Remington 870 Ejection issue

1940izhevsk · July 5, 2016, 01:28 AM

I was cleaning my Remington 870 Wingmaster, and after doing a function check with some home made "dummy shells" (spent shells with the crimps cut off), I noticed an issue where it would extract the shell just fine, but the ejector wouldn't kick the shell out of the firearm. Usually either a stove pipe or the shell doing a 180 and falling onto the elevator. My first guess is a weak ejector, although I certainly hope it's not something worse.

**44 AMP** · July 5, 2016, 03:29 AM

The purpose of the ejector spring on the 870 is to ensure the ejector moves into the right place to hit the base of the extracted shell. How much force the shell hits the ejector with (and how hard it gets thrown out) depends on how forcefully YOU work the action.

First, make sure you put things back together correctly. (sounds like a no brainer but you'd be surprised how often it is the culprit in malfunctions after cleaning)

Second, make sure there is nothing (foreign matter) restricting movement.

Then, operate the action consistently. See if you still have the problem.

It COULD be a weak spring, but I doubt it. IT could be your EXTRACTOR (or its spring) IT is possible for an extractor to pull the round out of the chamber, but not hold it securely enough for the ejector to kick it out of the action. Same drill, check its put together right, check there is nothing hindering movement.

IF it is weak springs, the spring(s) are cheap, BUT while the extractor spring is a simple replacement, the ejector/ spring has a rivet, and replacement should be done by a gunsmith.

My best guess, based on what you describe is a problem with the EXTRACTOR, letting go of the shell as it hits the ejector, so the empty does not pivot out of the receiver properly. Can't say for sure, long distance, but that would be my guess.

Pat T · July 5, 2016, 02:19 PM

Had this problem once with mine, too much use of WD40 as a gun lube before I knew better. The extractor was stuck because of the goo.

T. O'Heir · July 6, 2016, 02:01 PM

What does it do with a live shell? It do this before you gave the bath? Any crud left anywhere near the bolt?
Really isn't likely to be 'weak' springs or parts. Springs do not lose temper from being used. "Weak parts don't just happen. There'd have been previous issues. Incorrectly reassembled though...
Mind you, there shouldn't be any reason to remove the ejector or any other bolt parts for normal cleaning.
However, like 44 AMP says, short stroking can cause stove pipes.

BigJimP · July 6, 2016, 11:05 PM

Spent shells --- unless they've been "resized" properly -- might be the issue.....

Get some Azoom snap caps or use live shells to check it / and rack it firmly !

A thorough detailed cleaning might be in order...as well.

Destructo6 · July 8, 2016, 09:55 AM

The 870 ejector should make a nice "twang" when plucked (gun field stripped). If it makes a dull twang, it mean the ejector rivet is loose and needs to be replaced.

Virginian · July 8, 2016, 12:00 PM

The 870 action does not even need the ejector spring to function properly. There is a step/notch on the ejector that will eject the empties if the action is opened briskly all the way. The added the spring to help with people who like to work that action slowly and watch, or for proper operation at odd angles.

1940izhevsk · July 16, 2016, 02:43 PM

Turns out it wasn't an issue, I went trap shooting later that day, ejected spents just fine. 2 rounds of trap, no hang-ups whatsoever. Gave the ejector spring a little Rem-Oil, just to add some aid.

July 5, 2016, 01:28 AM	#1
1940izhevsk Member Join Date: July 5, 2016 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 59	Remington 870 Ejection issue I was cleaning my Remington 870 Wingmaster, and after doing a function check with some home made "dummy shells" (spent shells with the crimps cut off), I noticed an issue where it would extract the shell just fine, but the ejector wouldn't kick the shell out of the firearm. Usually either a stove pipe or the shell doing a 180 and falling onto the elevator. My first guess is a weak ejector, although I certainly hope it's not something worse.

July 5, 2016, 03:29 AM	#2
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,846	The purpose of the ejector spring on the 870 is to ensure the ejector moves into the right place to hit the base of the extracted shell. How much force the shell hits the ejector with (and how hard it gets thrown out) depends on how forcefully YOU work the action. First, make sure you put things back together correctly. (sounds like a no brainer but you'd be surprised how often it is the culprit in malfunctions after cleaning) Second, make sure there is nothing (foreign matter) restricting movement. Then, operate the action consistently. See if you still have the problem. It COULD be a weak spring, but I doubt it. IT could be your EXTRACTOR (or its spring) IT is possible for an extractor to pull the round out of the chamber, but not hold it securely enough for the ejector to kick it out of the action. Same drill, check its put together right, check there is nothing hindering movement. IF it is weak springs, the spring(s) are cheap, BUT while the extractor spring is a simple replacement, the ejector/ spring has a rivet, and replacement should be done by a gunsmith. My best guess, based on what you describe is a problem with the EXTRACTOR, letting go of the shell as it hits the ejector, so the empty does not pivot out of the receiver properly. Can't say for sure, long distance, but that would be my guess. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

July 6, 2016, 02:01 PM	#4
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	What does it do with a live shell? It do this before you gave the bath? Any crud left anywhere near the bolt? Really isn't likely to be 'weak' springs or parts. Springs do not lose temper from being used. "Weak parts don't just happen. There'd have been previous issues. Incorrectly reassembled though... Mind you, there shouldn't be any reason to remove the ejector or any other bolt parts for normal cleaning. However, like 44 AMP says, short stroking can cause stove pipes. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

July 8, 2016, 09:55 AM	#6
Destructo6 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: Nogales, AZ USA Posts: 4,001	The 870 ejector should make a nice "twang" when plucked (gun field stripped). If it makes a dull twang, it mean the ejector rivet is loose and needs to be replaced. __________________ God gave you a soul. Your parents, a body. Your country, a rifle. Keep all of them clean.

July 8, 2016, 12:00 PM	#7
Virginian Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2012 Location: Williamsburg, Va. Posts: 1,528	The 870 action does not even need the ejector spring to function properly. There is a step/notch on the ejector that will eject the empties if the action is opened briskly all the way. The added the spring to help with people who like to work that action slowly and watch, or for proper operation at odd angles. __________________ What could have happened... did.

July 5, 2016, 02:19 PM	#3
Pat T Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2009 Location: NW PA Posts: 108	Had this problem once with mine, too much use of WD40 as a gun lube before I knew better. The extractor was stuck because of the goo.

July 6, 2016, 11:05 PM	#5
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Spent shells --- unless they've been "resized" properly -- might be the issue..... Get some Azoom snap caps or use live shells to check it / and rack it firmly ! A thorough detailed cleaning might be in order...as well.

July 16, 2016, 02:43 PM	#8
1940izhevsk Member Join Date: July 5, 2016 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 59	Turns out it wasn't an issue, I went trap shooting later that day, ejected spents just fine. 2 rounds of trap, no hang-ups whatsoever. Gave the ejector spring a little Rem-Oil, just to add some aid.