APS Airsoft CAM870 MkIII Complete Guide & Review

At long last, a review and updated loading guide for the airsoft APS CAM870 Mk3 shell-ejecting shotgun, an airsoft rendition of the well-known Remington 870.
Loading tool:
www.thingiverse.com/thing:607...
www.shapeways.com/product/2JL...
0:00- Intro & History
1:49- Overview
2:24- Externals
5:18- Disassembly
6:35- Internals
13:00- Dubious claims
14:40- Reassembly
15:20- Shells
16:16- Controls & Operation
17:47- Troubleshooting
24:06- Loading shells the APS way
25:17- Loading shells our way
28:25- Shooting demo, chrono, and recommendations
30:23- Practicality
36:44- APS parts availability
37:39- Conclusion
Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio.

[@HSW101_]

"My wife happens to collect combat shotguns."

[@mistermann7579]

It’s over

[@xxX_nscp_Xxx]

Is this America?

[@CadWeapTech]

She's a keeper

[@sogerc1]

My wife happens to collect gripes about me buying airsoft guns.

[@chinoyomaji288]

Hell yeah

[@Moszczynski69]

This is 40 minutes of stellar technical and historical info about the real gun and the airsoft replica, what a treat! Killer video!

[@krzew]

siema

[@BigBoiCQB]

True, I enjoyed this video even though i am not getting that shotgun, I am though buying a Striker12 that uses the same shells, Though it comes with the mk3 smart shells so maybe i don't even need to do this, but i am buying a 3/4" punch either way just because later on i might get the regular shells and i don't want to pay for APS's stupid expensive kits. Also 27:19 Bro i fucking love you for making that... Thank you!

[@mucke7907]

Love how you recreated the "T2 Sarah Conner" M870, without rubbing it into our faces. Important video, i come here from time to time to get vital infos. Because of you guys, I grabbed myself an Striker 12, last year. Best decision ever.

[@theatomicstuff6101]

I love that I watched a full 40 minute video on an airsoft shotgun that I will never get for a sport I don’t play. Well made video!

[@tino897]

Never knew there was someone that can make so much info on this shotgun. I do love shotguns but got scared of the horror stories everyone says about gas shotguns in airsoft. So what I use is a simple Cyma 870 spring shotgun. Works for me and is cheap but man am I a sucker for those CAM870s

[@JacobE-23]

Could you elaborate? Was looking into getting a gas shotgun lol. Dont think ive heard these stories you speak off. (Not calling you a liar, just never looked into shotguns till now, just been watching some reviews)

[@kriegsmarinekonigstiger4038]

This is the review I’ve always wanted. I’ve been on the fence about a cam system for so long

[@stewbacca117]

Living in Taiwan for nearly 6 years at this point, and airsofting here and in the UK beforehand for a total of 18 years... The "dog and pony show" is one I've seen on rerun, as nauseum, in multiple languages... They are terrified of the idea of people converting airsoft guns to fire live rounds in both my homeland and my current home, and no amount of qualified engineering types or people who actually know about firearms and replicas thereof is - apparently - ever going to placate them... The APS MkII made it to Taiwan OK, but was just awful due to the gas then being stored in the bolt itself, thus eliminating the ability to continually feed rounds as you had to reload the bolt's gas separately. Sad. Times.

[@Trzebiat]

I absolutely love how technical your reviews are, especially comparison to the real steel counterpart. Any chance you'll make a review on SCAR platform, either WE or VFC, or a comparison of both?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

We can't make any guarantees right now as there are a couple of upcoming products we're set on reviewing, but after that anything's possible.

[@Trzebiat]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises looking forward to your next videos.

[@royson345]

I second the Scar! I have the Scar L by WE and its a good perfromer. Just waiting for the day the trigger box poops on itself.

