Changing 870 from 2 3/4" to 3"

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Scott Bear

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I know I've asked this before but now can't find the thread.

What steps are involved in putting a 3" chambered barrel on an old wingmaster that came with a 2 3/4" barrel?

Is there any gunsmithing involved? Does any one know of a gunsmith in Vancouver that could do the work or put in a ball-detent and do some bluing?

Is there really a big difference between the 2 3/4" and the 3". Using primarily in the bush (grizzlies/zombies)?

Thanks again,

Scott
 
Slugs in 2 3/4" differ little from 3" ones if you are using them for bear defense at close range. You can just swap barrels but you MUST change the ejector on the back wall of the receiver to a 3" ejector. Otherwise you fired 3" hull will not clear the ejection port during a reload.

And a second shot at a grizzly might come in handy!
 
the barrels will swap with no problem .the problem is a two and three quarter reciver is not rated for magnum loads and could be a hazard with magnum loads not a good idea DUTCH
 
I have converted several 870's to 3 inch. As Skoalbandit indicates you have to replace the ejector with one for 3" shells. Of course a barrel for 3" shells is necessary! Instalation of a new ejector oftens entails replacement of the rivets which then shows on the left side of the receiver. Any gunsmith can do the job.
 
wilson conmbat does 3" receiver conversions all the time- it only involves the ejector replacement. Remington stopped cataloging the 2 3/4" ejector years ago.

You do have to have a 3" chambered barrel though - and since lockup takes place inside the barrel, that's where the strength is. Some will also bore out a 2/3/4" barrel to 3"- but Brownell's advises this is of questionable safety

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/General/DisplayPDF.aspx?f=Inst-100.pdf
 
each to there own but there is a reason the three inch guns are marked magnum on the side of the receiver
 
We're both right. Some European proofs go beyond SAAMI specs to 1050 bar working pressure (proof pressure much higher).

The consensus on the net seems to be that 1050 bar shells do not necessary run that high, only that they are meant to be used with a gun proofed to 1050 bar. That is net opinion - take it with the standard disclaimer and grain of salt.

I've had Remington tell me that changing the ejector is enough to convert a 2-3/4" receiver to shoot magnums with a 3" Remington barrel. Good enough for me.
 
Boys stop arguing! And face the fact that a lady gave him the correct answer right off the bat. :)

Growing up a tom-boy with a gunsmith dad has it's advantages.
 
I was a Remington warranty gunsmith for years and did many of these conversions there is no safety issue and yes some of the early 870;s did have a shorter ejection port.
 
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