Ruptured barrel!! Is this shotgun still safe?

MnYoteRookie

MnYoteRookie

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I recently took possession of a Remington 870 from my neighbor who had attempted to run "FAT" (his exact word) steel shot through a standard (no choke tubes) full choke barrel. The result was a split in the barrel at the beginning of the choke constriction. I've had the blown barrel cut down roughly 2" past the split (not threaded for tubes... yet) and installed a bead.

It is an Express model with an "M" at the end of the serial number which I'm told stands for it having a 3" mag capable magnum receiver. I've run a handful of 2 3/4" loads through it, mild #8's to some high brass #5 lead, with no "ill" effects other than really wide patterns.

My question is, when my neighbor split the barrel, did the receiver become unsafe due to the excessive pressure? I'm thinking of having the barrel threaded for tubes so I can use it for both coyotes and turkey. But the last thing I need is to be concerned of a kaboom when drawing down on a big old tom or a fast moving yodel dog loaded with 3" mags!!

So what do you think? Should I run it? Or am I risking the dreaded KABOOM?
 
The reciever really doesn't take any of the pressure... the barrel and bolt/locking block take the brunt.

The barrel has a recession in it which the bolt locks into with the locking block. As long as the locking block has not rounded (bent)from the pressure issues the reciever is ok.

The 870 is known for it's robust design capable of taking extreme use and abuse.

I understand you bent/split your tube(barrel)at the choke but buldges are very common when shooting steel shot. A small ring in the barrel near or at the choke from shooting stell shot developes in many firearms

That said I would probaly still replace the barrel. New 870 barrels are cheap... and used 870 barrels are really cheap. I would also proabaly replace the locking block ($20) and bolt ($45) to be safe.

http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=0860z870
 
I would have a good gun smith look at it. If it cycles smoothly I would think its good but a good gun smith is the only safe way to go.
 
I doubt the damage went anywhere near the receiver. I'd be more concerned about ensuring the entire split was removed from the barrel.

When I was an armorer in the service, we used penetrating dye. It was easy to spot defects in any guns we were concerned about. It was aerosol, smelled bad, and stained EVERYTHING purple.

I guess you could get it at a decent machine shop supply place. I have seen it used by engine builders too. Just a thought.
 
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Since this is a turkey gun, a shorten barrel with screw chokes would likely work. This could cost as much as a new barrel. I would get a new screw choke barrel for the 870. Magnafluxing and/or die penetrant testing could test the old barrel, but I would not bother with it. It's not likely that you did anything to the rest of the gun. Pressures would have dropped by the time the charge got to the choke.
 
I dont recomend getting it choked. First of all you'll have ahard time getting it down that far down the barrel on an 870 Express as there is enoughmeat there for the thread to hold proberly with going to a thin wall choke. Thin wall choke are fine until you get running steel, or heavy shot type shots through them then you once again can run into problems with barrels bulging. I'd say just find a used barrel somewhere. I've seen them for $60-$70 at gun shows. You'll pay that much or more to get it tubed.

Tim
 
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"...My question is, when my neighbor split the barrel, did the receiver become unsafe due to the excessive pressure?"



When a barrel splits at the muzzle, there is absolutely NO increase in pressure - the split comes from the steel shot not being able to compress, so it wedges the choked section apart.

You don't have to replace any parts or take it to a gunsmith, unless you are trying to waste some money.

You can have that barrel re-choked, or you can buy a new or used barrel.

The gun is 110% FINE.


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like said before do not send it off to have chokes tubes installed, as it will cost you as much as it would to buy to used rem barrels. used rem 870 barrels are very common and affordable. I know this isn't the case but if it were a hand me down from a father or grandfather i would consider having it re-choked. the 870 barrel has plenty of meat to have choke tubes installed with out worry of shooting steel shot. But like i said in this case buy a used barrel and shoot the heck out of it. I have an older 870 3" express that i used to duck hunt with and that thing has killed a truck load of ducks. I have several much nicer shotguns but that old 870 points oh so well!! Lee
 
I agree with those that said there should be no receiver damage. But I would just replace the barrel and have a gun smith check out the receiver. If your neighbor shot steel shot through a fixed full choke who knows what else he did to it. Wont cost much to have it looked over by a Smith. You have enough things to be concerned about while shooting to be worried about the KABOOM.
 
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