Lever action feed tube jams

[Odnar]

I have a Mossberg lever action in 30-30 that keeps jamming in the feed tube. It doesn't seem to be the ammo type, I've tried several different brands. The spring loaded plunger sticks in the tube, not the actual rounds. I've tried running a brush down the tube with Hoppes and bore bright (not at the same time) to clean and smooth it out. I've tried reassembling with light and moderate lubrication and also without *any* lube in the tube. I don't see any dents or corrosion, inside or out. The plunger (metal) doesn't seem to be damaged. It just sticks. Does it in warm or cold weather.:banghead:

Suggestions?

 

[B.D. Turner]

Sounds like you did a good job of checking everything over. I would look for a replacement plunger it could be twisting in the tube just enough to bind up in the tube. I believe a Marlin plunger will work for your rifle.

 

[mainebear]

Had a similar problem with a winchester 30-30. Used emery cloth on the sides of the plunger, and finished polishing with steel wool. Made a big difference. Couldn't see anything wrong either, but it worked. Also might want to check (not knowing where it fetches up) if the feed tube is solidly connected to the rifle itself. Check to see that the mating between the tube and the receiver section is free of rust, grit, or whatever and that the tube goes back solidly. Even a small gap here can cause problems by allowing the tube to flex ever so slightly. don't know if this will help with your rifle, but helped a couple of us with similar problems. My .02 worth.

 

[buzz meeks]

Weak spring?

 

[roscoe]

Mossberg made a lever 30-30?

 

[Antihero]

Weak spring?

Thats my first thought when i read your post.

My 2nd was:

Mossberg made a lever 30-30?

 

[Odnar]

I don't believe the spring to be the problem. I have to be very, very careful when taking the screw out of the end with the spring under pressure. I'll try smoothing the plug with some emery.

This is the only Mossberg lever 30-30 I've ever seen. I took my first deer with it years ago.

 

[Gbro]

Looks like Mossberg made the Model 472 and 479 in several configurations from 1972 - 1985
Even there 1-in-5000 is only about $500.00. (5000 made 1974)

 

[mr.scott]

I know this is old, but I hope the op is still around to answer a question on this gun.
Does you gun have any kind of feed ramp for the barrel. My mossberg lever gun does not and it frequently locks up with a round stuck before going into the chamber.

 

[bhk]

I had exactly the same problem with a Marlin rifle I bought a year ago. It turned out the magazine tube was out of round and would cause the follower to hang up. It took me forever to figure this out. I called Marlin and they sent me a new tube. Switching the new one out for the old one took 10 minutes. It works perfectly now. I bet that is your problem.

 

[mr.scott]

thanks, i'll check that out.