Bolt Deformation

[Pumpmaster321]

Hello all. So I have recently bought a used oem 18.5'' barrel for the 870. It was kind of a tight fit but I got it to seat good. So I was recently inspecting the gun and I noticed that there was a small gap between the bolt and the barrel just under the extractor. I noticed that the bolt mushroomed alittle. Now I have had the shotgun for a long time and have put many shells thru it with my 26'' ribbed barrel that it came with. Im not sure if the deformation was from the many years of use or if the new barrel had anything to do with it. I noticed that the barrel does protrude a tad bit into the chamber area but put my old barrel on and it also protruded alittle. I looked up some photos and some 870s seem to have the gap and some don't, only none have that small deformity on the bolt. I haven't shot it yet but now Im kinda afraid. Was wondering if anyone has an opinion on the matter or have seen this.

[BKinzey]

I don't know why that's happening but I can say it doesn't look normal. My barrel/bolt fitment looks the same but no wear like that.

Can you remove the bolt and get a pic of the bolt face? I'm sure you are trying your best with the pics but it would help a lot if you could get better pics.

In my non-professional opinion it doesn't look like a big problem but I certainly would wonder and be concerned as to what is causing that.

Sorry I can't help more.

[Pumpmaster321]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I'm not sure if it's that the steel quality on the bolt isn't good or the barrel should be that far into the chamber area. However the pump locks like it should

[BKinzey]

It's hard to tell but maybe your 18.5" barrel does fit slightly deeper. Can you put your 26" barrel back in and compare?

In any event I'm not sure what the tolerances are and if that's enough to be concerned about.

[Pumpmaster321]

Yeah it seems to be exactly the same. I even tried my 20" rifled barrel and it also fits the same. My brother's wingmaster is alot older and has gone thru many more rounds but no bolt deformity.

[BKinzey]

I'd definitely keep an eye on it.

Looks to be minor at this point so if it were me, I'd probably do nothing. Wouldn't hurt to take it by a gunsmith either and get a professional opinion.

Sorry I couldn't be more definitive.

[jmp300wsm]

Yep looks ok to me but have your local smith check it but i am sure you are ok