870 express barrel loosness

[mothernatureson]

I have a 20 gauge express that I purchased new 4 or 5 years ago. Couple of issues with it. One, the barrel seems to have some play in relation to the reciever even though the mag cap is tight. Is this normal? Second, on occassion the plastic magazine follower has stuck in the bottom of the mag which makes it impossible to load shells in the magazine. I have contacted the Rem folks(email) with no response. Any help will be appreciated. thanks
mothernatureson

 

[waynzwld]

I'm probably not much help, but i noticed when I was looking for a used one, there was a lot of variation in how tight the barrel in different guns. Some were lose and some had no play at all. In the used ones that were lose, they were heavily used.

 

[Dave McCracken]

On one or two 870s here, I've had to tighten up the mag cap ONE click with padded jaw channelocks. On the TB, swapping caps did the trick.

A hair of looseness doesn't seem to affect performance except for slug work, then it's greatly detrimental to accuracy. Contined use with it loose may create headspace probs.

As for the follower, they're cheap and easy to replace. First, though, empty the parts out of the magazine and see if there's any corrosion or grunge impeding function. A snug patch wetted with CLP or other good lube and protectorant followed by a clean dry patch or two is good PM and may aid this problem.