Scribner, I also have a 1947 take down. Your info was extremely helpful. My 1897 functions as you described, however it will not go into battery with an empty or live shell. I suspect that I have a right extractor problem. It functions well without a shell. Fortunately I am familiar with taking it all apart short of the trigger assembly. There is no "play" in the bolt. Is it possible to have damage to the "breech ring" between the bolt face and the barrel that would cause the shell not to go into battery? Thanks. Skidsteer1.
not sure how the breech ring could be damaged. If you break it down, you should be able to observe the breech ring. Closing the bolt with a blank in the chamber might help see what’s going on.