Remington 870 Bolt Opens When Fired

[VAN]

My Remington 870 Express was having a real problem jamming with cheap rounds. I was told to polish the chamber with steel wool on a cleaning brush to help eliminate this problem. It did eliminate the problem but now the bolt opens when I fire the gun, sometimes all the way and sometimes just a bit and sometimes not at all. This seems wrong to me as I have a old Wingmaster that does not do this. Also, the forearm does not move at all which seems odd because the bolt rests on the two arms connected to the forearm.

Is this normal or did I screw something up ?

 

[papa6x]

I don't know about screwing it up, but I'm sure it's not normal. I don't think you got it put back together right.

papa6x

 

[sloughfoot]

If I understand you correctly, the bolt is opening even though the forearm does not move? If so you need to take it apart and put it back together again. It is not normal. There is a steel plate that I am pretty sure you have on upside down. The bolt sits on it. I don't know its name, but I have put it in wrong and discovered it way before I fired a round. Thank goodness.

 

[throttletony]

Please clarify- does the bolt open without the foregrip moving = problem.
bolt AND foregrip unlocking after firing = normal

 

[saleen4971]

^^^ that.

i had a semi-panic moment once, when firing slugs - the bolt/grip unlocked, and since my hand was on it (and for some reason i was pulling the gun into my shoulder with BOTH hands) which caused the action to open

 

[spaniel]

It is relatively normal (and annoying) for a pump gun to partially or totally open when firing high recoil rounds (slugs). Your issue was likely exacerbated by honing your chamber and reducing the grip of the round to the chamber.

What were you firing in it? If slugs, I would not worry. If cheap shot shells, I would be concerned if you plan to fire high recoil rounds from that barrel. I am not thinking it would do any damage, but having it self-eject every round and pull the forearm back would certainly mess up one's rhythm.

 

[sloughfoot]

Actually it is highly desirable that the pump action open and eject the spent round upon firing. When you are ready to shoot again, just push the forearm forward and squeeze the trigger when it bangs home. It's all part of the"forearm is the safety" concept of the pump shotgun. I have been taught this in every combat shotgun class I have attended".

 

[Spyco]

Using recoil from your shot to help open the action is great for increase your rate of fire. Pump shotguns need all the help they can get in terms of follow up shots.

 

[papa6x]

OP said, (Also, the forearm does not move at all which seems odd because the bolt rests on the two arms connected to the forearm.). This isn't normal on any pump gun as far as I know.

papa6x