Hey guys, are there any models of 870 wingmaster that DIDN'T have a magazine retainer? I have one that I think is older (serial starts with V114) but I have never taken it completely apart before. I was going to take the plug out when I ran into a problem.

this one has the cap that is knurled but also has the big cross slots on it, so I used a large screwdriver to loosen it. expecting to see the retainer I was prepared, as soon as I got the cap off "PING" I hear something shoot across the room. spring is on the floor, I walk over and find cap, plug was still in the tube, but don't see a retainer anywhere.

question then:
1. did some 870's have no retainer? the inside of this cap looks like it has a mark about the same size of the spring on it, so I'd not be surprised if no retainer.
2. didn't plan to pull barrel, but since I'm this far, do I oil before putting it back? just some barricade sufficient?

thanks guys (hoping for an answer tonight or tomorrow morn so I can put it away before my wife gets back from vacation and sees it on the kitchen counter. too hot to clear the workbench in shop).

Red

By "retainer" I am guessing that you are referring to the stamped metal cap that is friction fit in the end of the magazine tube between the spring and the knurled cap, is that correct?

I don't know that they all came so equipped, but I would think that they would. All that I have seen have the retainer. My guess is someone lost it.

quote:

Originally posted by Dago Red:
2. didn't plan to pull barrel, but since I'm this far, do I oil before putting it back? just some barricade sufficient?

thanks guys (hoping for an answer tonight or tomorrow morn so I can put it away before my wife gets back from vacation and sees it on the kitchen counter. too hot to clear the workbench in shop).

Red

Pulling and replacing the barrel on an 870 is one of the simplest functions a person can perform. It is not much harder than slipping the bolt out of a Mauser. I always pull the barrel on my 870 for routine cleaning.

The barrel should be wiped down with some rust preventative before it is replaced. Something similar to Barricade would be fine. In my tests I have found Barricade to be highly over-rated.

If I were in you situation regarding the wife I would pull the barrel, oil it and replace it then put it back in the safe. Once you have broke the knurled nut and the barrel free the first time R&R-ing the barrel on an 870 should take about sixty seconds. If you decide to buy the retainer(it would be worth the retrofit even if it were not originally equipped IMO) it will only take a minute or two to install.

Red, I would bet it was lost early on and just forgotten. As previously stated order a new one and install it. The 870 is one of the easiest disassembly/assembly around. Enjoy!

I've never seen one without it unless the customer was asking for a new one because he lost it.

thanks guys. I cleaned, oiled and assembled. will order a new retainer today. it mus be friction fit as the inside of the tube is completely smooth. I also need to order some blue wonder, talk about dirty!

thanks a lot guys

hey guys, interesting thing, here's one on gunbroker I can get.

[URL=retainer on gunbroker]http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=179452146[/URL]

this is the one I found on brownells, it cost more and looks completely different

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=25275/Product/870_1100_MAGAZINE_SPRING_RETAINER

will the first one work? if only the second one works, the guns going without!! that's about 15-25% the value of the shotgun.

Red

I can't get your link to work. This is probably the one you need (old style, 12 gauge), http://www.brownells.com/.aspx..._Retainer__Old_Style
The new style retainer is plastic, has the cap ratchet on the end and locks into the mag tube by pushing down and giving it a quarter turn. There would be two small dimples inside the end of the mag tube to hold it.


Wish I could find some of those $20 Remington 870s.

thanks man. brownells search function leaves muchto be desired. the other one I found there, that you're talking about, is 40 bucks!!!

I'll order today. which end of spring goes which way? one has full circle on last loop, other end is just cut off. doest matter I guess