More Remington 870 problems

deerhuntertyler · 10-22-2009, 07:22 PM

OK, I have sold both of my 870s and got some benelli novas because of problems with them jambing but my dad still has his 870 12 gauge because he does not want to spend money on a new gun right now. But last Sunday when we shot are guns to prepare for shotgun deer season, his chamber came open every time he shot. We only shot it four times because we dint want something to really go wrong but when you cycle the empty shell out and the new one in it did latch in and would not come back but when he shot the chamber and pump came 1/2 way-all the way open. I cleaned the gun extremely thoroughly including taking it all apart and cleaning everything hoping that would help but we tried shooting it again and the 2 shots we fired had the same problem. I'm no gunsmith and don't know whats going on so any help would be appreciated.
thanks, Tyler

Midas · 10-22-2009, 07:29 PM

Sounds like you are sliding the forend back under recoil.

jmp8927 · 10-22-2009, 07:38 PM

^Yep. Happens to me every now and then shooting 00 buck or slugs in my Mossberg 500A with 18" barrel. Doesn't happen with the added weight of a 24" barrel. Try sitting the fore end on something and shooting it holding with only your trigger hand. I don't think anything abnormal will happen.

deerhuntertyler · 10-22-2009, 07:38 PM

I thought of that too but I watched and it was not the case. I had him try holding it but the power was to great. I also had him shoot it from a lead sled wear his hand does not come into contact with the forend while he shoots

G. Green · 10-22-2009, 07:44 PM

With a quality weapon like the 870 I would first look for some kind of operator error. Did you both shoot it and experience the same malfunction? Even experienced people sometimes develop some kind of habit without realizing it. I'd try again and keep the weak hand off the forearm, and focus on keeping the strong hand and whatever you're using for a rest away from the slide release and see if it still does it.

deerhuntertyler · 10-22-2009, 07:48 PM

I'm convinsed that it is not operator error. we both shot it along with his 870 20 gauge and we both had the same problem with that paticlualar gun but not with the other. we have tryed everything that has been sugested so far. I honestly belive it is a problem with the gun.

samuel · 10-22-2009, 09:36 PM

Often Rem.M870,s and Mossy M500,s the part of the barrel that slides in the action is a tad too long,not letting the bolt lock go all the way up. If you take a file and carefully file the very end that goes in the action so it can let the bolt lock,lock properly they will stop flying open.It doesn't take much.Better yet,any gunsmith will know about it and fix it very easily. ,,,sam.

Clyde · 10-22-2009, 10:39 PM

When Loading 12 gauge 0 buck how does the pattern look like?

nathangdad · 10-22-2009, 11:03 PM

I have owned several 870's in my lifetime and have one now for self defense purposes.

I just have never had any problems with these guns. I do admit I feel a better quality trigger pull would be an asset.

Kaybe · 11-01-2009, 01:58 AM

When the weapon is cocked, the tab just in front of the trigger guard sticks out. This is your action release lever but the other end is the action bar lock. When the hammer is cocked, the action bar lock goes up and block the bars from moving backwards, unlocking the bolt. This keeps the round locked up when fired. Drop the trigger assembly and you will see the other end of the action release lever. This end, the end that locks the bars, could be bent inwards or worn or the spring that gives the whole piece tension could be weak. Check this by leaving the bolt and slide off when you put the forend back in the gun. You will be able to see if the action bar lock is correctly "locking" the bars to keep them from moving back or if it is bent. It should be flush with the inside of the receiver. Check the locking notch in the barrel to see if it is "peened" over or full of stuff. Check the part of the bolt that locks into the barrel to make sure it is clean.

samuel · 11-01-2009, 03:18 AM

Check whatever you please but if the release isn't coming all the way down when the action is locked the bolt lock isn't all the way in the barrel lock meaning the barrel is too far ahead to allow it to go all the way up.I really don't give a dam* what you do or if you ever get it to work,but until the barrel is moved back enough so the bolt lock can go all the way up and lock it ain't going to work.This is just a few thousands off the back of the part that slides in the receiver.I have seen new barrels that wouldn't even let the gun fire.Filing just a little off the back of the barrel made them work perfect.Do what ever you please. ,,,sam.

