[ShotgunPro]

I've done a few upgrades to a couple of my shotguns recently, and since I couldn't find any good instructions/pictures/tutorials online, I thought I'd do a few of my own. Maybe the next guy who is looking for some installation info will find this helpful.

This, the first tutorial, will cover how to install a Wide Action Release from Tank's Rifle Shop in a 12ga Remington 870.

What you get:

The Wide Action Release currently costs $33.40 directly from Tank's. You will also need to order a replacement hammer pin for your trigger group. Hammer pins are also available from Tank's for $3.00, but you will have to make sure you get the one appropriate for your trigger housing as the metal housing and plastic housing require different hammer pins.

What it does:

Some people will claim that the Wide Action Release is an answer in search of a problem, but anyone who operates their shotgun in a stressful environment (or with gloved hands) will appreciate the larger surface area of the Tank's release. It is definitely hard to miss as it increases the surface area of the standard release by three times.

I couldn't determine how the release was modified, but it actually looks to be a Remington factory release with material added. It's hard to tell if it is metal or some sort of polymer, but it feels very solid.

Getting started:

I forgot to take pictures of how to remove the two pins that retain the trigger group in a Remington 870 but, honestly, if you can't figure that out on your own, you probably shouldn't be attempting this modification by yourself.

Once the trigger group is out, the first step is going to be grinding out the staked end of the stock hammer pin (A).

Just grind down far enough to remove the staking of the pin.

The next step is to drive the hammer pin out, remove the shell carrier (You can do this before grinding the hammer pin as well) and disassemble what we can. Pay special attention to the hammer spring and plunger (A) and the carrier spring and plunger (B) as they can go flying when you start removing other parts (Ask me how I know).

Note: The hammer spring and plunger are captured by a tab on the action release. Also note how the bent wire spring is oriented UNDER the action release.

Once you've got it apart, you should end up with something like this...

 

[ShotgunPro]

Modifying the trigger housing:

This step is pretty simple. Since the Tank's action release is a LOT wider than the normal one, it won't fit in the slot in the trigger guard.

Grab your dremel and a cut-off wheel...

...and cut at both ends of the slot...

Since my trigger guard was of the plastic variety, it took about 15 seconds with the cut-off wheel to remove what needed to be removed. If your trigger guard is metal, it'll probably take a little longer, but the operation is the same. Clean-up the edges with a file and, if you have a metal trigger guard you can paint (or otherwise re-blacken) the exposed metal before putting everything back together.

Reassembly:

Clean all the metal and plastic shavings off of the trigger group and housing before you start to reassemble!

Putting it all back together is pretty easy. Just follow the disassembly instructions in reverse using your new hammer pin. Make sure the bent wire spring is UNDER the action release tab, and that the same tab captures the hammer spring and plunger. It really helps to have three hands when you're putting it back together.

Once it is all back together you'll need to stake the new hammer pin. I used a small flat-head screwdriver and a hammer to stake mine in three places. The following picture is blurry, but you get the idea.

 

[ShotgunPro]

And here are some more pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Big props to my Dad who was in town for the weekend and helped with the "gun projects" and picture taking! Sometimes you just need that third (or fourth) hand and second set of eyes to make sure things go back together with no leftover bits.

 

[ShotgunPro]

I've done a few upgrades to a couple of my shotguns recently, and since I couldn't find any good instructions/pictures/tutorials online, I thought I'd do a few of my own. Maybe the next guy who is looking for some installation info will find this helpful.

This, the first tutorial, will cover how to install a Wide Action Release from Tank's Rifle Shop in a 12ga Remington 870.

Hooz,

Thank you for making this tutorial with pictures. Great job!

I look forward to the next tutorial you produce.

Chapie+

 

[ShotgunPro]

Is that a Vang comp safety button?

 

[ShotgunPro]

Wow - nice upgrade! Have to keep this in the back of my mind for a future project! Thanks for posting!

 

[ShotgunPro]

Is that a Vang comp safety button?

Yeah. It's a Vang Comp button. I didn't think I needed to do a tutorial on that, but I could if anyone needed it.

I have to sort the 27 pictures and write the text, but the next tutorial in the queue is installing a Dave's Metal Works Easyloader in a Remington 1100 TAC-4.

 

[ShotgunPro]

No tutorial needed. Just a wonderin'. :grin:

 

[ShotgunPro]

Sweet! I never knew this exhisted, but I've been looking for one since I got my 870. I contemplated making an extension that could screw on to it or epoxying it on there. I might still do that, seeing as this thing is kinda spendy. But if I want to buy one instead, at least I know I have the option now. Thanks for the info!
-Thomas

 

[ShotgunPro]

sorry for bumping an old thread, but im trying to remove the action release so that i can coat the triger assembly with dura coat. I have removed all the parts from the assembly except the ones held on by the front pin. Your write has been very helpful but i was just wondering what you used to grind the pin out with and also do you just grind out the inner metal part?