I owned 2, 870's back in the 70's - a 20 gauge and a 12 gauge. Both guns performed flawlessly for years. The only time I had a problem with one was as a teenager, I accidently shot the roof of the trap house at league one night. The town's dentist that was setting birds that night was none too pleased!
Now THAT makes me laugh. LMAO My wife too, accidently shot the trap house roof, and it was corrigated metal, and was it loud. The trap boy took off his white t-shirt, put it on a stick, and started waving it back and forth out of the house. Everyone was laughing so hard, we had to take a break.

For the rest of the night, everyone kept coming up to her and asking her if she was the chick that shot the trap house. LMFAO You'd a had to been there, I still laugh when someone bring it up.
Love the 870's. Bought my 1st one on a bet back in the early 70's. Bickered with the shop owner about the price, he pulled out a quarter and said ya feel lucky kid ??? heads or tails, you win and it's yours for your price, I win and you pay my price. Before I could say anything, my gf said "heads" he flipped, and it was heads. 30" bbl, 3" mag, duck gun. Since then I've added another 12 ga in 28" mod, a 20 ga. 28" with remchokes, a 20 ga. skeet grade with beautiful wood, and a 28 and 410 wingmaster field grade. But just give me one of my Winchester model 12's for any of my shotgun shooting and I'll out shoot almost anybody.