[@catholicpatriotusa1507]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises , I really love your content and it's absolutely the best Airsoft reviews on youtube. I've been eyeing the CAM870 Marine model for some time now, and while I still intend to get it someday, you've definitely made me realize that it's not worth the amount of money and time I would need to sink into it out of the box. (At least not right now while I'm in college) I would really love to see you do a detailed video on the GHK AKM. That's another item I've wanted for a long time, and Evike currently has some for around $600. Not cheap, but I love GBBRs and AKs enough to justify forking over the money for it. I think you'd have a lot of fun with how many aftermarket parts there are for it, especially the full travel kit for the bolt. (I know GHK also makes an RPK with that same system too.)

[@slowdead3128]

Mmnmmmmmnmnmnnmn8

[@a.c.m.4548]

My 870 was from 2007 and it was reliable 90% of the time. My turkish winchester is 100% reliable which really tells you how far remington fell before falling into the grave.

[@ZvookUK]

I just received my APS CAM 870 mk3 breacher and thankfully so far its working as it should. But if/when it fails I will be coming back to this great video - thanks!

[@blah2357]

The CAM870 has been on my wish list for a long time, but other things took priority. Thanks so much for the review! I can reference this video when I eventually get it!

[@macgriggs9350]

Please keep making videos. Your the only legit airsoft reviewer ive ever seen and you just eared a new subscriber

[@MercutioUK2006]

History, technical specifications and great modifications. Fantastic as usual.

[@danideba7598]

This is the absolute and most in depth review of the CAM 870and I really appreciate your expertise. I love the CAM 870 but this “warts and all” video is truly what everyone needs to make the best decisions. Thank you so much.

[@alessandrorohr7663]

Best video so far about APS m870, saved in my useful videos too , Great work Sir!

[@MargiAirsoft]

You guys are a godsend to the airsoft community. I have the medium length (I believe it's the SF version according to APS' nomenclature, iirc) and will be putting a Pachmayr repro pistol grip to use it as a breacher. When the shotgun will need some tinkering, I know where to turn to 🙏🏻

[@samduffy7628]

Best channel, had the 870 version for years

[@boringsoren]

This video has been incredibly in depth and helpful, thank you so much!

[@foxgamer1793]

In the airport right now, thanks for making my layover just a bit better.

[@bdon5813]

Love the review, I have had a love hate relationship with my 870 cruiser. I had the firing pin fuse itself /get stuck in the bolt to the point where i ended up just buying a new bolt and swap it in there. I recently bought the street sweeper, its so much fun.

[@user-lo7fx1ci2y]

maybe a little late answer, but i had the same problem and it happens pretty sure by dryfiring the gun. I always did it before storing the gun, cause when ejecting the last shell it´s always cocked. After changing the bolt i now always take a shell, press the valve in like it would be if loaded with CO2, fire the 870 with it and then put it away.

[@arjaygames]

Quality content as always! I really like my CAM870

[@DNToquer]

From my reddit response: Hello, I use a Cam870 and other shell ejecting shotguns and love the info presented. The bits about reliability is especially useful. I plan to do some of the modifications you have done, especially with getting the shells to feed consistently. For gassing shells you can use an HPA tank instead of co2. Either use those co2 adapters or APS makes a tank version of their fill nozzle although I would recommend not using APS as their fill nozzles break easily. You can use a remote paintball line so you don't have to hold the whole tank. I saw another guy make a video way back and he used super high pressure air for 1100+psi for much more power. The bit about buying separate hulls is interesting and a pretty good idea. I like to keep the hulls on to minimize the time required to prep shells. You can use a nozzle extension and teflon tape to help seal. I carry my shells on a 12g bandolier with elastic bands. They hold on to the shells well and it's a once piece accessory that takes minimal time to put on or off. I use a dump pouch for empty shells. I don't use a shell holder. If I have the time I will just fire one shot and then eject the shell in the air and catch it by canting the gun or ejecting it straight into my hand. Before I tried to do the paper cut outs like you did but noticed that every now and then the top paper came loose and would spill BB's. Sometimes either in the gun itself or on my body where they were stored. APS makes flower wads which is a one piece design instead of the older two piece wad/topper design. I may give it another shot with that loading tool. Maybe it would make it more consistent. I haven't tested my shotgun tracer unit to see if it would work with the APS but that would be interesting for cqb to see a glowing cloud of BB's headed towards enemies. Overall I have the same conclusion as you, this works differently so you got to do things different but it's fun and has the benefit of a huge amount of BB's per trigger pull.

