repair on Rem 870, help please!

[chris.xia75]

I was refinishing a Remington 870 I've had for over 30 years, when I noticed the tip of the left side shell latch was broken. I felt it was easy enough to repair, so I ordered a replacement from Brownells. They recommended a shell latch staking tool in addition. My question is, has anyone out there ever replaced one and is the tool necessary?

[strongpoint]

answer from aippi in 3, 2, 1 ...

[Czechsix]

The tool makes it much easier to do the job, but it can be done without it too, just a bigger PITA. All the tool is, is a C shaped piece of steel that'll fit through the receiver, a bolt and face on one side to exert pressure against the outside of the receiver, and a pin staking head on the inside. wouldn't be hard to make either.....