sticky 870

[B2crawler]

Was out shooting at the range today. I know kinda cold and snowing but still better than sitting at home. I noticed that every time I shot my 870 it would stick on the 3rd 4th round. By stick I mean I couldn't rack it with one hand. Needed to grab it with both hands on the pump, recoil pad on my thigh, and pull REALLY hard. Then I could continue to blast away till empty. I was thinking that maybe the 20" barrel I ordered might have a rough chamber. Cleaning it this afternoon I stuck my finger inside. Smooth as glass.
Gun is and was clean as a whistle so this is not the problem.
This gun is the only one I keep loaded for SD in the home. Don't want to Joe Horn somebody and after the third round need to use two hands to cycle the action.
Any Ideas?

[StagLefty]

This may be off track but any chance oil residue gumming up due to the cold ?

[HunterCO]

Had the very same problem with my 870 and could not figure it out. I took it to a gun smith and they fixed it for about $35 it has worked perfect ever since.

I have no idea what he did but he told me it was a very common problem with factory 870's.

[StagLefty]

Talked to a fellow instructor last night about this.We've been using 870's at the Scout ranch for over 15 years.They're indestructible-but he said the last few years he's seen slide problems that we never had before.I don't know how old yours is but we were both concerned about it taking two hands to force the slide to rack.Sounds like something is bent slightly or this may be what he's talking about it being a slide problem.Good Luck.

[HunterCO]

Talked to a fellow instructor last night about this.We've been using 870's at the Scout ranch for over 15 years.They're indestructible-but he said the last few years he's seen slide problems that we never had before.I don't know how old yours is but we were both concerned about it taking two hands to force the slide to rack.Sounds like something is bent slightly or this may be what he's talking about it being a slide problem.Good Luck.

My 870 is probably about ten years old just guessing. I have no idea what caused it at times I could not even open the bolt period. I would have to take the gun apart. Nothing was bent I personally could not figure it out so I took it to a smith. Don't know what he did as he was not there when I picked it up. I asked what he did and was told it was a common problem by the other employees.

All I can say is it has worked perfect ever since.

[B2crawler]

I think my 870 Express is probably only 5 years old. As it being oil that was gummed due to the cold...it has happened other times as well. Hot cold whatever.
Could a gunsmith also make my 870 express action as smooth as my really old 870 wingmaster? There's a WORLD of difference.
Hunter do you have a number for the gunsmith that fixed yours?