Snap cap issue?

[ExcitedPanda]

Ok so just brought home my new 870 express 28" in 12 gauge, picked up some "Traditions" 12 gauge snap caps for it as they were cheap and figured it might nice to have.

Anyway get home disassemble and function check with nothing chambered, everything seems normal. Now I test it out with the Snap Caps and two problems occur. Firstly when one of the snap caps is chambered and the trigger is pulled nothing happens, no firing pin click nothing, trigger just pulls back with nothing. When the round is ejected and the trigger is pulled I get the normal tension and click of the firing pin. Second, when one snap cap is chambered through the breach and then I try to load the magazine the snap cap wont fit, almost as though the carrier doesnt lift far enough or the round is sized wrong. When a round is not chambered and I attempt to load the magazine there are no problems with the snap caps.

Now I realize that all that seems to point to the snap caps being problematic, but just wanted to see if anyone had a similar experience or knowledge of this so I can rest a bit easier.

[Turbinator]

It sounds like for your first problem, the snap cap is preventing the action from closing completely - which is why when you pull the trigger, nothing happens.

Sounds like these snap caps are oversized for whatever reason. I don't know what they're of - plastic? Maybe it's time to get out some sandpaper.

Turby

[ExcitedPanda]

They are clear plastic, I searched the forums and it sounded like other had some problems just not the same problem. Thats kinda what I was figuring, just wanted another opinion. Don't mind it being a problem with the snap caps just wanted to make sure its not a problem with my new baby.

[ExcitedPanda]

Also found it weird that the snap caps are about an inch shorter then normal 12 gauge shells, they measure just under 2 inches.

[jmc45]

The shortness shouldn't be a problem. My package of 2 12ga Traditions snap caps had one that had the same symptoms as yours. I sanded the bottom down until it functioned properly (watch out for plastic/brass dust, there'll be a lot in between the brass "primer" and the plastic).
Oh, and before the sanding, i couldn't tell them apart other than the lack of a primer strike on the bad one.

[ExcitedPanda]

I shall give it a shot, more relieved this seems to be a known issue. Guess I will stick to doing my function tests at flying clays.