[@WaterComputer]

If we could get a Ghk ak Guide like the AUG one at some point that would be incredible! Also on a side note I absolutely love how you do the videos and have learned a lot as a new Gbbr because of them ❤

[@aardvarkairsoft1660]

I love my super long competition version with magpul furniture for open field use. Instead of CO2 I use hpa with a Ninja Air HPA Pro V2 SHP Series Tank Regulator which outputs 1100 psi. It can be tuned down but at the default pressure is pretty close to liquid co2 power. The only issue I’ve seen is if you aren’t careful and fill the shell at an angle you might bend the fill valve. I just 3d printed an adapter to hold the shell straight and haven’t had any issues since. Using a paintball co2 remote line and threading the top part of a 12gram co2 loader to it makes for a nice way to charge shells without having to buy co2 tanks.

[@maddin3988]

Do you know what kind of FPS you are getting with that setup? And the weight of BB you are using please.

[@ZigzwagProps]

Awesome video! Id definitely look at the cam870 for a shotgun for sure! Would be an awesome tool for cqb!

[@alastairpei]

Very nice video, thank you

[@hangncs2507]

I have a MkII receiver with a MkI bolt. It is one of my favorite airsoft guns, and I have been considering picking up a MkIII just to have another.

[@Greger88]

Thank you for this awesome in depth review. I got the mk3 salient arms version last week and it seems that version is different or they have made some changes to them overall. The bolt is removable from the front without removing the magazine tube and the 2 tube clamps (as long as you remove the bolt stop in the reciever of course) , the extractor looks like the modified one you show and though I'm not sure if the "elevator" dog bone is altered it does work flawlessly even when inching the pump forward slowly. If you are interested I can take some pictures of relevant parts like the trigger group, bolt etc.

[@Thahamster]

Top tier review as always! I always learn something useful when watching your videos. It's a bit sad that the MK2 doesnt seem to be that good, I like the idea of having the gas in the bolt or stock and running 3D-printed shells. What is your view of the Dominator DM870? Given the CNC'ed steel parts, it does look like a better quality product on paper but you never know if the whole package is any good.

[@sixshootersquid]

another killer video

[@minibang9671]

Oh and i just subscribed to support as this was so helpful i have followed every step so far ..just need to get a Co2 adapter for my paintball tank

[@chrisevans7158]

Excellent, thank you

[@saikumarkhan]

very amazing job 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@panktonm]

very good video!!

[@l.h.9747]

love your content. will there be a video talking about ak gbb in the future? maybe in general and or comparing ghk and we tech

[@cyrusfreeman9972]

I have 5 airsoft shotguns... and one rifle. I keep drooling over the CAM and the Marui breacher

[@sogerc1]

I'm not a shotgun guy but it's fun to see what our shotgun wielding friends are dealing with.

[@private828]

I think bring Marui 870 to game site will be much easier but when you talking about fun, shell eject for sure!

[@gbbrworld4759]

You make me miss my dm870 that I converted to take cam870 shells.

[@maxpayne98383]

Would be awesome if you could do a video on the marui mp7 ! Even if its not quite full scale

[@ivarvernet910]

Great video, very informative Where to get the overfolding stock?

[@samuelwong622]

One thing I hate the CAM870 most is they never have 14-inch nor 18-inch barrels, which are commonly use by military/LE, they only offer 12.5-inch(too short) or 20-inches barrel (too long). Since most of the people like to build their airsoft in a military/LE setup, with the barrel length problem , it's hard to build an actual combat setup with a CAM870, it just like a dumb joke.