Mooseman684 · 11-01-2009, 04:00 AM

SAM...You of all people should know better than to tell someone who IS NOT a gunsmith to take a file to anything , especially an 870 that is having a Malfunction. That gun worked from the factory and it needs to either be cleaned or checked out by a competent Gunsmith ONLY...It could have been disassembled and then Re-assembled with the barrel not quite in all the way. It could have a locking Bar/Action lock/ spring problem...
Too many Variables to just say "File it".
Rich

samuel · 11-01-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooseman684

SAM...You of all people should know better than to tell someone who IS NOT a gunsmith to take a file to anything , especially an 870 that is having a Malfunction. That gun worked from the factory and it needs to either be cleaned or checked out by a competent Gunsmith ONLY...It could have been disassembled and then Re-assembled with the barrel not quite in all the way. It could have a locking Bar/Action lock/ spring problem...
Too many Variables to just say "File it".
Rich

All right.no more advice from me. ,,,sam.

samuel · 11-03-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooseman684

SAM...You of all people should know better than to tell someone who IS NOT a gunsmith to take a file to anything , especially an 870 that is having a Malfunction. That gun worked from the factory and it needs to either be cleaned or checked out by a competent Gunsmith ONLY...It could have been disassembled and then Re-assembled with the barrel not quite in all the way. It could have a locking Bar/Action lock/ spring problem...
Too many Variables to just say "File it".
Rich

I have been chastised in open forum for posting a simple solution to a frequently found problem,and been informed that only a master gunsmith has the skills necessary to use tools on firearms to remedy simple problems.(there is one thing to look for first,is the nut on the magazine that holds the barrel on tight?) The technique I posted was shown to me by a master gunsmith that has hundreds of thousands in shop/equipment and employs several teams to build/repair firearms.All teams are specialists in their field and everyone makes big money.I was shown the technique years back and instructed to look for a small bulge just ahead of the extraction rim,showing the bolt was releasing while the case was still under pressure,thus making the bulge,which by the way,makes the hull almost useless for reloading.The other easy indication is the bolt release does not go as far down with the barrel installed as it does without the barrel in place.To me the "FIX"is so simple that I trusted that anyone could handle it so I posted it.It is virtually impossible for dirt to cause this and I have seen many brand new guns have this problem.(and have it cured in two minutes with a simple filing)But I am told that I am terrible for sharing what has worked on hundreds of barrels/actions.To me it seems so simple,"a caveman can do it".But I have been told I am all wrong and so even tho I know such easy fixes that can save money,I will no longer post them.I almost always advised going to a smith,but this one seems so simple.About like turning a screw clockwise to tighten. ,,,sam.

10-22-2009, 07:22 PM	#1
deerhuntertyler Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Medford MN Posts: 412	More Remington 870 problems OK, I have sold both of my 870s and got some benelli novas because of problems with them jambing but my dad still has his 870 12 gauge because he does not want to spend money on a new gun right now. But last Sunday when we shot are guns to prepare for shotgun deer season, his chamber came open every time he shot. We only shot it four times because we dint want something to really go wrong but when you cycle the empty shell out and the new one in it did latch in and would not come back but when he shot the chamber and pump came 1/2 way-all the way open. I cleaned the gun extremely thoroughly including taking it all apart and cleaning everything hoping that would help but we tried shooting it again and the 2 shots we fired had the same problem. I'm no gunsmith and don't know whats going on so any help would be appreciated. thanks, Tyler __________________ I'm a farm boy who definitely isn't afraid of hard work! If its worth doing, its worth doing right!

10-22-2009, 07:29 PM	#2
Midas Chief Troll B' Gone Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 3,571 Images: 2 Blog Entries: 6	Sounds like you are sliding the forend back under recoil. __________________ The Second Amendment: America's Original Homeland Security. NRA Life Member

10-22-2009, 07:38 PM	#3
jmp8927 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Walterboro, SC Posts: 2,277 Images: 18	^Yep. Happens to me every now and then shooting 00 buck or slugs in my Mossberg 500A with 18" barrel. Doesn't happen with the added weight of a 24" barrel. Try sitting the fore end on something and shooting it holding with only your trigger hand. I don't think anything abnormal will happen. __________________ Fear not, for I am with you; Be not discouraged, for I am your God.

