So Im getting an 870 express on a screaming deal, 65 bucks seems good to me. One of the reasons for such a low price is it's missing the choke. I guess getting a new one is something like 6 bucks at GI Joes or any local gun shop.

Basically I need to know a little bit more about the gun before I actually buy it. What should I look for besides the choke missing? Is it worth it. The guy Im buying it from will let me take it out and put a box through it if I want, it's not some back alley deal or anything. Also, knwoing I need to put a new choke in, will it need to be installed by someone at a shop or is it something I can do. I'll probably be shooting clay loads or whatever. Ummm, I'll be shooting at clay pigeons, so is there any concerns about barrels or chokes with that?

Give me straight honest answers here because I don't really know a lot about shotguns, just shot some in the past and I figure this is a good way to step into the shotgun world!

Thanks a million for any help/advice you can offer.

dustin in washington

The screw-in choke tubes can be replaced by anyone who can use a screwdriver. Make sure the threads are not ruined, though. By the way, don't use a screwdriver to put them in, either find the correct tool, or use a quarter.

$65 sounds like a heck of a deal. Either the gun's been abused, your friend isn't real bright, or some combination of the two. Might be a good idea to take it to someone else for an independent opinion, before you buy a problem.

The screw-in choke tubes can be replaced by anyone who can use a screwdriver. Make sure the threads are not ruined, though. By the way, don't use a screwdriver to put them in, either find the correct tool, or use a quarter.

$65 sounds like a heck of a deal. Either the gun's been abused, your friend isn't real bright, or some combination of the two. Might be a good idea to take it to someone else for an independent opinion, before you buy a problem.

hey mike, thanks for the reply. I guess it wasnt the choke at all, it was the plug. So I went to the gun shop, bought the plug, took it to the friends house and put it in. It was missing the follow through plug thingy, so I made one real quick and we went out and shot it a few times. Shoots nice. The only thing I can really complain about is how tight the action is. When I pump it, pulling it in is easy. pushing it back out is kinda tough. Is this normal? I'm not really sure where to lube it up or anything, any advice on getting that to loosen up a bit?

Get a manual from Remington, they aren't hard to disassemble, but you should get the book if you don't have someone to show you.

I'd clean it real thoroughly, and then evaluate. Good luck. They do smooth up with use.

Unless it is all rusted up or run over by a truck, buy it. 870's are simple to work on, even if there is a problem. Parts abound as well.
$65 is a steal. The barrel alone in used condition is worth $75-100.

hey mike, thanks for the reply. I guess it wasnt the choke at all, it was the plug. So I went to the gun shop, bought the plug, took it to the friends house and put it in. It was missing the follow through plug thingy, so I made one real quick and we went out and shot it a few times. Shoots nice. The only thing I can really complain about is how tight the action is. When I pump it, pulling it in is easy. pushing it back out is kinda tough. Is this normal? I'm not really sure where to lube it up or anything, any advice on getting that to loosen up a bit?

I have a few 870's (two 20's and one 12 3 1\2") and one of my 20's started doing that the last time I took it out. On mine, the action works smoothly on extraction if I don't fire the shell. However, after firing, it takes a lot of extra effort to get the spent shell out.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what would cause this?

amndouglas:

Check the chamber, it sounds like it is either real dirty, or else rough, or rusred.

Lee L.

amndouglas:

Check the chamber, it sounds like it is either real dirty, or else rough, or rusred.

Lee L.

The chamber looks and feels fine. I'll probably have to go shoot it again and see if I can figure it out. It could have just been something my cousin did to it that day. I broke it down and cleaned it as soon as we got home, so maybe that's all it needed. If I remember right, there was some sand in it. I was just worried that it might have been something mechanically wrong.

I think you found your culprit. 870's are not known for loose tolerences. Keep it clean!

Lee L.

The 870 problem sounds like either a problem in the chamber (i.e. too tight for the shell to feed) or possibly a rough spot on the action bars that go from the forearm through the receiver to the bolt.
Try polishing the chamber lightly and check for dragging on the action bars. I would bet the problem lies here.

I think you found your culprit. 870's are not known for loose tolerences. Keep it clean!

Lee L.

Yep, that was it. I shot it today with a few different brands of shells and it shot like new. Amazing what a little sand can do?