[@LikeTotallyBad]

I wonder if you could use two of these to make a double barrel break action

[@B0b842]

nice

[@xcd87]

This could work well for film makers on a budget, it looks and functions realistic enough.

[@Gabriel-up7dk]

Hello, very nice video ! I have a question, how much Material do you have removed on the Top of the magtube retaining pieces ? And is a real dog leg works fine with all other Aps parts ? Thank you very much !

[@scottanderson9268]

Hello! Just wanted to ask where you picked up the hole punch? Most of the ones I’m finding on Amazon and such don’t pop out the paper disk as easily or efficiently and I’d love to get the same one you demonstrated with Thank you!

[@LoanDinh-yk5mf]

Hello, I just bought the Remington M870 express stock and handguard to put on APS cam870 mk3 classic, are they compatible?

[@g.p.airsoft]

I had one for a long time never used it right until now. Would you guys ever e interested in making a video converting a dominator to use APS shells. I wanna do it, don't know how.

[@namtranhhgames]

My CAM870 very hard to load the shells into the mag tube, because the shell's rim is rough after a few rack, and there is a white cut-O-ring at the start of the mag tube that prevent the shell from entering smoothly. I don't know what it is for, so I haven't taken it away just yet. Do you have any advice for it? I don't wanna file the shell's rim smoothly, cuz it might cost the shell-cycling functionality

[@Terminatorbart]

Nice replica!

[@johnhu625]

Where can I get the co2 fill adapter? Is it the same as the propane fill adapter?

[@BugsISKing]

I have a dumb question. Would furniture be interchangeable between the real 870 and the airsoft version? I've got a little project going with an 870 clone and I dont want to pay $500 for a factory folder. I was considering using one of these airsoft versions.

[@Kildar042]

How do you get APS parts here in the states? On their website it says “we do not ship gun parts to your country, please cancel your order!” and their only listed distributor in the US is Evike, which seems locked into the MKII system.

[@dogedogego]

babe new explosives enterprises just dropped

[@noiiaz96]

Hey XE, your channel is awesome. What adapter do you use to put on your paintball tank? I use soda stream cans, my adapter is giving up on me lol.. thanks!

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

Madbull's XC01 adapter does the job just fine.

[@noiiaz96]

@ExplosiveEnterprises sweet thanks! I can't find it's thread pitch anywhere, is it TR21-4?

[@ivanhartley4378]

Have you tried the flower wads? Yeah the PPS catcher is in-obtainum atm, been looking for one for over 6 months …. But my Google fu is letting me down

[@DNToquer]

Curious to see what your thoughts are on the Farsan/Hawsan Double Barrel converted to APS Shells. Sure you don't have repeating firepower but the mechanism is pretty reliable and being able to fire two shells simultaneously makes those quick corner peaks more devastating. Helps to learn how to load it like the competition shooters that basically load it like Doom Slayer.

[@aaron4820]

There's a video of him with his other channel completely murdering someone with the HS converted to APS shell. Video here timestamped : kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHeaqH9ml5J6lZY

[@magnusspetzler1286]

it also has one of the real life advantages of not flinging the shells everywhere. you can simply just put the spent shells directly in your pocket, and put in two new ones. saves time on cleanup at the field and when you are in a field hunting.

[@AWPtical800]

ASG makes plastic 4.5mm .13g BBs. Have you tried those? I miss the days when I took my MK2-turned-MK1 to a CQB field. Having someone on the receiving end comment that "it was like a grenade went off" (with your original 17-shot load) was a highlight in the years that I've played. Had to sell it when I lost my job years ago, regretted it, and now I'm slowly buying up parts to build a new one. Also WRT parts: it's really annoying how the Super Shorty forend is only available with the gun.

