I Just bought a new 870 express and took it out today. I fired one round through it and it jammed when trying to eject. I managed to get it out after some effort. Went on and fired some more and 3 out of 5 were jamming and the others were a pain. Its my first pump so I'm wondering if it will loosen up over time?
870 Question
- Thread starter VIZSLA
- Start date
Not to worry, it gets better as the gun breaks in. Just make sure that you're not short stroking it...if you don't pump it aggressively enough it won't eject properly (yeah, yeah, insert masturbation joke here). If it's the Magnum Express, don't use 3 1/2" shells until you've put a bunch of 2 3/4" or 3" through it. At least, that's what I've found with my 870's.
sg is correct...do not handle it gently. I have a few Wingmasters, and while they operate more smoothly than the Express, they need to be operate aggresively as well. In fact most firearms of every action type are more likely to be troublesome if not worked with considerable authority.
- Location
- Stony Plain, Alberta
Are you using cheap walmart style aluminum rimmed shells? Had the same problem with a well broke in Ithaca 37, using cheap ammo.
It would appear so...
viszula, there is a quick little fix that can be done that requires a drill , a wooden down with a slot cut in the top and a piece of sandpaper or emery paper and a quick hone inside the barrel from the chamber end.
There are countless threads on this and if I recall even a picture or three.
Guys, chime in with the link or he can use the search feature that does work.
Happy Shooting,
Rob
870 slight modification
There is also another "fix" for the 870 for jams caused by short stroking.
You mark a line with a magic marker on the center line of the lifter. Drill a 3/16 hole about 3/4 inch from the front end and another about 1 inch from the rear end. Take a Dremel tool with a cutting blade, and make a slot between the two holes.
If the gun jams due to a shell in the lifter and one in the breech, you insert a knife into the slot, and push the loaded shell back into the magazine. You do not have to disassemble everything to get the gun back working fast.
This is more a fix for a "tactical" shotgun rather than a sporting one, as one might need to get the gun back in operation quickly.
As suggested, pump the thing with authority, every time!
There is also another "fix" for the 870 for jams caused by short stroking.
You mark a line with a magic marker on the center line of the lifter. Drill a 3/16 hole about 3/4 inch from the front end and another about 1 inch from the rear end. Take a Dremel tool with a cutting blade, and make a slot between the two holes.
If the gun jams due to a shell in the lifter and one in the breech, you insert a knife into the slot, and push the loaded shell back into the magazine. You do not have to disassemble everything to get the gun back working fast.
This is more a fix for a "tactical" shotgun rather than a sporting one, as one might need to get the gun back in operation quickly.
As suggested, pump the thing with authority, every time!
Thanks for the advise. It is new so I dont want to void my warranty by drilling it. Also I'm using Winchester Light 2 3/4 1oz 7 1/2 loads. I was pumping with authority and I'm not a small guy and still having trouble getting them out. I havent even bothered putting more than one shell in until I can cycle this thing nicely. I've put 200 shells through it and still not getting better. Sucks because I got this as a spare gun while my other one is getting fixed and now have two with problems 
This is unnecessary for any 870 equipped with the flex tab lifter and bolt. These guns can be identified by a U-shaped slot in the lifter. With this setup, a double feed can be cleared by working the action.
Any 870 made in about the past 25 years or so should have this.
carl gustav
CGN Regular
- Location
- Thunder Bay
No! A Wingmaster or an Ithaca 37!
