870 Extraction Issue - Please Advise

[soonerboomer]

I have a new 870 Tactical Express like this one: http://remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-tactical.aspx
I've put about 125 rounds through it, but I've had about 10 or 12 failures to fully extract. When I move the bolt backwards, the spent shell does not always pop out of the action. Instead, it kinda just lays sideways inside the action with the front half of the spent shell sticking out. This prohibits the next shell from moving up into the breech. A quick flick is all thats needed to get the spent shell to fall all the way out of the action. Its not a hard jam, but it does stop the shotgun from cycling. The shells used are the Federal bulk stuff from Wal-Mart. These shells have the short steel bases as opposed to the standard brass bases.
What is causing this? What is the remedy? Thanks for your input!

 

[Steve C]

Rack the action smartly (quicker or harder), don't baby it, don't pause in the middle and the shells should kick out properly

 

[soonerboomer]

No pause or baby-ing it here. I've shot 870's for 25+ years so I'm familiar with their actions. However, I will say this is my first "security" configured 870 and I'm trying to learn to shoot it more quickly. In an effort to speed things up, it could be that I'm begin closing the bolt just a bit before its all the way back? I'm assuming this could cause the same effect. I'll keep practicing with it. Thanks Steve C

Any other opinions???

 

[NCsmitty]

You need to take a look at the extractor a few times, as it's pulling the case after firing. I'm talking a slow motion visual to make sure the extractor is not losing it's grip on those steel cased hulls.
Also compare it to the other style brass hulls, if you have some of those around.
If the extractor is holding it on the way back to the ejector, then it may be your technique.
If it's not holding, then check the spring tension that actuates the extractor, and replace if necessary. I know it's a new gun, but 870's are easy to work on, and those parts are relatively cheap. It may be just a weak spring, if it's not hanging on the hull's rim.
It beats sending the gun back for repair.

Midway has parts.

www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowseProd...&categoryString=649***20766***9143***11373***



NCsmitty

 

[Gord]

In an effort to speed things up, it could be that I'm begin closing the bolt just a bit before its all the way back?

Could be. For now, forget about speed until you've figured out whether your issue is bad parts or user error. You know the drill - give the slide a hard rack, all the way back until you feel it bottom out. Make sure you're not shortstroking.

 

[/k/anadian]

Aftermarket steel extractor, the express extractors are MIM. Might be able to see if a stronger extractor spring will help. I'd also get the ejector checked, might be pushing the shells off the extractor too soon in some way.

I'd just go with a mossberg, they have two extractors that have much tougher springs, are always machined and have a strong ejector.

 

[Gord]

Generally speaking, "just get rid of it and get this instead!" answers (particularly to easily-fixable problems) are maybe half a rung above pounding your johnson on the keyboard as far as helpful quotient goes. The More You Know.™

 

[dfariswheel]

Here's some possible causes/things to look at:

1. Buy some better grade ammo.
The cheap ammo is becoming notorious for causing extraction problems.

2. Use a chamber brush to scrub the chamber.
Guns are shipping with a sticky lube in the chamber. If you don't clean it out, it gets gummy and causes extraction problems.

3. Disassemble the extractor and clean out the hole in the bolt. Lube up the extractor spring and plunger when you reassemble it.
I have found 870's with grit in the extractor assembly causing the extractor to not hold the shell properly.

4. Inspect the ejector and it's long spring to insure it's intact and not broken or damaged.

5. Buy some better grade ammo.
(Did I mention cheap ammo causing problems)?