[@mukmuk723]

I recently used my Striker 12 with the 4.5mm bbs. It's absolutely excellent. Really, truly gives the "Video-Game-Shotgun-Cone-of-Death" feeling where anything in front of you dies. However, the little tube i bought, of 1000 bbs, only filled 30 shells worth, and aren't biodegradable. So I am on the lookout for alternatives, perhaps something like lentils or other seeds.

[@AWPtical800]

@@mukmuk723 them not being biodegradable doesn't really hurt in my experience, since one of the CQB arenas where I'd want to take a CAM prohibits bios (something about bio BBs being more likely to shatter). Also 6mm .12s aren't biodegradable in the first place so meh?

[@banjobill8420]

Have you tried using citristrip on the stock? I know it's messier and a bit more work than you're probably wanting but it may work better.

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

That is actually exactly what we used, oddly enough.

[@christsang9728]

Has anyone had issues with having one shipped to the US? I've heard customs can seize yours and shops like Evike only carry the MK2.

[@grantkeith5834]

Just ordered one from JKARMY and had no issues whatsoever. Shipping was pricey, about $200 but the only shops that had the model I was looking for were in Hong Kong. Evike only has MKII’s which you don’t want. It took less than a week to get it after I ordered it. Somehow it was never opened to be inspected. And did not have an orange tip. I think I just got lucky. Customs can seize it if there isn’t an orange tip.

[@Rcsev-kb2lu]

​@grantkeith5834 Hello, i know your post is old, but i wanted to ask about the shotgun. So I'm assuming from what I'm hearing the mk2 sucks and that I'm going ti have to replace it but I'm not sure if i go for the mk1 or mk3. I see on evike's website that they have a mk3 bolt so I'm interested on getting it if it will help but I'm not sure if that's the right call.

[@christsang9728]

@@Rcsev-kb2lu mk3 bolt all the way. It's just incredibly expensive and annoying to go through all that trouble when we could simply have a MK3 gun in the US. It's definitely compatible, but you need new shells and some elbow grease.

[@AshM308]

what is that folding stock called?

[@StorMRagE4EVA]

I had to do a double take when you said mk3

[@elpandaxxxx7349]

where can i buy one in US?

[@froginthewaves8450]

Neat

[@simplyheck]

What did you use to carry around your shells when you were using the Martini Henry and Hawsan?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

A leather bandolier across the chest, upper-left to lower-right, makes it easy to grab single shells and pairs with the right hand. Swap direction (upper-right to lower-left) for left-handed access.

[@jan-mi9rj]

can u make a slug using some hard foam or sonthing?

[@Hodnicek]

Yes, you can. Inner diameter of the barrel is 18mm, so you can shoot everything that fits in (like paintballs, screwdriver, homemade explosive slugs… huge variety)

[@somerandomdragon4655]

is it compatible with real lsteel aftermarket furniture like magpul 870 accessories?

[@somerandomdragon4655]

nvm i didnt watch the video

[@JACK-bp6xz]

Fun fact, it was not Taiwanese criminal that messed with the aps m870, it was the police that did the screwing around, so that they can get promoted by "confiscating firearms" and meeting thier police productively quota(yes, in Taiwan police have to deal with a certain amount of crimes per year to keep thier jobs😂). If anyone would like to know more about the story I'll reply in the comments.

[@SWIGGITYSWAGWIGGITYWAG]

Kindof like how the cia/fbi groom shooters

[@minibang9671]

I'm in UK and just bought your loading tool from shapeways...looks great..I'm a noob can you help and recommend a Co2 adapter..I bought paintball tanks based on your recommendation

[@minibang9671]

If you have specific recommendations or even some links would be fantastic

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

Madbull makes a reliable CO2 charger (XC01) that does the job perfectly. Just make sure to get the one that looks like a propane fill adapter; you don't need the one that comes with a regulator.

[@minibang9671]

Thank you so much for taking the time sir​@ExplosiveEnterprises

[@moelarthur1412]

If i get it i feel like it would only be a wall hanger 😢

[@blue-boi]

great Vid!. if I may ask what kind of shirt/jacket are you wearing at 30:40 ?? if I may ask,

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

Our team uses Delta Plus Mach 5 coveralls. You'll see them in a few other videos as well.

