I’m here to talk about the Remington 887, a shotgun I’ve spent quite a bit of time in the field.
During my experience, I’ve stumbled upon a couple of Remington 887 Problems that seem to be more common than one would hope for. So, I thought it would be valuable for me to share my findings with you all just to give you a heads-up.
I’ve encountered problems ranging from trigger issues to light primer strikes. Don’t worry, though; it’s not all bad news.
This article aims to dive deep into each of these problems. Yep, I’ll spell out what I’ve faced, how it affects performance, and, most importantly, how to fix these annoyances.
Overview of Remington 887 Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Trigger Issue | Adjust the timing in the trigger assembly. |
| Problem with the Firing Pin | Clean or replace the firing pin. |
| Misfires | Lubricate hammer spring area and check bolt’s seating. |
| Nitro Magazine Jamming | Use a drill with steel wool and gun oil to clean the chamber. |
| Light Primer Strikes | Add material to bolt’s rear left guide/tab. |
Top 5 Remington 887 Problems & Solutions
1. Trigger Issue
Out in the field, I had a real head-scratcher with the trigger on my Remington 887. You pull that trigger, expecting a smooth cycle to the next round, but what happens instead? The slide refuses to move.
It’s frustrating, to say the least. Sometimes, if you keep at it, you could end up with both an empty and a live shell, messing up your shot entirely.
Even worse, the cycling action just freezes up. The moment that happens, you know you’ve hit a snag that needs sorting out ASAP.
Solution
Now, let’s talk fixes. For starters, when you pull the pump back to kick out that used shell, it’s crucial that all your live rounds do what they’re supposed to do: either fly out the ejection port or drop through the bottom.
No double feeds are allowed here. If you’re experiencing this issue, chances are it’s due to poor timing in the trigger assembly. You’ll need to open that up and make the necessary adjustments.
Trust me; once you get the timing right, you’ll notice a significant improvement in how the weapon cycles. It’ll turn your shooting experience around, making it as smooth as it should be.
2. Problem with the Firing Pin
When you’re all set to make that perfect shot, the last thing you want is for your firing pin to mess things up. Unfortunately, during my outings with the Remington 887, that’s precisely what happened.
I aimed, pulled the trigger, and…nothing. On examining the weapon, I found the firing pin wasn’t as striking as it should have been. This issue wastes your time and messes with your focus and accuracy.
Solution
So, how did I tackle this? After experiencing this issue, I took it upon myself to examine the firing pin. Often, this problem can stem from a dirty or damaged pin.
Cleaning it thoroughly can sometimes do the trick. If that doesn’t work, then replacing the firing pin altogether might be your next step. It’s a relatively easy fix; you just need to be careful while disassembling and reassembling the components.
Once you’ve got that new or cleaned firing pin in there, you’ll notice a world of difference. Your shots will be back to their prime, letting you enjoy your time in the field without the frustration of misfires.
3. Misfires
So there I was, all set for a good shooting session, and then I noticed something odd about the Remington 887’s forend.
There was an unsettling 1/8″ movement when I loaded a round into the chamber. What’s more frustrating? When I moved the forend towards the muzzle, the gun fired just fine.
But if I pulled it back toward me, the gun misfired. Let’s be honest; no one wants to deal with that inconsistency, especially when aiming for precision.
Solution
Time for a quick fix. I found that the bolt carrier shifts away from the bolt head when the forend moves back towards the shooter.
This results in the firing pin not doing its job properly. My solution? Pulled out the trigger assembly, sprayed some CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, and Protectant) in the hammer spring area, and placed a rag where the hammer would hit.
Next, I sprayed CLP into the bolt and checked the pin’s movement. It’s essential to make sure nothing obstructs the bolt’s full seating.
After working the hammer by hand, things started to look up. If you still have issues, it might be time for a new firing pin spring. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Remington in that case.
4. Nitro Magazine Jamming
While using the Remington 887, I encountered a stubborn issue: nitro magazine jamming. Picture this: you fire a shot, the empty shell ejects like it should, but then you try to load a new shell, and that’s where the problems start.
The slide partially opens, and you realize you can’t fire. The gun becomes jammed, and it’s clear the round isn’t seated properly in the carrier.
One side of the shell even collides with the chamber. Yep, I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s not a good place to be when you want to focus on shooting.
Solution
After grappling with this issue, I found a straightforward solution. Take a cleaning rod segment with a 20-gauge brush (if your gun is a 12-gauge), wrap it with steel wool to fit snugly in the chamber, and put it in a drill.
Next, generously apply gun oil and run that drill at full speed inside the chamber for about a minute, moving it in and out slightly.
Follow this up by using finer grades of steel wool and repeat. Don’t forget to clean the barrel and check that the forend nut is tight afterward.
It may seem a bit tedious, but this method worked wonders for me, making the nitro magazine as dependable as you’d want it to be.
5. Light Primer Strikes
One of the trickiest issues I ran into with the Remington 887 was the light primer strikes. While using the gun, I noticed it would only fire when the slide was kept in the most forward position.
Any deviation and the thing wouldn’t go off. A moment like that can throw off your concentration, and it’s the last thing you want when you’re in the middle of a shooting session.
It seems like a minor inconvenience at first, but it becomes a significant issue when you can’t rely on the gun to fire.
Solution
So, how did I fix this? It involved adding material to the bolt’s rear left guide or tab. This adjustment limited how much slack the action could have when locked in a forward position.
First, I got some chemical metal and shaped a part that would fit just right against the slide release lever. I used a file to get it into the correct shape and then fastened it on with hybrid Loctite.
This essentially prevented the slide from going backward, resolving the light primer strike issue. It might sound a bit technical, but if you follow these steps, you’ll find that the gun becomes much more reliable.
Final Verdict
The Remington 887 has some things going for it, but it’s not without challenges. From my hands-on experience, the trigger issues, firing pin inconsistencies, misfires, and magazine jamming can be real mood killers when you’re eager to focus on your shooting.
However, it’s also worth noting that many of these issues are fixable, even if you’re not an expert. The Remington 887 can offer a pretty satisfying shooting experience with some tweaks and proper maintenance.
So, is it a perfect firearm? Nope. Is it a lost cause? Far from it. With the right adjustments, it can serve you well in the field.
FAQ’s
Why did Remington discontinue the 887?
Remington recalled Model 887 shotguns produced between Dec. 1, 2013, and Nov. 24, 2014, due to a defect that could cause firing pin issues.
Is the Remington 887 a good shotgun?
It has its pros and cons; with proper adjustments, the 887 can be a reliable shotgun for both novices and experts.
Where is the serial number on a Remington 887?
The serial number is located in the slot in front of the loading port.
What is the recall on the Rem 887?
The recall addresses a defect causing the firing pin to stick, leading to unintentional discharges.
