Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

870 action opens after firing

00buck
I recently purchased a super mag express that is about 10 years old. The gun was thoroughly cleaned and lubed.
I was shooting some cheap commercially loaded 2 3/4 shells in it. And I noticed that the action would open after every shot without pumping the action. (other 870 that I shoot have never done this)
I thought the action should only open once the gun was shot and pumped in the back position (forend pulled back).
Any suggestions? Is this safe to shoot?

Edit. The action remains locked until the trigger is pulled.
0

Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • roadchoad
    I have an express that does this as well. It just seems to be how they work if you ask me, but I am no expert.

    EDIT: WinstonBode, so you are saying the slide is not locking up at all, and the bolt lockup is holding the slide forward prior to a trigger pull? I looked at a diagram of the 870 action online, and can't find the parts you mention.

    i am very interested in your insight here. I have had no problems with the gun, but have only used light loads so far....
    0
  • wpage
    Could be residual back pressure. Once the trigger is pulled the action is free...
    0
  • 00buck
    http://remington.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/87/kw/870%20action/r_id/166


    The action on my Model 870 opens when I fire it. Is this normal?

    It is the design of the Model 870 for the action bar lock to disengage once the shell has been fired. This enables you to load and fire the second shot with more speed.
    0
  • montanajoe
    • Community moderator
    Yep.It is suppose to. Thats how you can cycle the next round for quick follow ups. Perfectly ok. Otherwise you would have activate the slide release yourself, each time.
    0
  • polariscountry500
    My friend from work just purchased a super mag turkey gun a few weeks ago. When he shoots 3in shells it also does what you describe and it throws the empty hull like an auto. He thinks this is a nice feature for fast reloading as do I.
    0
  • Mossbergboogie
    Shoot slugs the shell will eject all by itself.
    0
  • montanajoe
    • Community moderator
    Not that I promote dry firing any weapon....making darn sure the weapon is unloaded, completely(mag tube and all), if you cycle the 870 the slide will lock up, as should. If you pull the trigger, dry fire, the slide will unlock,not open like when a shell is fired, but will unlock to allow you to once again cycle the gun. It's when it won't do this, that you have trouble.
    0
  • Michibay
    Just make sure it does not open prior to pulling the trigger or the release. A friend of mine had one that would not lock-up...and he did not know the difference! I told him to get it QUICK to a gunsmith to get it fixed...
    0
  • CHEVELLE427
    just checked the one by the desk, pull the trigger and it gets loose a little.
    opens about a half inch or less.

    think it is normal
    0
  • Winston Bode
    This should not be happening. What the problem is, and I don't have my book in front of me to name the parts, but something is not right. It is a simple fix.

    Take the trigger group out and look at the left side of it as it would be in the shotgun.

    On the side you will see two little levers, one is probably silver and one is black or blued.

    Okay, got the gun in front of me,

    The rear lever should be over the front lever. If this is not the case then the slide will not lock up before or after firing.

    What you will have to do is take the large hollow pin out of the rear of the trigger housing and take the hammer spring out.

    Move the trigger back far enough to get the front lever under the rear lever and it should work.

    If you need more detailed information, e-mail me and I will email pictures to you. Hope this helps.

    Bode
    0
  • 00buck
    Bode,

    I just pulled the trigger group. I see two levers, one is black(action release) and the one coming off the sear spring is silver.

    The finger action release lever is below the silver lever that is attached to the sear spring assembly.

    I send you an email for further information.
    0
  • Winston Bode
    NO email yet, but that is correct.

    Are you pulling back slightly on the forearm when you pull the trigger? It's not like a winchester where you have to push forward to unlock it.

    The main thing is, does it lock closed with a round in the chamber and only unlocks when you pull the trigger.

    This is how it is supposed to work.

    Bode
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity