a few minutes and got it free. He figures that one of the 2 latches seems like it's a little bigger then the other one and is getting hung up on one of the action bars from the forend. Hopefully he can work this problem out for me. I should hear back from him in the next few days or so.
 
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