870 3 1/2" problem

youngoilguy

New member
i have a 3.5 in 870 and it is great with all short rounds.... 2 3/4 and 3 in.

however,

when i shoot 3.5 inchers somehow the action opens up about 70% after the shot. the remaining 30% of stroke to make it fully open is not enough to eject the spent shell, causing my gun to jam.

im not sure what the deal is. i think it is my fault and not the gun. anybody have any suggestions as to what i'm doing wrong? i've never had a problem like this before.

i tried pulling the trigger empty and holding pressure back on the pump handle. the gun does not open up, that is why i dont think its the gun.
 
The gun is working exactly like it is supposed to.The shooter is malfunctioning.

Generations of shooters have used pumpguns with no problems,do not be afraid to grip it like you have a pair and pump all the way back and then forward again.It is not going to break.
 
As the R-870 fires, the action is unlocked allowing the slide to be activated. Typically, with standard loads, as your body involuntarily rebounds from the recoil, the slide will come back a little and then you must consciously complete the stroke. The heavier the load, the more your body will rebound and the farther the bolt will initially open.
In your situation, with the super-mag loads, the initial opening is such that you're not subsequently getting the slide up to speed to properly complete the cycle. As anyone familiar with a pump is aware, if you pump too slowly (or softly), the shell doesn't get enough snap to eject properly, and the action will jamb. You need to find a way to reduce your involuntary rebound (change your grip, add some weight to the gun, get a recoil reduction device). With the initial opening reduced you can use an assertive stroke to successfully complete the cycle. Get some more of those 3-1/2" bad boys and practice until you get consistently jamb free cycling.
 
With trigger hand, you pull back into the shoulder... with forward arm, you put forward pressure... if it try to cycle, your hand will close it up.
Brent
 
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