Hi Everybody!

Long time fan, first time writing. I hope maybe someone out there who knows a lot more about the mechanics of the 870 than I could help me out. Many many years I bought a used 870 Wingmaster with an 18" barrel from a local Sporting Goods store. I was told it was a police trade-in, the store had about 10 or 12 of them on their used gun rack. The 870 I bought looked a little worn but seemed to be in over all good condition.

The gun turned out to be perfect in operation except for one little thing. When the gun is pointed up, muzzle up and "not" cocked, the slide and bolt under it's own weight will drop about 1 inch, with the bolt moved back it blocks the lifter from raising enough to allow the gun to be loaded. A few years ago I sent the gun to Scattergun Technologies to have their Remington Steel package preformed on it. I explained to them about the slide/bolt dropping issue and would pay extra to have it fixed. A tech from Scattergun Technologies contacted me and told me that having the Remington Steel package done on the gun would fix the problem. When I got the gun back from them it did seem to be fixed but the problem returned after about 15 rounds being fired through it.

Off and on over time I revisit this issue and try to figure it out. I've looked all over the internet and have not come across this problem with anybody else. I've read every trouble shooting article and book I can fine including Jerry Kuhnhausen's Remington Shotgun shop manual. I've taken it to a gunsmith in my town who is suppose to be a authorized Remington Repair Service Center and I was told that he had no idea what is wrong with it and did not care to spend anytime on it.

Obviously, something has worn to the point that the slide and bolt are to heavy to stay in the full forward position but I can't seem to get my head around what part or parts would wear to allow this to happen or to figure out if the slide is pushing the bolt back or if the bolt is pulling the slide down, in either case keeping the gun from being loaded with the muzzle up. Maybe it's something simple as a replacement part or major such as the inside of the receiver being worn.

I know I can always load the gun with the muzzle down. I can grip the gun by the slide or the magazine tube just below the slide keeping it forward and reload it that way. I can do tactical reloads with a round in the chamber and top off the magazine while keeping the gun shouldered and on target. I just would like to correct this issue or is this something I will just have to live with. I've owned 3 other 870s over the years and none of them did this. I've never seen this before on any other 870. Any ideas?, thanks for your time.

Situation normal. There is nothing wrong with it. With the hammer down (uncocked) there is nothing but friction to keep the fore end forward. An older gun with a little wear will be even slicker, making it happen even easier. I have had six 870s, and only one was worn slick to the point you say yours is, but four of them would do it with just a little jiggle to help things along. There are several things I can think of to try to change it but I have never heard of anyone else who didn't think the slicker the better.

Welcome to the Remington Owners Forum Ganger !!

As Virginian has said...slick is good !!

Virginian and Shooter 13,

Hey guys, thanks so much for your replies. It's a big relief to know that nothing is wrong with my gun, just normal wear and your right. it is by far the smoothest and slickest action of all my past 870s. Thanks again

Not a problem...