870 failure to extract

[Cluster F]

So hit the range today with my 870 for the first time. I'm not new to shotguns but never have had this problem before. I shot some slugs and buck but I also had a pack of birdshot. On a couple of the shells I would have a problem extracting them. I had to hold the slide and sort of slam the but on the bench to get the shell out. My only guess would be because the metal wasn't the soft brass like the slugs and buck.

 

[warpig]

I have had the same exact problem with my 870! Sorry to say, that I have not done anything about it. Just slam the pump back extra hard.

 

[hminsky]

This is a well known problem with the 870. I had one that had that problem, when shooting heavy slug loads.
The solution was to polish the chamber with steel wool. I got this from the Internet someplace. I took a wad of steel wool and put it on the end of an electric drill shaft, and just polished the chamber for a little bit, maybe ten seconds or so. I never had a problem with shells sticking after that.

 

[Kid Presentable]

This is a well known problem with the 870. I had one that had that problem, when shooting heavy slug loads.
The solution was to polish the chamber with steel wool. I got this from the Internet someplace. I took a wad of steel wool and put it on the end of an electric drill shaft, and just polished the chamber for a little bit, maybe ten seconds or so. I never had a problem with shells sticking after that.

This. What I did was use some sand paper and the used a polish wheel on my dremel with some metal polish.

 

[Gidge]

I have had the same exact problem with my 870! Sorry to say, that I have not done anything about it. Just slam the pump back extra hard.

ditto.

This is a well known problem with the 870. I had one that had that problem, when shooting heavy slug loads.
The solution was to polish the chamber with steel wool. I got this from the Internet someplace. I took a wad of steel wool and put it on the end of an electric drill shaft, and just polished the chamber for a little bit, maybe ten seconds or so. I never had a problem with shells sticking after that.

Thanks for the tip !

 

[icyclefar]

Sounds like what you are saying is that the shells got stuck in the chamber, NOT the extractor slipping off of the shell.

Clean the chamber well (often overlooked) there are oversized brushes just for that purpose.

If that did not solve it, polishing the chamber would be my next step.

Often times, shooting a lot of 2-3/4" shells THEN introducing 3" shells can cause this problem. The shorter 2-3/4" shells will foul the chamber in the area that the 3" shells occupy when the open.

Over expansion of the brass can also happen as you suggested. Did you examine the hulls that got stuck? Any split brass?

 

[Cluster F]

For the polishing what did you use for steel wool? The finest one? Or as for. Sand paper I have some 2000 grit or is that to fine to start with?

 

[icyclefar]

00 or 000 steel wool, or you can use a medium / fine scotch-brite pad

 

[Kid Presentable]

2000 is too fine to start out with I think i did 3 different grits and ended at like 1800 i think

 

[JuergenG]

This is a well known problem with the 870. I had one that had that problem, when shooting heavy slug loads.
The solution was to polish the chamber with steel wool.

Yep, same with my 870 Marine Magnum. After the chamber had been polished the issue was gone.

 

[hminsky]

00 or 000 steel wool, or you can use a medium / fine scotch-brite pad

Yes I used 000 steel wool, wrapped around a chamber cleaning brush (with brass bristles I think) attached to an electric drill.

 

[Dirtypacman]

I still have to do this my 870, as I have experienced the same.

 

[Dadstoys]

A 3/8" dowel. Rough up last 2" of one end with a knife. Wrap some 0000 steel wool around the rough end. Put the barrel in a padded vice. Put the dowel in a power drill. ( variable speed preferably) . Work in and out without stopping in one spot too long. Should shine it up real purdy

- - - Updated - - -

A 3/8" dowel. Rough up last 2" of one end with a knife. Wrap some 0000 steel wool around the rough end. Put the barrel in a padded vice. Put the dowel in a power drill. ( variable speed preferably) . Work in and out without stopping in one spot too long. Should shine it up real purdy

 

[squatch413]

I had the same problem with my marine magnum, did the polish trick and it worked pretty good. Still ended up trading it for a BPS.

 

[lazypengu1n]

It only happens to me when I use the ultra cheap ammo from Walmart - Winchester Universals - Everything else - Never a problem.

 

[Babo]

Tell your 870 to speak sweet nothings. The shells will eject when they are ready.



Seriously, you probably have a burr somewhere that needs to be rounded off. Get some steel wool and get at it.

 

[atmay]

Just shoot the bejeezuz out of it. It'll break in.