Known Issues With 870 Stocks

[guyfromohio]

I have two Wingmasters, one from the 1960s and one from the 1980s. Both have nearly identical splits/cracks in the stocks.

1) Is this typical of these beautiful guns?

2) Can it be repaired, leaving confidence in its durability?

3) Can you still get these high gloss beauties from Remington (stocks)?





Edit: I meant for there to be a "?" in the title. I'm asking if there are known issues or if it is fluke.

 

[RKRCPA]

Brownell's shows them as in stock.

http://www.brownells.com/shotgun-pa...od10109.aspx?avs|Features_1=Replacement|Stock Assembly

 

[nofishbob]

The Brownells item looks like it fits 11-87 models, not an 870.

Bob

 

[guyfromohio]

I've seen replacement stocks, but I haven't found high gloss. I'm sure they're out there, somewhere.

 

[gpb]

Maybe somewhere here?

http://www.gun-parts.com/remingtonstocks/

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, it can be repaired.

If I was doing it?

I would grind slots in the fronts of the flats that would later be covered by the receiver.

Then glue & clamp the cracks shut with thin Hot Stuff CYA adhesive.
Then epoxy a threaded steel rod buried in each slot with Brownell's Acra-Glas.

Following that, a little touch-up wet sanding the finish where the crack was repaired, and touch-up the gloss finish with Tru-Oil.

It would leave an almost invisible, steel reinforced repair that would be stronger then new.

Heres what "can" be done:
http://www.stockfixrs.com/gallery/94_win.htm

rc

 

[dirtyjim]

I've had better luck glassing in a good hardwood dowel than with steel rods, but good hardwood dowels can't be found at home depot

 

[Kp321]

I would make sure that the support washer is in place between the stock and receiver. Removing it can cause the stocks to crack as does letting the stock bolt get loose. The crack can be repaired with Acraglas and reinforced with brass stock pins, sold by Brownells.

 

[btg3]

^^^ This.

If only the symptom is treated, the cause will remain -- and the problem will reoccur with use. When you understand the cause, it is apparent that operator error is to blame rather than any issue with the stock.

 

[guyfromohio]

Btg3.... operator error? Please explain.... I have not surgically removed some washer. The crack in the older model was there when my grandfather died and left it to me. The "newer" one developed after 20 years of occasional trap shooting with light loads. It's never fired a single round of anything greater than 6 shot lead. To me, it appears to be a weakness in design... perhaps the area is too thin in the grip.. I assure you, I have removed nothing. Did the washers degrade over time? Possibly. FWIW...my 1980s Wingmaster is my go-to. Love it.

 

[Hacker15E]

So, is this a statement that this is a "known issue with 870 stocks", or is it a question?

The title of the thread seems to make a statement as fact.

 

[guyfromohio]

Honestly, I meant to put a question mark and then It was too late to edit the thread title when I saw it. Kind of changes the flavor, doesn't it?

 

[btg3]

I intended "operator error" to mean shooting the gun when it is not properly assembled. That is, either missing the washer or a loose stock bolt.

The proper part name for the "washer" is actually "stock bearing plate" and can easily be found if you google "870 parts diagram". It fits bewteen the stock and receiver.

The circumference of the stock where it mates with the receiver is not intended to be a load-bearing surface. It is undercut and should not make contact with the receiver. The special washer (bearing plate) is used for 2 reasons:
1. To achieve the proper clearance around the circumference.
2. To provide a larger surface area for the recoil force to be transmitted to the stock. If the stock only contacts the receiver around the narrow undercut circumference, it WILL split.

I suggest checking to be sure that you have a small (nearly paper-thin)gap and no contact around the circumference. If no gap, remove the stock and check whether the bearing plate is missing. You can order them from Midway, or maybe Numrich's.

This bearing plate is also a feature on the Sportsman 58 which can exchange stocks with the 870. I have 4 Remington shotguns from 1956 - 1959. I know the 50-year history of 2 these guns because my Dad and I shot them weekly for doves and skeet with our own reloads. Of course the stocks do not look new, but there are no cracks or chips.

Looking more closely your photo of the older 870, I wonder if that crack could be from a lateral force -- such as sitting on the gun in the car.

 

[guyfromohio]

The 80s was purchased for me as a youth. Do you think the plate was removed to fit my size?

 

[btg3]

The bearing plate is not used for fitting the stock or for altering length of pull. But if the stock had been removed, then the plate may not have been re-installed.

Do you have the tools to remove the stock? Most any gun shop would be able to assist you, if needed.

 

[guyfromohio]

Good as new.....

I can't believe how well this stock repaired. Bill's Gun Repair in Kirkersville, Ohio did a fantastic job.

 

[guyfromohio]

For comparison:



The project took about 9 weeks, but was done "right".

 

[orionengnr]

Thank you for the update--I love a happy ending.

Now I'll have to take my stock off and see if the bearing is installed. Learn something new every day (here on THR).

Happy Birthday, America!