[@blue-boi]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises okay! thank you!

[@jacksonkellerman]

would love to see you do a review on the kwa mp7 and usp

[@damiendarko9411]

I have no interest in air soft, but this looks as if it would make an excellent replica for low budget films.

[@Ace-hl5wq]

do you happen to know what happened to the KS-23 you guys made?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

We still offer printed KS-23 kits through our Facebook page, but unfortunately the cast kits didn't work out. We may revisit the project but it's on indefinite hiatus.

[@Ace-hl5wq]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises i see, i'll definitely be on the lookout for that

[@scarcatch]

m8, those shades... dare to tell us what brand??

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

Gargoyles ANSI Classics at 23:46 and generic aviators in the Practicality section.

[@scarcatch]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises nice, seems like hard to get

[@Deus1236]

One shell only, please xD

[@trinpanapan2990]

29:29 LOL

[@dave6968]

couldnt you use an actual shotgun but put the airsoft shells into it assuming they have the same diameter and load correctly

[@FireWaypoint]

What about Dominator DM870?

[@ExplosiveEnterprises]

They're fantastically built guns, much nicer in appearance and feel than the CAM870, and while they use Tanaka-style shells by default they can be converted to APS. The only reason we didn't talk about them in this video just because they're long out of production and extremely difficult to find. If you're interested in shell-ejecting shotguns and have the opportunity to get a DM870, buy it.

[@DNToquer]

@@ExplosiveEnterprises I was wondering what happened to them and PPS. I really like the PPS shells because they have a much more accessible fill valve, aluminum hull and steel rim, and easier to load but they only hold 6 BB's. However, PPS shotguns seem to be out of stock and only the XM26 or Striker 12 shotguns are in production that can use them.

[@male_walk]

Well I've heard that the mod was done by police themself

[@CadWeapTech]

Something tells me this is illegal in Canada 😂

[@5jrok]

man I wish there was a viable shell ejection option. Is the pps shotgun bettter?

[@walkie870]

Is it possible to modify a real steel 870 to take APS shells? Either the gas shells or the Mk2 shells?

[@Leo-gl4lb]

"But since my wife collects combat shotguns" Wait what

[@Booze_Rooster]

Great reviews- but god, clean the dog hair out of your guns hahaha

[@SWIGGITYSWAGWIGGITYWAG]

The 870 was introduced in 1950. Idk why people keep saying 51. "Hurr durr source" I own one a first year first month production 870.

[@XLexieXBabyX]

Just got one of these, and this is the perfect video to watch if you do get one, but i do have to correct you, in some parts of the US this is no toy, its a little crazy for you to say this no offense haha! I'm in Law Enforcement and also a firearms instructor for my home town and in my state this is actually considered a firearm and most places around me aren't the same obviously but they are never considered toys because the line of work im in i've seen some nasty stuff done by these believe it or not, but still a great video, and that real 870 Police is beautiful by the way ;) I have something similar for my car gun, but its obviously a more modern Remington 870 Tactical with Picatinny rails for a flashlight and a shell holder on the buttstock for 5 more rounds

[@CLODXJ6]

It's a toy, shut the fuck up, lmao.

[@NomadikProd]

wronk

[@KarlHensen]

The APS shotgun is so realistic, if you have the budget. There is a steel kit on the market many years ago, and with some machine customize and install factory Remington 870 parts, can load and fire real 12ga. Don't ask why I know

[@NomadikProd]

If you have a pipe and a nail you can fire 12ga, having access to a machine shop can make just about anything. That really doesn't make a difference.

[@sheepmasterrace]

I don't think you should start off with replacing the internals with real steel ones. How can we learn about the gun's reliability then? Otherwise excellent

[@ChrisC-oy9qp]

Major subtle wife flex...

[@fiskersproductions]

Neat