10-22-2009, 07:38 PM	#4
deerhuntertyler Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Medford MN Posts: 412	I thought of that too but I watched and it was not the case. I had him try holding it but the power was to great. I also had him shoot it from a lead sled wear his hand does not come into contact with the forend while he shoots __________________ I'm a farm boy who definitely isn't afraid of hard work! If its worth doing, its worth doing right!

10-22-2009, 07:48 PM	#6
deerhuntertyler Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Medford MN Posts: 412	I'm convinsed that it is not operator error. we both shot it along with his 870 20 gauge and we both had the same problem with that paticlualar gun but not with the other. we have tryed everything that has been sugested so far. I honestly belive it is a problem with the gun. __________________ I'm a farm boy who definitely isn't afraid of hard work! If its worth doing, its worth doing right!

10-22-2009, 07:44 PM	#5
G. Green Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NE OK Posts: 464	With a quality weapon like the 870 I would first look for some kind of operator error. Did you both shoot it and experience the same malfunction? Even experienced people sometimes develop some kind of habit without realizing it. I'd try again and keep the weak hand off the forearm, and focus on keeping the strong hand and whatever you're using for a rest away from the slide release and see if it still does it.

10-22-2009, 09:36 PM	#7
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10,914	Often Rem.M870,s and Mossy M500,s the part of the barrel that slides in the action is a tad too long,not letting the bolt lock go all the way up. If you take a file and carefully file the very end that goes in the action so it can let the bolt lock,lock properly they will stop flying open.It doesn't take much.Better yet,any gunsmith will know about it and fix it very easily. ,,,sam.

10-22-2009, 10:39 PM	#8
Clyde Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6	How many o buck fit in a 2 3/4 12 gauge shell? What does the pattern look like? When Loading 12 gauge 0 buck how does the pattern look like?
	1 members found this post helpful.

10-22-2009, 11:03 PM	#9
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5,170	I think Midas is on to something I have owned several 870's in my lifetime and have one now for self defense purposes. I just have never had any problems with these guns. I do admit I feel a better quality trigger pull would be an asset.

11-01-2009, 01:58 AM	#10
Kaybe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northcentral Ohio Posts: 641	When the weapon is cocked, the tab just in front of the trigger guard sticks out. This is your action release lever but the other end is the action bar lock. When the hammer is cocked, the action bar lock goes up and block the bars from moving backwards, unlocking the bolt. This keeps the round locked up when fired. Drop the trigger assembly and you will see the other end of the action release lever. This end, the end that locks the bars, could be bent inwards or worn or the spring that gives the whole piece tension could be weak. Check this by leaving the bolt and slide off when you put the forend back in the gun. You will be able to see if the action bar lock is correctly "locking" the bars to keep them from moving back or if it is bent. It should be flush with the inside of the receiver. Check the locking notch in the barrel to see if it is "peened" over or full of stuff. Check the part of the bolt that locks into the barrel to make sure it is clean. __________________ Some people are alive simply because it is illegal to kill them. Last edited by Kaybe; 11-02-2009 at 01:06 AM.
	1 members found this post helpful.

11-01-2009, 03:18 AM	#11
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 10,914	Check whatever you please but if the release isn't coming all the way down when the action is locked the bolt lock isn't all the way in the barrel lock meaning the barrel is too far ahead to allow it to go all the way up.I really don't give a dam* what you do or if you ever get it to work,but until the barrel is moved back enough so the bolt lock can go all the way up and lock it ain't going to work.This is just a few thousands off the back of the part that slides in the receiver.I have seen new barrels that wouldn't even let the gun fire.Filing just a little off the back of the barrel made them work perfect.Do what ever you please. ,,,sam.

11-01-2009, 04:00 AM	#12
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness. Unit 13 Posts: 11,310 Images: 2	SAM...You of all people should know better than to tell someone who IS NOT a gunsmith to take a file to anything , especially an 870 that is having a Malfunction. That gun worked from the factory and it needs to either be cleaned or checked out by a competent Gunsmith ONLY...It could have been disassembled and then Re-assembled with the barrel not quite in all the way. It could have a locking Bar/Action lock/ spring problem... Too many Variables to just say "File it". Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!