Rem 870 Mag Spring Retainer Removal

M

Micrometer

New member
My just acquired used and very dirty 870 express (sn X1106XX) has a mag spring retainer shaped like a doughnut with cut along a radius. The mag tube at the retainer end is not perfectly circular but has a slight inward bend in it. Seems this slight bend holds the retainer in the tube.

What is the best technique to remove the retainer so I can inspect and clean up the mag tube while insuring proper retainer replacement when complete?

Thanks,
Mike
 
If it's the express model, there is a detent in the mag tube that holds that retainer in the tube. It's pretty easy to remove, simply push inward on it a little bit and turn it until it comes out under spring pressure. I can't remember which way you'll need to turn it, but it will be easy once you try it both ways. It shouldn't take but a little bit of pressure to come right out. The Express models are very different from the standard 870 when it comes to the magazine cap retainer. Incidentally, that detent in the tube will prevent you from putting a mag extension on that shotgun without modification, if you had ever thought about doing that........

HF
 
Thanks Hang-Fire,

I tried to pry it straight out and was not successful. I’ll give it a turn as you’ve suggested.

Dfariswheel,

As always, thanks for your expertise.
 
you dont even need a screw driver to push it in and turn it, i just push it in with my finger and turn it 90 degree and slowly pull my finger out works every time that is of corse if you have the express
 
HOLD IT.
First we need to make sure WHICH spring retention system you've got.

If your gun is a Wingmaster, Police or older Express, it'll have a steel "spring cup" which retains the spring.
This is a steel cup-like bushing that's split, and does NOT protrude above the magazine tube.

If your gun is a newer Express model, the retainer is a black plastic tube-like affair that has very coarse "teeth" on the end.
This plastic retainer sticks up out of the magazine tube.

If the retainer is the steel cup device, you pry it out with a screwdriver as shown in the Owner's Manual.

If it's the plastic Express tube-like retainer, you push it IN with a screwdriver and give it a half turn, which unlocks it from the two lugs or "dimples" in the magazine tube.

Before attempting disassembly MAKE SURE WHICH SYSTEM YOU'VE GOT.
 
Mine is the 870 Express with the split metal mag spring retainer. Prying with a screwdriver got it out.

Thanks for the distinction between the two 870 Express production runs.

Mike
 
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