870: Sloppy action

[BigBlue89Bronco]

I just purchased an 870 Express. I took the barrel off, along with the Pump handle and bolt. (So I left the trigger assm. in there)

Now my question is.... that when I put it back together the bolt has some play or slop when the action is open. When its closed its secure.

Is this just me being paranoid? or did I put it back together wrong?


Thanks in advance

[Virginian]

If it locks up tight and everything works you are probably being paranoid. Don't warry about looseness when the action is open.

[The Rifleman]

If it was tight before and now it is loose, you definately have a problem.

I have one of the first Super Magnum 12 Gauge shotguns that was produced and I have only taken it apart one time - which resulted in a problem - where I had to take it to a gunsmith and have it repaired.

I asked to order a part, and he asked why I wanted the part, and I told him what I had done and he suggested to me to just drop it off at his house and he would take a look at it for me.

4 months later and $50 I had my shotgun back and it worked better than new.

My problem wasn't that it was loose, it was that the internal parts were gritty. Must have had something to do with the crappy black metal finish that they came out with - where someone didn't do their job properly and the finish galled the internal mech and made it hard to pump.

Manufacturing quality has came a long way since 1978 when I bought my first Mossberg 500 - 20 gauge shotgun that had a single rod to work the action. Where I could shoot one shot and then it would lock up on me. I think that it was about 1998, when I bought my Super Mag and since then - the most maintence that I have had to do to that shotgun is wipe it down with an oily rag at the end of the hunt.

[remington600]

Go to the gun store> Ask to see another one and see if its sloppy.