Shell latch jamming.

[Edenwildfood]

Picked up a used 870 recently and its having a ftf issue where the left shell latch doesn't depress and then seems to be jammed and can't be depressed with a finger even. Any ideas?

It appears that the left shell stop is jumping out of its groove and getting jammed. The only way to clear it it to take out mag spring and Jimmy it back into place so can unload it.

[ChillyB]

Is the edge of the action bar getting behind the shell latch? Do you have another 870 with which to compare?

[ChillyB]

Left and right latches should be staked in place back beside the trigger group. Have you pulled the trigger group out? What do latches look like up in there? Loose? My understanding is the latches dont NEED to be staked because the trigger group holds them in place. I never had an 870 with loose latches so I cant say.

Was gun dirty? Like VERY dirty? Is crud packed behind the latch? Maybe the front tip of latch is bent inboard. Can be replaced.

[Edenwildfood]

Is the edge of the action bar getting behind the shell latch? Do you have another 870 with which to compare?

Possibly. Its just up out of its groove. Its staked in fine at the end, its never been dirty its a slug gun that the last owner can't have fired more than a dozen times it looks pristine.

[gWebber]

I had a similar or same issue of the left latch acting badly.
I sent it to a gun smith and now it cycles like a champ

[Edenwildfood]

I had a similar or same issue of the left latch acting badly.
I sent it to a gun smith and now it cycles like a champ

Did they replace the left latch?