Anything I should upgrade on a 1952 870?

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DrDremel

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I picked up an 870 made in 1952. It has finsih wear and a speckle or two that needs to be cleaned up. Are there any parts that should be upgraded. There must have been some improvements over the years. I plan on replacing all the springs just because.
 
Shocking as it seems, I don't think that there's anything.

The one thing I can think of is the magazine plug. If it's a hunting gun, there's probably a wood plug in it.

Take that out ASAP, clean the inside of the mag, and oil it and the spring lightly with CLP, Rem Oil, or some other thin non-gooey preservative/lube. Replace with modern green plastic plug.

The wooden ones hold water and cause rust. I have pulled one out of a 35-year-old 1100 and it didn't seem to be a problem, but this is a desert climate.:) I still dropped in a plastic one -- can't hurt, and it's really cheap.
 
Concur with ArmedBear.

I wouldn't even change the springs unless needed. It's a fine and classic old gun as is, so "don't fix what ain't broke".:)
 
If that is the original (1952 vintage) barrel....DO NOT USE ANYTHING BUT LEAD SHOT IN IT.


/////Ranting and raving off. Congrats on the find and picking up a classic American Shotgun.
 
Lead shot and 2 3/4" shells, AFAIK.

I know a trapshooter/collector who still uses a 1950 (first year issue) 870 occasionally. Last time I saw him he was shooting a 1966 commemorative 870. They both work like new.
 
I have found that the used pumps I shoot get worse when I detail strip them and put em back together all shiny.

Spray a little CLP in the action, maybe replace the mag plug and shoot the damn thing until it stops (good luck).
 
If you harm it in any way, the shotgun gods will ensure that you pay the consequences. Do Not Anger The Gods.

Otherwise, shoot and enjoy.
 
Thanks for the advice. The gun has seen a lot of use and has about 50% finish left. The stock is cracked and will be replaced. I had heard that there was a change in the lifter as my other 870s have a u shaped cut in the lifter.
 
I don't think the lifter needs to be upgraded.

However, you can easily find out if it matters. Shoot the thing, then swap in one of your other trigger groups. AFAIK they will all fit any gun. Not Super Magnums, maybe, but all the rest. If the thing cycles fine with the original, I wouldn't screw with it.
 
Fire pin breakage.
The reason I have a love/hate relationship with Winchester 12s and 42s.

Have you noticed how much more solid and smooth your 1952 era 870 feels compared to a new version????
 
Not only is the old 870 better but I have found that to be the case with all guns. I have a 10/22 from 1968 and last year and there is a huge difference in quality and manufacture. Painted vs. anodized, etc.
 
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