Cycling problem with a Remington 870

[Spyguy]

When dry testing the firearm (by depressing the action bar lock) it cycles properly. But after firing a round, I cannot pull the fore-end straight back to open the bolt and eject the spent case: the fore-end moves back slightly to take the slack out of the action and then locks-up. I found that, after firing, I have to first slide the fore-end forward a slight amount until it stops (basically, taking the slack out of the action in the opposite direction), and then I can pull it back fully to open the bolt.

Any thoughts as to what could be causing this problem?

[XVIga_Rob]

Make sure the barrel nut is not too tight. Also, when you shoulder the gun, you want to pull it into the pocket of your shoulder and push forward (slightly) on the forend, to stable the gun.

It's most likely the barrel nut, but check your mount.

[xtra870]

It could also be that while shooting keeping pressure on the fore end pushing it rearward will cause it to lock up tight. However i have only experienced this when trying to cycle extremely fast and it takes a considerable amount of force to open

[crosseyedshooter]

Is this happening with certain types of ammo? I always have extraction problems with Winchester Universal shells. It's a common issue with the aluminum casing on those shells and the tight chamber tolerances in the 870 barrel. I have a 28" that extracts most of the time but my 18.5" has the most problems with those shells. Every other kind of ammo I've used from Federal, Estate, Winchester has worked flawlessly.

[bigkyle72]

Are you using Winchester Universal shells from wally-world? That jams mine up.

[Spyguy]

I was shooting whatever steel shot shells they sold at the range. I didn't pay attention to the brand, but they did have a brass head. I do not think the shells had anything to do with the problem: they never felt tight when ejecting. Everything operated smoothly and easily each cycle after I first pushed the fore-end forward before pulling it back to open the bolt.

[XVIga_Rob]

Check that barrel nut. Loosen it and remove/reinstall the barrel, then tighten it just enough that it skips/clicks once.

[Spyguy]

Check that barrel nut. Loosen it and remove/reinstall the barrel, then tighten it just enough that it skips/clicks once.

Thanks, I'll try that. May be a week or two before I get back to the range to test it out.

ETA: I think "one click" on the magazine cap may not be enough, but I'll insure it's just snug and not overly-tight.