Unloading an 870 Tactically

[dak0ta]

Hi,

So there is this video on youtube showing how to unload an 870 with a round in the chamber and 3 in the mag.

The demonstrator opens the action half way, pulls the shell out of the chamber, then pushes up the shell elevator and depress the shell latch to empty the mag.

Well I tried this, but for some reason, I have to depress both shell latches on each side before the shell comes out.

Howcome I have to press both shell latches while the guy in the video only presses the left shell latch?

 

[Virginian]

Because he pulled the action back just far enough to depress one of the shell latches with the action bar. I have seen people mark the bars so they know when it is right there.

 

[zhyla]

Related question, what is the rationale behind having a "tactical" unloading method? A "tactical unload" sounds like a euphemism for emptying it into a bad guy. What's the reason for there being a method? Seems like you would unload when the "tactical" part of your day was over.

 

[dak0ta]

I guess cause it then helps sell their videos. Just like Mossberg names their 500's RoadBlocker or Rolling Thunder. Tactical sells at the moment.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Tactical, Schmactical.

However, doing it this way means one does not cycle rounds through the chamber, always a good thing when not preparing to fire or firing.

 

[hags]

Tactical guys are always ready, they never unload, never!
Being unloaded is being weak, and that can not ever happen!!!

 

[jakemccoy]

This is the method at 4:30:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7ZCNUiz79k

I've never referred to this method as "tactical", and I hope that description stays in this thread only.

 

[dak0ta]

Cool the guy that makes them videos is a forum member

 

[Fred Fuller]

Actually, unloading a shotgun is an administrative function. Loading one in the middle of a firefight can be done in a tactical manner, but the only method of tactically unloading a shotgun is via the muzzle .

lpl

 

[altitude_19]

6 vs half-dozen

Whichever works for you. The current USAF M870 qualification course teaches us to unload by kicking out the chambered round, turning the shotgun to the side to dump the round on the loading tray, and racking to place another round on the loading tray to dump (repeat until empty). A round is never re-chambered after the first round clears the chamber, so there's no real danger of a negligent discharge. Mind you, the gentleman who made the video demonstrating the other method said NEGLIGENT discharge for a reason (as in if it happens, it's your fault).

 

[AcceptableUserName]

it's nifty to know, but I think if you need to change rounds in the middle of a firefight you a - failed to properly prepare and b - are probably just better off racking them out. "shell damage" as the video puts it is by far the least of your worries in a "tactical" situation. id just rack out the buck and throw the slugs in or vice versa. but whatever works for you i guess.


as stated before by much more senior members than I, a "tactical unload" would best be to unload the shells intoa bg's center mass...

 

[jakemccoy]

I'm happy I found this method. I'm less comfortable with having rounds go into the chamber repeatedly, while the muzzle is pointed downstairs or at my neighbor's house.

 

[altitude_19]

Racking doesn't necessarily place another round in the chamber! Eject chambered round, extract round on loading tray, rack to place another round on the loading (NOT in the chamber!), extract, and repeat. I'm not advocating one method over another, but DON'T think that you have to re-chamber to unload via racking.

 

[sneedb82]

The same method is referred to in the user manual.

Just FYI

 

[oneounceload]

Sounds like this should be titled "How to unload a 870 CAREFULLY"

 

[jakemccoy]

Racking doesn't necessarily place another round in the chamber! Eject chambered round, extract round on loading tray, rack to place another round on the loading (NOT in the chamber!), extract, and repeat. I'm not advocating one method over another, but DON'T think that you have to re-chamber to unload via racking.

I hear what you're saying. However, that method still puts the round into the receiver and close to the chamber. I'm fairly coordinated. I play the piano. I've still managed accidentally to have a round slide into the chamber by using the method you described. These two methods are not equally safe. I do believe the method in the video is safer.

 

[AcceptableUserName]

"tactical" implies a dangerous situation, such as a firefight. In such situation, I'd have no problem putting rounds in the chamvber. I agree with the above poster who said it should be titled "unloading an 870 carefully". Tactical would imply speed usually, and racking would be MUCH faster.