Remington 870 Express - shell latch?

[VFX_man]

Hi all, just picked up a 870 express and had a question concerning the shell latch. Do both the left and right shell latch(s) engage the rim of the shell when loaded? Only the right one snaps over and holds the rim on mine. Twice, I have had a shell slide back over the carrier and wedge.

Thoughts?

[Mac7504]

Are you pushing the shells all the way back?

We are speaking of loading, correct?

I had the same problem when I first took out my PA459. I wasn't pushing the shells all the way in one or two would pop out and slide under the carrier.

I'm going to take it out some more to practice this weekend; will only be the second time out.

[Cracker McGee]

I had a similar problem until I replaced my right shell latch, the left shell latch seems to be the one that contacts the shell to keep it in the magazine, I think the other latch stops the next shell from coming out as the other shell pops onto the shell lifter. My problem was the same as yours with the action bar going under the latch. I think the latch was worn or out of spec.

[hcbr]

aippi should chime in soon!

[aippi]

Common loading problem for those not accustomed to these type weapons. I have small hands so it this is not an issue because I push the shell into the magazine tube I follow it in with my tiny little girly man thumb and the pull my thumb out fast. This allows the stop latch to catch the shell. If you are not getting the shell past the stop latch the shell can release past the latch onto the carrier.

Practice loading this way and you'll get it right.

[VFX_man]

Thanks for the info! The last pump I shot was about 35 years ago. And I think it was my grandfather's old Ithaca Model 37 20 gauge. I'll have to call dad and see if he can confirm the make and model. Do know that we never had this type of issue with it - of course it was made probably 60+ years ago vs. a few months ago!

Cheers!

[Falstaff]

If the shell latch is loose, is it possible to restake without buying a fancy tool? Is there a field expedient way to bubba one in there?

[aippi]

Staking only prevents the shell latch from falling out when you remove the trigger plate assembly and has no realation to function of the weapons. Therefor a loose or even unstaked shell latch has no cause and effect on the operation of the weapon.

[Barbarossa]

Therefor a loose or even unstaked shell latch has no cause and effect on the operation of the weapon.

+1

My left latch hasn't been connected for a while...

[Mac7504]

Common loading problem for those not accustomed to these type weapons. I have small hands so it this is not an issue because I push the shell into the magazine tube I follow it in with my tiny little girly man thumb and the pull my thumb out fast. This allows the stop latch to catch the shell. If you are not getting the shell past the stop latch the shell can release past the latch onto the carrier.

Practice loading this way and you'll get it right.

This...! After my first trip to the range with her, I realized I needed to practiced with snap caps, and it helped.