30-30 winchester circa 1973 binding

[pikepole20]

I have recently obtained 30-30 that shoots fine except that about every 4 or 5 shots the lever gets stuck. I can eventually work it loose. What could cause this occasional binding?

 

[Jim K]

Could be that the cartridge is hanging up the carrier. If you are using handloads, make sure you control the cartridge overall length (COAL) to duplicate that of the factory load.

Jim

 

[pikepole20]

No hand loads. Winchester 150 grain PowerPoint's. I have not owned a lever action before. Should it be worked smartly or does it matter?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, it should be worked smartly.

But not smartly enough to leave bruised fingers.

Sounds to me like it might need a real good cleaning and oiling!!

( It isn't a stuck case, our you wouldn't be able to 'eventually work it loose' with a lever-action.

They have no extraction cam power like a bolt-action.
Stuck is stuck.

rc

 

[pikepole20]

I cycled the action without ammo it did it again although not as often. The item in the rear in front the hammer and it's linkage seems to be the culprit,

 

[Malamute]

Cleaning and oiling is likely going to help.

You dont say exactly whats happening, or not. What part of the lever cycle, what you do to get it freed up. The info so far is pretty vague.

"Working it smartly" if something is wrong is likely to make it worse. If its working properly, theres nothing about the 94 action that requires it to be "worked smartly". If it doesnt work when run slowly, something is wrong with it. Simply oiling them is often enough. The ribs on the sides of the bolt and the underside of the bolt are places that get dry on mine and cause the action to operate less smoothly than normal.

 

[Jim K]

Don't forget to lube the bottom of the bolt or top of the hammer. The bolt cocks the hammer then cams it back again on the forward movement to be sure it is cocked. That can sometimes be hard if the hammer spring (mainspring) is heavy or binding.

Jim

 

[pikepole20]

It sticks at the very beginning. The piece between the hammer and the bolt. Where the camming takes place is the pin supposed to fit loosely in there or a snug fit. I am beginning to suspect this pin. Is it cylindrical or does it fit the camming area precisely.

 

[pikepole20]

The guy I bought it from said the pins were missing, but he found them. I have no experience with lever actions. Maybe am incorrect pin shape was used.

 

[rcmodel]

So, you bought it tore apart in a paper sack and assembled it?

Or the guy you bought it from did it before he found out it didn't work and sold it to you??

In either case, who knows what the problem is now???

BTW: The locking bolt pin is round.

But there is no way to tell on the internet whether or not you have the right pin if the have been lost and replaced.

http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/ctgy/winchester-94-parts

rc

 

[pikepole20]

The guy I bought it from did the work he said. In any case she's going to the LGS for a checkup. I am still OK with the deal on the rifle. Thanks for your input all.

 

[Malamute]

Clear pictures would help tremendously, as would locating a schematics of the gun and using the factory terms for the parts.

Best of luck at the gun shop. Some seem to know enough to help, some may be detrimental to the health of ones guns if theres problems. Hope yours is the good kind.