Smooth loading 870 vs 500?

[James Howlett]

A slightly different 500 vs 870 thread.
So I've recently loaded both, a Rem 870 and a Mossberg 500, I find the 500 loads much smoother/easier (therefore faster) than the 870 does.
While the shell lifter plays a part in this, even with the lifter up I can't load the 870 as smooth as the 500. The 870 is a 4+1 so 4 in the tube all stock as far as I know. The 870 was a used wingmaster the 500 was a new JIC, so new vs old might not be the case.
Is there a reason for this? Any way to make this more even?

Most things I've read are how to get them to cycle smoother but nothing with loading ammo.

 

[Sambaru]

Maybe it's because I learned/practiced all my loading on an 870 but I do not find an 870 any slower to load than a 500. I find them to be equal, and can do shot > load 4 in the tube > shot in ~3.5 seconds on either.. I do not find the shell lifter on the 870 to slow me down at all.

The shell lifters on semi-auto Mossbergs, semi-auto Remingtons, and Benellis though... they jam my thumb up on occasion and I can't load as fast as I can on the pump designs.

Regarding your inquiry, might have to do with spring tension or how freely the followers move in the tubes but I personally can not tell a difference.

 

[870P]

It takes less practice with, and is much easier to be fast with the Mossberg setup under less than ideal circumstances.

I don't have a Mossberg, but with my Ithaca 37 and its similarily unobstructed loading port, its not too difficult to reload it even while moving or being in an awkward position.

Anyway, the three things I've found that mechanically make loading easier are; polishing the interior of the mag tube, installing a low drag follower and treating the insidde of the mag tube and spring with G96 or so other lube that leaves a dry film of lubricant behind after it dries.

The resulting difference isn't huge but it is noticable, and its much easier to keep the mag tube interior clean and rust free also.

 

[James Howlett]

Yeah it's mechanical stuff I'm looking for. I know the lifter will always be its own issue, hopefully it doesn't bit my thumb,
It might be the spring is there a different spring to try? Its a standard tube no extension 4x2 3/4", but the follower might be something to try, or maybe 'dry' lube? I'm not sure what that is but I'll keep my eyes open. Hell might just need a cleaning and lube who knows.
Just seems like shells jump right into the mossberg but the 870 takes some effort