870 magazine problem/troubleshooting

[FullEffect1911]

I have an 870 express with a factory extended tube magazine on the shotgun (6+1 capacity). Sometimes while loading the tube to it's maximum capacity it will just completely stop after the 5th shell is pushed in. The 5th shell will feed normally, but I cannot load the 6th shell at all, it won't even start. I tried a different aftermarket follower, but that didn't help. When I unload a few shells and try again to load up to max, it will usually go without a fight.

I suppose it could be spring bind or the edge of the shell catching on the seam between the tube and extended tube.

Any ideas as to what is going on here; and if so, how can it be remedied?

 

[herkyguy]

take it apart and look for what the follower might be catching on. I added a tube extension to my 870 and had to drill out the two dimples designed to hold the spring in place when removing the barrel. perhaps there is a tiny burr or something that catches sometimes.

 

[m47dragon]

Make certain you have the correct length spring and that it is still in spec.

Even the smallest dent or burr in the mag tube can bind the spring or prevent smooth loading, too.

 

[MAX100]

The problem you are having is probably the spring is hanging up on the indented ring in the tube ext that's for the mag clamp screw.

Take the tube extension off and when you reinstall it make sure the spring is goes all the way up into the tube ext & isn't hanging up on the indented ring. Install the tube ext base first then screw the tube into the base until it stops; don't over tighten it or the mag clamp. Don't over tighten tube ext base either or you will have a heck of a time getting it off.

Check your spring and make sure it's in good shape if not replace it with a Wolff spring or another extra power factory spring.

GC

 

[FullEffect1911]

Take the tube extension off and when you reinstall it make sure the spring is goes all the way up into the tube ext & isn't hanging up on the indented ring.

That indented ring seems like the only thing protruding into the tube. I will check this out and see if it fixes my problems.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[RandKL]

Max, you're into making things for guns, right? Here's a suggestion for you. Might make a million bucks.

Find a supplier of *thin walled* tempered steel tubing that will slide down tight into a Remington mag tube that will do away with all the problems. Long enough to butt down to the receiver and all the way up to the inside end of the mag tube extension. Has to be really thin-walled, though, so it won't cause the follower to bind up. Hell, make a new follower to fit it if need be. The bottom end would have to be turned in a fraction of an inch to catch the follower and to fit the contours of the current tube/receiver joint....the top end would be left full open.

Think about it.

richard

 

[MAX100]

Max, you're into making things for guns, right? Here's a suggestion for you. Might make a million bucks.

Find a supplier of *thin walled* tempered steel tubing that will slide down tight into a Remington mag tube that will do away with all the problems. Long enough to butt down to the receiver and all the way up to the inside end of the mag tube extension. Has to be really thin-walled, though, so it won't cause the follower to bind up. Hell, make a new follower to fit it if need be. The bottom end would have to be turned in a fraction of an inch to catch the follower and to fit the contours of the current tube/receiver joint....the top end would be left full open.

Think about it.

That would probably work. Tanks Rifle Shop makes close copy of the 870 factory clamp & tube extension that doesn't have the indented ring, I believe.


GC

 

[RandKL]

It would do away with the spring binding or the follower/spring catching on the inside joints etc. That's one place a Mossy has a huge advantage over pretty much all else. With an extended mag tube, there are no joints or projections etc to catch.

Be well.

rich

 

[MAX100]

The FN SLP semi auto shotguns have a one piece full length mag tube with a metal sleeve over it. It makes it look like it has a tube extension, it's a good design.

GC

 

[jakemccoy]

Any ideas as to what is going on here; and if so, how can it be remedied?

Figure out the problem to ease your mind. Then, lose the magazine extension. That's what I did.

 

[Youngster]

I had to use a hand file to break a very slight edge on the inside edge of the aftermarket extension I used to run since it would get hung up on that point. I never had a problem with it after that, although later I decided I was better off without the extension.

The follower is another thing I'd look at, the factory plastic is too soft and easily deformed to deal with much in the way of imperfections in side the tube. I'd replace it with a metal follower.

 

[FullEffect1911]

I bought an choate after market follower. It seems to be a very good design, but I had to clean that one up even a bit. We'll see if it makes a difference after being cleaned up.

 

[dfariswheel]

If you're using a Remington factory extension, first step is to insure its assembled correctly.

The factory unit is assembled by screwing the collar onto the gun to lock the barrel in place.

Next, install the magazine spring, then screw the extension tube on until the extension tube JUST contacts the gun's magazine tube.
Then attach the barrel clamp.

If you screw the extension on too tight, the pressure may cause the two tubes to misalign, causing things to hang up.
Screw the tube on too loose, and they'll be a gap between the tubes that will catch things and cause a jam.

Of course, a good idea is to check the gun's magazine tube and the extension tube for bends or burrs on the tube ends in case there's some damage.

When screwing the collar on the gun, screw it down until its snug against the barrel support ring, then give it one more "click".
The collar must be tight against the ring, but you should be able to unscrew the collar with just your fingers.

Also note that many guns are coming from Remington with the collar screwed on so tight you may have to use a strap wrench or padded pliers to get it off.
If you scar the collar getting it off, call Remington and complain. They'll send you a new one.