Storing 870 pump with hammer cocked, & Dry fire question

guitar1580 · January 17, 2010, 02:21 AM

I just got my used 870 Wingmaster, and I prefer to leave 4 loaded in the mag, and 1 in the chamber, safety on ... as opposed to empty chamber and have to rack one in.

I've seen opposing opinions, but worst case scenario, if someone left it cocked in the corner without firing it very often, what's the worst it could do? Is is just a matter of wearing out a spring? If so, how long could that take, and how expensive to replace it? Is it even an issue?

Likewise, I hear both sides of the coin about dry firing this gun, without a dummy round, and causing damage or not to the firing pin, or any other area of the gun. Is there an official answer, for this gun, as whether to dry fire or not?

Thx, Josh P

Bill DeShivs · January 17, 2010, 02:43 AM

Springs don't wear out. Leave it cocked.

jmr40 · January 17, 2010, 07:58 AM

Dry firing won't hurt the gun. Leaving it cocked won't hurt the springs. Use either method you are comfortable with.

StuntManMike · January 17, 2010, 10:01 AM

As long as you understand that the safety does not block the sear, just the trigger, I see nothing wrong with leaving it cocked with one in the chamber and the safety on.

You might consider adding a Vang Comp big head safety. I find it much easier to activate than the factory unit.

Dave McC · January 17, 2010, 07:40 PM

My oldest 870(Five digit serial number) has been in the family since the early 50s. It's been kept cocked all that time.

Works fine.

Big Bill · January 17, 2010, 11:39 PM

I keep my 870 in "cruiser ready" mode (...rounds in mag tube, none in chamber, trigger pulled...safety on. ...).

January 17, 2010, 02:21 AM	#1
guitar1580 Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2009 Posts: 201	Storing 870 pump with hammer cocked, & Dry fire question I just got my used 870 Wingmaster, and I prefer to leave 4 loaded in the mag, and 1 in the chamber, safety on ... as opposed to empty chamber and have to rack one in. I've seen opposing opinions, but worst case scenario, if someone left it cocked in the corner without firing it very often, what's the worst it could do? Is is just a matter of wearing out a spring? If so, how long could that take, and how expensive to replace it? Is it even an issue? Likewise, I hear both sides of the coin about dry firing this gun, without a dummy round, and causing damage or not to the firing pin, or any other area of the gun. Is there an official answer, for this gun, as whether to dry fire or not? Thx, Josh P

January 17, 2010, 02:43 AM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Springs don't wear out. Leave it cocked. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 17, 2010, 11:39 PM	#6
Big Bill Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,053	I keep my 870 in "cruiser ready" mode (...rounds in mag tube, none in chamber, trigger pulled...safety on. ...). __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time." - General George Patton Jr

January 17, 2010, 07:58 AM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	Dry firing won't hurt the gun. Leaving it cocked won't hurt the springs. Use either method you are comfortable with.

January 17, 2010, 10:01 AM	#4
StuntManMike Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2007 Posts: 248	As long as you understand that the safety does not block the sear, just the trigger, I see nothing wrong with leaving it cocked with one in the chamber and the safety on. You might consider adding a Vang Comp big head safety. I find it much easier to activate than the factory unit.

January 17, 2010, 07:40 PM	#5
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	My oldest 870(Five digit serial number) has been in the family since the early 50s. It's been kept cocked all that time. Works fine.