Had two jams today with the Wingmaster, thinking about doing the Flexitab kit

[m16]

Went shooting today and let my buddy use the Wingmaster, I don't know WTF he was doing but we had to open the mag tube twice to clear the stuck shell which is really fun when you have five more shells inside.

Anyway, I want a Flexitab kit but can't find one anywhere and Brownells has been OOS for a while.

Where can I find one of these kits, I don't care if it's chrome or black.

[mikey357]

Aippi who frequents this forum sold me one a few years back. But the flexitab just allows you to unjam the gun without taking the gun apart. You need to find out why the jam occured in the first place. Did you friend short stroke the pump? Did he not push in the second shell far enough and the shell latches not hold the round in the mag tube? 870 Wingmasters should not have jamming problems, if it was an express I could expect that but not the Wingmaster.

[m16]

Ah damn I forgot about AIP Tactical, I will shoot him an email.

Little history on this shotgun, it's a '68 Wingmaster and when I first got it I stripped it to give her a good cleaning and both shell latches fell out.

I bought the staking tool and put them back in, but they do look kinda worn out so maybe I should replace them.

[gregorio]

Is the follower worn or damaged? I had some phantom misfeeds in my 1980's era 870 until I installed a Vang Comp follower.

[m16]

The follower is fairly new, I bought a +2 mag extension from Vang and it came with one of his stainless followers.

[gregorio]

I also have one of their extensions, now. Do you notice the problem more on the first couple shells or the last?

[m16]

Both times it was the first shell on a full tube.

I'm thinking the latches are weak, gonna look into ordering new ones on Monday but I still want a Flexitab kit just for the hell of it.

[mikey357]

Both times it was the first shell on a full tube.

I'm thinking the latches are weak, gonna look into ordering new ones on Monday but I still want a Flexitab kit just for the hell of it.

Yeap thats where spring tension is highest against shell latches. New latches should fix the problem.

[gregorio]

Be sure to buy the latch staking tool. Best $30 you'll spend.

[m16]

Already have one sitting in the toolbox and I agree it's a great little tool.

It is a must have if you own several shotguns.

['ol shooter]

Aippi who frequents this forum sold me one a few years back. But the flexitab just allows you to unjam the gun without taking the gun apart. You need to find out why the jam occured in the first place. Did you friend short stroke the pump? Did he not push in the second shell far enough and the shell latches not hold the round in the mag tube? 870 Wingmasters should not have jamming problems, if it was an express I could expect that but not the Wingmaster.

Curious about why the Express is expected to malfunction, can you tell me more? I and my son both have Expresses, and so far no problems, but I would like to know the weak spots. Thanks.

[jeffrice6]

Curious about why the Express is expected to malfunction, can you tell me more? I and my son both have Expresses, and so far no problems, but I would like to know the weak spots. Thanks.

No "weak spots" The Express is just a little rougher than the Wingmaster.

[gregorio]

Curious about why the Express is expected to malfunction, can you tell me more? I and my son both have Expresses, and so far no problems, but I would like to know the weak spots. Thanks.

It is claimed that the Express is the same as the Wingmaster but with less hand fitting and polishing.

[mikey357]

It is claimed that the Express is the same as the Wingmaster but with less hand fitting and polishing.

Its that less fitting and polishing that is making later model expresses hiccup. Its nothing that can't be remedied, you just may need to polish the chamber and grind out the bump which causes the spent hull to come out at an angle.

[mikey357]

Curious about why the Express is expected to malfunction, can you tell me more? I and my son both have Expresses, and so far no problems, but I would like to know the weak spots. Thanks.

The earlier ones are supposedly better than the later ones. Not really a weak spot just not as finished.