Remington 878 Bolt Carrier

[maxman1]

From what I've read, the bolt is similar to the 870. Is it possible to modify an 870 bolt for use in an 878?

I know the barrels are interchangeable if you drill the gas port and Remington tends to make parts compatible between models (for instance the 878 uses the internal pistol design of the Model 58 Sportsman with the action bar design later used in the 1100), so is it the same for the bolt carrier?

 

[catnthehatt]

I think the easiest way to tell would be to line both up, but the 870 carrier was changed a bit , an older Wingmaster will not fit an Express , pretty sure I tried that a few years back!
Cat

 

[VLT79]

I think the easiest way to tell would be to line both up, but the 870 carrier was changed a bit , an older Wingmaster will not fit an Express , pretty sure I tried that a few years back!
Cat

That's correct. The newer 870s have a slightly modified slide plate and action arm assembly...nothing a Dremel or grinder with a cut-off wheel can't remedy though.

 

[johnsamp]

The 878 I had was missing shell stops and the bolt. As I recall, no modifications were required to the wingmaster bolt, and the shell stops were new 870 parts that needed tweeking to function dummy shells.
The gas system proved troublesome, and in the end, found an 870 action bar and barrel, and it was easy turned into a pump gun, (wish it could be as easy for my 7400!).
They tend to develop a crack in there recievers, and need to be drill stoped. It explains the fine cut behind the cocking handle slot for the 1100's - relieves stress...

 

[Trainerandtrader]

I had one years back. I found out that the 878 cartridge lifter is slightly different from the 58 or 870

 

[gunrunner100]

If you need, I have an 11-48 bolt and carrier that may be an easier swap.