80's Wingmaster

Hello123 · February 23, 2006, 08:21 PM

When I try to put the slide assembly (the piece that fits into the breech bolt) onto the forend assembly (dual action bars) it does not fit because the new forend assembly has a different shape. Notice in the pic the old forend assembly is obviously the worn one, and the new on has a new thingamageggy piece of steel machined on it. My old gun was a 2 3/4 inch. Where can I get a old style forend assembly, or should I try to just obtain a new slide assembly?

Dfariswheel · February 23, 2006, 08:37 PM

The easiest/cheapest option is to cut and file the extra lug off the new assembly.

The new fore end bar assembly is intended for a gun fitted with the Flex-Tab conversion, and the Flex-Tab slide has an extra slot.

Cutting the tab will have no issues.

Hello123 · February 23, 2006, 08:52 PM

Could I just by a new slide assembly designed to fit the flex tab conversion action bars, and would this fit in a 2 3/4 gun and work? And by the way, what is a flex tab conversion and what are the benefits? Thanks man.

Dfariswheel · February 24, 2006, 01:37 AM

Yes you can just buy a new slide, but new slides cost about $20.00.

The Flex-Tab conversion is a "Fix" for a possible jam problem on older 870's.

If the operator failed to fully insert a shell into the magazine, it could get pushed back out and into the action.
This required either removing the trigger assembly and dumping the shell out, or you could pull hard on the fore end as you banged the buttplate against the ground to force the action open.

The Flex-Tab allows you to clear the stoppage by simply pulling hard on the fore end.

To ID a gun with the Flex-tab unit, look at the bottom of the shell lifter. IF there's a "U" shaped cut in the shell lifter, it's a Flex-tab equipped gun.

Truth is, this type of stoppage is entirely a matter of operator error, usually caused by lack of practice in loading.

In your case, you can buy a new slide assembly, or just cut the extra lug off the action bar.

February 23, 2006, 08:37 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,556	The easiest/cheapest option is to cut and file the extra lug off the new assembly. The new fore end bar assembly is intended for a gun fitted with the Flex-Tab conversion, and the Flex-Tab slide has an extra slot. Cutting the tab will have no issues.

February 23, 2006, 08:52 PM	#3
Hello123 Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2005 Posts: 571	Could I just by a new slide assembly designed to fit the flex tab conversion action bars, and would this fit in a 2 3/4 gun and work? And by the way, what is a flex tab conversion and what are the benefits? Thanks man.

February 24, 2006, 01:37 AM	#4
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,556	Yes you can just buy a new slide, but new slides cost about $20.00. The Flex-Tab conversion is a "Fix" for a possible jam problem on older 870's. If the operator failed to fully insert a shell into the magazine, it could get pushed back out and into the action. This required either removing the trigger assembly and dumping the shell out, or you could pull hard on the fore end as you banged the buttplate against the ground to force the action open. The Flex-Tab allows you to clear the stoppage by simply pulling hard on the fore end. To ID a gun with the Flex-tab unit, look at the bottom of the shell lifter. IF there's a "U" shaped cut in the shell lifter, it's a Flex-tab equipped gun. Truth is, this type of stoppage is entirely a matter of operator error, usually caused by lack of practice in loading. In your case, you can buy a new slide assembly, or just cut the extra lug off the action bar.