[WVMountainBoy]

Recently purchased a Remington 870 Express 7 shot. I like the weapon a lot. However I've read several posts about changing certain parts out to improve reliability. What parts are they and does anyone actually know if they're apt to fail? My gun has the polymer trigger guard, it has the factory magazine extension that has a ball detention style retainer. Has the sling swivel mount on the barrel/mag tube. The bolt and carriage are black (guessing bluing of some sort) The stock has the inlay texture at the grip but is otherwise good old synthetic. I like the gun's cosmetics as are but if there is something that could fail quickly with normal use than I want it changed. I read something somewhere about installing the stainless bolt and carriage. Have also heard something about changing the magazine tube spring. Any posts are appreciated and if I need to give more info about my weapon to tell if I need these upgrades just let me know.

[nekwah]

i havent found a problem yet except for a bad rust problem. Keep that baby oiled up.

[Big Bill]

I've had an 870 for a long time and all you need to do is keep it clean and lubed. It should last you a lifetime and then some.

[dfariswheel]

The only possibly weak part of the Express is the MIM (Metal Injection Molded) extractor.

Breakage of the extractor is rare, but if it keeps you awake at night, buy a Wingmaster or Police milled extractor.

The better grade Wingmaster has a chrome plated bolt, not stainless. There's no need to replace the black finished bolt.

The 870 shotgun, Express, Wingmaster, and Police are the toughest, strongest, and most durable pump gun made since the old forged and milled steel guns of the 1900's.
Any weakness has long since been found and corrected.

Shoot your 870 and don't worry about it.

[WVMountainBoy]

Thanks for the replies.
Also thanks dfariswheel for the correction on the chrome plate, I know there wouldn't be any benefit going to a plated part. I think I'll leave good enough alone for now and just order one of the milled extractors to have on standby (no harm in having a parts bin) I plan on the gun being in the inventory from here on out. It will be supplemented by another 870 with nicer wood furniture in the not so distant future. Probably one of the magnums with the 3.5 chamber and rem-choke. Just to have the versitility. This is my first pump gun, though I'm aware of their reputation. I guess all thats left is practice, practice, and a little more practice.

[Almond27]

Glad you like yours mine ran perfect for the little time I had it. I sold mine for a couple of reasons which could have easily been changed to make the shotgun fit me better. One of my main reasons though was the action was just horrible and I clean oiled lubed you name it I did it to try to smooth it out I pumped that thing every night when I went to bed for a few weeks.But for reliability you can't beat them and I probably would own another one but since I have my newly acquired wingmaster I think I have found just what I'm looking for.

[mgkdrgn]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Properly cared for, that 870 will be going BOOM a lot longer than you will. :evil: :D

[Dave McCracken]

I've been trying to break 870s since 1959.

My first one is still running 100% of the time. Maybe 5K rounds, maybe 15K. I wasn't counting.

With another 5 owned, total parts replaced comes in at two firing pin springs, both in a high mileage 870 TB trap gun with nigh 20K fired here and whoknowshowmany before it got to me.

Current owner reports no probs.

So go ahead and break your 870.

I double dare ya....

[ATAShooter]

I Triple Dog Dare Ya !!

Just don't put yer eye out.:D

[Fred Fuller]

Dude.

IT'S AN 870.

OK? Just SHOOT the thing the way it is. TRY to wear it out. If something breaks, THEN fix it. Why all this bravo sierra about having to 'fix' Express guns before they break keeps getting passed around on the 'net for gullible people to fall for I don't know, but it's getting tiresome.

YES, it's a good idea to keep a spare bolt assembly and a spare trigger plate assembly on hand for an 870, if you plan on shooting it forever with no support from a gunsmith or the factory. But the idea that an Express gun somehow needs "fixing" when it's brand new is just plain crazy.

Especially when the most strenuous activity most of them are going to get will be having their picture taken repeatedly whenever some latest and greatest tactikewl accessory gets bolted on 8^).

RANT OFF,

lpl

[Dave McCracken]

King, can you cite any case of an extractor failing?

I've yet to see it happen, and 870s have been used in my vicinity plenty....

[spyder1911]

You just bought one of the most reliable, durable guns ever made. Put whatever money you wanted to spend on "fixing" in into ammo. It will serve you much better :D

[Dave McCracken]

I know Bob, and respect his knowledge.

However, I've got at least 1K rounds through the 20 gauge Express here. Made early in the 90s. No wear visible on the extractor.

Sorry, it's the only Express here.

Yet....

[Virginian]

The MIM parts are post 2000 if I remember correctly. The "different springs" are noticably absent on the parts list.