shells getting stuck in .410

[EatBugs]

I have a really old JC higgens single shot .410 shotgun. Hehe, it has a plastic stock too. It was passed down from grandpa to mother to me. I love the gun... especially since it so light and small and perfect for me since I'm a woman and I'm short too.

But

After fireing the shell is stuck in the chamber. I have to use a key to pry it out. This has been a problem for years. My mother told how she had to pry the shells out as a little girl too. The little ejector thingy works. if I have to open the gun after deciding not to take a shot, I have to remember to hold my hand over the chamber to catch the shell ( I hunt with the gun open and only close when I see a squirrel). otherwise the unspent shell is flicked quite a few feet into the undergrowth. The ejector thing comes out and past the the shell when the gun has been fired and then opened, but the shell remains I must pry the shell out with keys(used to use my nails but I broke them too many times trying to get the shell out)

 

[Chawbaccer]

A couple things might case that. Is the chamber clean? Use a bore brush and make sure that all the old grease and grime is out. Also if it is rusty you will have to polish it.
Are you using the correct ammo? If it is marked for a 2 3/4 chamber, you don't want to use 3 inch shells. The chamber will be marked on the barrel, near the breach.

 

[hoghunting]

I'm with Chaw on the dirty chamber. Give the chamber a good scrubbing then use a flashlight to look at the chamber. Hopefully you will not see rough spots or pits. If you do, you will need to do some polishing.

 

[EatBugs]

yep, using 3" shells for 3" chamber. Although a note on the past history on the gun. it has been in storage for 20 years before it was handed down to me. The first thing I did upon receiving it was a good cleaning with a bore brush all that jazz. It was Dirty Dirty Dirty. My mother saw me taking it apart and exclaimed that she never knew you could do that. Scary since she was the previous owner. I go by the rule, "never let the sun go down on a dirty gun" I clean it after each hunt.

anyway, I just examined the chamber with the flashlight(gun still clean from last time) I did not see any obviouse pitting or noticable rust patches. Although there are rust patches all over the barrel of the gun, just small pin head size spots. Any Idea how to get rid of those, Many spots have been wiped away since I first got the gun but not all. the inside of the barrel is shinny and mirror like. * there is a brownish like stain in the chamber that may be the imperfection that is ruining all the fun* But the chamber is otherwise smooth and shinny.

 

[Chawbaccer]

How does it work with shorter shells? I might use some Flitz on a rag with a short dowel and an electric drill, see if that stain would come out. Another thing would be to take a look at the ejector, that it isn't rounded off or otherwise compromised. If you can find the model number, look at Numrich for replacement parts,good luck.

 

[gezzer]

Check chamber length or try 2 1/2 inch shells, if they stick the chamber needs to be polished.

If the 2 1/2 inch eject thats what it is chambered for. The older the gun the more chance it is for 2 1/2 unless it states different on the barrel.

 

[Onmilo]

You don't mention exactly what brand of .410 shells you are using.

Federal and Remington .410s tend to run a bit large in external dimensions.

Try Winchester or Fiocci brands if you can find them.

 

[EatBugs]

Holy Moly! I do use Federal!

Oh, but then I remember that this has been happening for about 50 years with my mother who likely used the cheepest stuff she could find. She thought you were supposed to pry the shells out after each shot. Good thing I was always stuborn .

Well, I give up.
I'm taking Pebbles to the gunsmith.

Thanks for the help and insite, I feel smarter having known you guys.

 

[Bwana John]

I have found that "cheap" shotgun shells tend to expand when fired, and not extract as well, especally as the gun gets dirty.

I would try a box of "premium" shells and see if they extract and eject better.

I would also chuck up a brass .45 caliber brush and cleaning rod into my power drill, and spin that brush at hi speed in the chamber (and barrel) while squirting Hoppes in from the muzzle.

You also might make sure the extractor and ejector are clean, not corroded, and move without restance.

 

[RecoilRob]

Because the ejector 'comes out past a fired shell' I would assume that it, or the channel that it rides in is worn.

You might be able to replace just the ejector but it also might need the barrel fixed or replaced to make it work. Good luck!

 

[EatBugs]

Well I got the gun back from the gunsmith, turns out, whoever put the ejector in did it wrong. Aparently when fired the brass would expand into the improperly placed ejector groove or something and get stuck. So the ejector pops out but the shell brass has expanded into a groove and stays put. Or something like that. It only cost me $10 for him to adjust the ejector and it works fine now.

 

[hoghunting]

Best $10 you could have spent. Glad you got it fixed for such an inexpensive price.