Remington 870?

[LIMPINGJ]

After Thanksgiving my son brought over a new 20 ga. Remington 870 that he and his son in law were trying to put a tacticool stock set on. They somehow got the bolt and carrier out but stuck the forend so brought it to me. I got it disassembled, cleaned and lubricated but they sure are rough compared to my 3 old ones. The question I have is did they eliminate the ejector spring or did they lose it? My old 3 have the spring. I put on the new stock set assembled it and it seems to run fine, just curious about the spring. If anyone has a new 870 does it have the ejector spring?
Thanks

[Hogtamer]

Yes it has one, pinned on left side of receiver, not something that would fall out. If it's missing the gun has indeed been handled roughly but you'll have to replace. Can be a bugger as you must peen the rivet that holds it in place.

[Petrol & Powder]

Hogtamer is correct and I'll venture a guess they broke that spring when they were messing with the bolt and carrier.
Brownells had a tool that allowed you to drill out the old rivet and save enough metal to peen a new ejector in place.
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/shotgun-tools/shotgun-specialty-tools/remington-870-ejector-spring-rivet-cutter-prod368.aspx

It requires a drill press but it would be worth its weight in gold.


I've had several 870's over the years and even the ones that are a bit rough inside (machining marks mostly) will still run just fine. It is an iconic American design and one that is often grossly underrated.

[EMC45]

My 870 20ga Express does not have an ejector spring. Both my 12s do.

[Petrol & Powder]

EMC45, now that you point that out, I'm not certain all of the 20 gauge models had ejectors springs. I was thinking 12 ga but the OP clearly stated he was dealing with a 20ga. His model may not have a spring, just the base for one that acts as a fixed ejector.
Now I have some doubt.

[EMC45]

The ejector plate is what is riveted to the receiver under the ejector spring. They (Remington) use a stepped rivet to accomplish that. I have replaced a plate and spring on a 12ga. Not a super easy job, but one that can be done.

[Petander]

My 20 gauge has no spring. CIP date 2013.

https://i.postimg.cc/h4ys98q9/IMG-20201216-181109.jpg

[WebMonkey]

probably the difference between the 'full size' receiver of old and the 'smaller size' receiver that the smaller than 12 gauges got later on.

my 20ga 870 is a first year wingmaster and has a full size receiver.

good luck!

[Hogtamer]

well shiver me timbers mate.

[EMC45]

My 20 gauge has no spring. CIP date 2013.

https://i.postimg.cc/h4ys98q9/IMG-20201216-181109.jpg

Exactly what mine looks like too.