Advice on loading an 870...

[Big Mike]

Hello,

When attempting to load my 870 Express at the range, I notice my thumb intermittantly getting hung up on the loading gate/tab when inserting a shell. I have always had a bit of an issue with this, but the last I went to the range my thumb got pinched good. I'm not over inserting my thumb at all as I have attempted to correct my technique and it seems like I haven't been successful having my thumb clear that tab.

So, is this where I should focus more on training and finesse or is there another type of tab I can buy? This happens when I load from the bottom of if I roll the shotgun on its back and load from the top...all while securing the shotgun in my right/strong hand.

I'll add that I've had the experience when trying not to get my thumb caught, inserted a shell into the tube and having in shoot back behind the tab causing the action to gum up. I had to take the mag tube cap off along with the spring and follower to get the shell out. Thought and comments would be appreciated. Thanks and Merry Christmas! Mike

 

[Dave McCracken]

Keep working on it. Hardware can never substitute for expertise.

 

[slopemeno]

My technique is to use the first knuckle of my thumb to push the carrier out of the way, while the tip of my bent thumb pushes the round into the magazine. Make sure you push the round WELL into the mag, as a round popping past the shell stop is a pain in the butt to clear.

 

[1911user]

Don't feel bad, I'm having to learn how load an 870 tube also. It seems like the old model 12s were easier to load quickly. I haven't been caught by the 870 tab yet, but I have a few extra scrapes on my thumb from loading.

The easiest (and fastest) method I've found is to turn the shotgun upside down and hold it with my left hand then load several shells with my right hand. I shoot right handed so it's not tactically correct but I'll practice more and see what works out as the better technique.

 

[rem870]

Big Mike the reason the shell is coming back over the loading tab is that it isn't getting fully seated into the magazine. If it is not inserted fully the two tabs that hold the shell in the magazine will not engage it properly and it will shoot back under the bolt and over the loading tab. I had this happen to me several times while I was wearing gloves trying to load my 870.

 

[Big Mike]

Thanks for the tips and info. Yeah, having the shell shoot back against the tab gums it up like nothing else...I'll try the technique slopemeno has suggested. Mike