Police sticky cycling with new barrel

[mrtimm]

Here's a problem I've not seen before.

I have two used police 870s. One a magnum, the other standard.

They both have 20" barrels and both work great with either barrel.

One has a flex tab, one doesn't.

I bought a new Remington barrel for Trap,skeet, birds. I think it's a 26" (I don't have it in front of me.)

If I install this barrel on either gun, I get the exact same problem.

It becomes very difficult to rack the gun. It sticks coming back and going forward. It's sticky enough that something is clearly wrong.

Both guns have synthetic stocks. As far as I can tell one is a speed stock, the other is unmarked.

I noticed a very slight rub mark on the front of the foreend where the barrel touches. I filed that down. It helped a tiny bit, but there's no more rubbing, so that's not it. There is now the slightest wear mark on the left side of the barrel near the receiver. I understand that's normal for lefties like me. I filed down the spot on the foreend that might be causing it. That had no effect.

Both guns are super clean, well-lubed, etc. I don't see anything twisted/bent whatever.

Again, either gun will work with either apparently factory police barrels, but neither works with the new barrel.

This happens when the guns are loaded with any kind of ammo, unloaded or with dummy shells.

Other than replacing the foreend(s) I think I've controlled for all variables.

I suppose the next step is to replace the foreends, which I want to do on one gun to convert it to sporting use.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks!

[Scorpion8]

What year are the police 870's, and what year is the "new-to-you" barrel? Remington changed the receiver size awhile back, and not every ever-made 870 barrel fits every ever-made 870 receiver.

[mrtimm]

Thanks for the reply.

The barrel is brand new.

One shotgun is from the 1980 and the other I think from 1970.

[jakebrake]

Make sure the barrel is actually for an 870.

Wrong products in boxes...neveer happens

[Germansheperd]

Is the barrel thats giving you issues a Remington barrel or an aftermarket barrel that fits an 870?

[mrtimm]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I just looked at the box. It's a Remington barrel labeled as fitting Wingmaster, Special purpose and Express.

[Germansheperd]

Sounds like the forend could use a lil adjustment on the forend tube?

[mikelee8815]

Had the same issue when I bought a 28" barrel for my old wingmaster. I had to trim the bottom of the forehand as it was contacting the barrel as I tried to rack the gun. Used a file to remove material until the foreend didnt contact the barrel anymore. Check the bottom of the barrel for an marks from foreend/barrel contact.

Edit: mine also has the synthetic speed feed foreend fyi

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[mrtimm]

Just to let you know that I'm still working on this and appreciate your input.

I've removed more material from the forearm and it seems to be working better. In fact, as long as I don't close it all the way, it's pretty slick.

Before, it stick a bit with the action all the way open or all the way closed. Now it just sticks a bit when I rack the forend back.

I'll keep working on it. Meanwhile I've ordered a wooded factory stock set (which was my initial plan).

I'll keep you updated.

Thanks again,

MrTimm

[mrtimm]

Okay,

Made some progress. Installed the new wood forend and I'm still having the problem. So I compared the old barrel that worked with the new barrel that sticks.

I've been trying to find closeups or blueprints online. From what I can see, the new barrel is improperly machined. I'm reaching out to Remington re: a replacement barrel.

What do you think? If you have a working 870, please take a quick look and see what your slot looks like. I'd be interested to know.

Thanks again for your comments.

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