870 Exp Mag jams loading slugs.

[K_W]

I have this issue with my 1993 Remington 870 Exp Mag. where it will run Buckshot and Birdshot flawlessly all day long, but load slugs in it and usually 1 or 2 times per tube, it jams the front of the slug against the bottom of the chamber.

I have tried Federal, Remington, and Winchester slugs, all 3 brands jam it up. I have made ABSOLUTELY SURE that I am NOT short shucking it. The gun is modified for home defense and have replaced the original 28" barrel with a recent Remington 18" barrel, but no changes were made to the fire control group, bolt, or lifting spring.

I believe it is a shell lifting spring that is to blame. Am I right?

Video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfkbfMrykIs

Remington 1 oz 2 3/4 Rifled


Federal 1 oz 2 3/4 Rifled

[Synchronizor]

The carrier (or lifter) isn't elevated by a spring, it's raised by the carrier dog, which is pushed down directly by the slide assembly. However, the spring (full name of "carrier dog follower spring") is responsible for holding the carrier in the elevated position once it's raised, so your problem could potentially be a worn-out CDF spring, or maybe that spring's just gotten gummed up with oil & powder residue over the years. I'd suggest taking it out (see this video for instructions), and cleaning the spring, the follower that sits on top of it, and the hole in the trigger plate that it fits into (for the latter, use a Q-tip and some cleaning solvent, and make sure it's dry inside before re-installing the carrier dog follower spring & follower). If that doesn't fix your problem, I would try replacing the spring.

It is interesting that this issue is only occurring with slugs. Are the slug shells you use by chance longer (crimped length) than your bird/buckshot shells?

[K_W]

Thanks.

That is what I figured from what I had read on the web, so I ordered the 1100 version follower spring and a new carrier and dog assembly on Thursday night.

I will post back when I install them.

[Synchronizor]

That is what I figured from what I had read on the web, so I ordered the 1100 version follower spring and a new carrier and dog assembly on Thursday night.

1100s use the same carrier dog follower springs as 870s. You can re-purpose an 1100 carrier latch spring (which serves a different function in the semi-auto 1100) as an extra-heavy carrier dog follower spring in an 870, but if you just went out and ordered an 1100 carrier dog follower spring, you'll get the same part you would have if you ordered a replacement 870 carrier dog follower spring.

[K_W]

I ordered the latch spring.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/129237 ... pring-1100

[K_W]

Replacing the 870 carrier dog spring with the 1100 carrier latch spring solved the issue. Thanks!