Is this normal--Updated with pics of "after"
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Re: Is this normal
Nice. Got to love that thrashed furniture. Boba Fett cool.
A serial number starting in "W" points to a production date between 1984 and 1990. Seems to match the stamp on the barrel, but who knows?
I think the mix & match theory is accurate. Luckily, this is an 870, and parts are pretty freely interchangeable. Even more lucky, you ended up with two out of the three components required for the flex-tab update. You need all three to have the full fix that prevents a feed malfunction from locking up the action (more info on that here), but it sounds like you already have the expensive one (the breech bolt) and the PITA-to-install one (the carrier assembly), so all you need is a new slide assembly to have a fully-updated action. Slide assemblies are only something like $17 - $25 if you shell out for a brand new one, and they literally drop right in. Definitely a recommended upgrade for a defensive gun.
A serial number starting in "W" points to a production date between 1984 and 1990. Seems to match the stamp on the barrel, but who knows?
I think the mix & match theory is accurate. Luckily, this is an 870, and parts are pretty freely interchangeable. Even more lucky, you ended up with two out of the three components required for the flex-tab update. You need all three to have the full fix that prevents a feed malfunction from locking up the action (more info on that here), but it sounds like you already have the expensive one (the breech bolt) and the PITA-to-install one (the carrier assembly), so all you need is a new slide assembly to have a fully-updated action. Slide assemblies are only something like $17 - $25 if you shell out for a brand new one, and they literally drop right in. Definitely a recommended upgrade for a defensive gun.
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- Shotgunner
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Re: Is this normal
And my forend and action bars will be OK as is? I don't have to change the action bars?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Re: Is this normal
Yes, you can install a new-style slide assembly in old-style action bars, just not the other way around.
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- Shotgunner
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Re: Is this normal
Thanks! I appreciate your help!
I'll post some pics of the finished project.
I'll post some pics of the finished project.
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Re: Is this normal
Wondering if I shouldn't go ahead and replace the firing pin spring just because the whole gun is apart?
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Re: Is this normal
You mean the firing pin retractor spring?
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Re: Is this normal
Is there something visibly wrong with the retractor spring? Do you already have your bolt taken apart?
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Re: Is this normal
No, the bolt is not apart and I can't see any kind of anomaly on the spring. Frankly, the spring iseems fine. I just was wondering because of the age and history of the gun. But, it does have the new style bolt and a set of old style action bars. That makes me think the bolt was replaced, so maybe the bolt hasn't had that much use? I guess I'm just trying to get this gun into dependable HD duty condition.