calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

[one more cast]

I picked up a JC Higgins model 31 22 autoloader at a garage sale and it ejects the shells fine but jams (see photo) while loading, every time, even the first round. Is there a specific part that could be doing this? I works ok with shorts.<br />

 

[KRS]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Is there a feed ramp? If so, be sure it's spotless clean and look to see if the previous owner did any "backyard gunsmithing" on it with a file <br /><br />Have you tried a different magazine to try (or is it tube fed)?<br /><br />Try a different type of LR cartridge.<br /><br />Clean the magazine feeder spring.<br /><br />Be sure the bolt face is clean and the rim of the cartridge can fully enter bolt face.<br /><br />The bolt may not be fully extending to the rear... be sure the bolt and receiver are completely clean (take-apart and clean).<br /><br />Lastly, be sure the barrel is clean enough to allow the bullet to enter

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

I used to have one of those beasts myself. If I recall it didn't feed properly if it was even a little bit dirty. I would do as KRS suggests and make it spotless. I also recall that they used to make "lubed" bullets that helped alleviate the feed problem. They had some sort of wax looking stuff on the lead part. Good luck!

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

How is it jamming upon feeding? Is the bullet nose not lifting enough to enter the chamber? I'll just about bet the "lifting ramp" (same as on a marlin) is wore out. Should be able to get a replacement one. Try this http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=0780z31&MC= They call it a "cartridge lifter". Thats the most common problem with them old auto loaders. I have 2 old marlins with the same problems.

 

[one more cast]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

I just watched it feed slowly by hand (should have done this before posting)and whats happening is the shell rim is being stopped by a(protruding) firing pin.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Can you take the bolt apart and examine the firing pin for wear? Sounds like when it is cocked it is allowed to sit further forward than normal, protruding past the face of the bolt.

 

[JRJ]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Check brownells.com or e-gunparts.com for info and parts. Does it say on the barrel shorts, longs, and long rifles? Good luck.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

All good replys, I have an old winchester semi auto that was my grandfauthers. It has to be spotless clean or it jambs every fifth shot or so and you really should use shells that are copper coated like CCIs. You get a lot less crud build-up. Remington shells used to be waxy and were death to this particular gun.

 

[JB]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Like BF/LD, I had a Winchester 1903 auto loader that didn't do well with LR ammo. Jammed regularly. Found it had a recoil spring intended for a gallery rifle. . .22 shorts only. Put the correct spring in and it worked well, like any other J. Browning designed gun.<br /><br />Another possibility touched on by Boomer. The firing pin should be retracted when the bolt starts forward. It could be hanging or could have broke the retractor spring. <br /><br />It is also just possible that someone tried to convert it to full auto by modifying it to keep the firing pin forward as long as the trigger was pulled.. .and screwed it up.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

I just looked it up in an old Gun Parts Catalog. There is a small spring that hold the firing pin retracted. <br /><br />If you get the bolt out the spring is in the front side of the pin.

 

[one more cast]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Thanks for all the info. I will see what I can find on the next rainy day.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

OMC the way our weather pattern has been it could be fixed fast!! Seems like rain 6 out of 7 days a week!!<br /><br />Bob

 

[Boomyal]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Originally posted by Bob_VT:<br /> OMC the way our weather pattern has been it could be fixed fast!! Seems like rain 6 out of 7 days a week!!<br /><br />Bob

Sounds about as bad as Oregon and Washington. However, for this first day of summer, we have uncharacteristically clear skies and shadows.

 

[BF]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

I'm not sure it's the same story on rim fires, but a portruding firing pin in a center fire autoloader is bad news... google "slam fire" a portruding pin is one possible cause.<br /><br />BTW, you sure it's not the extractor?

 

[one more cast]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

I'm sure its the firing pin... I can't even push the pin in no matter what position the bolt is in. Its a wonder it doesn't fire by just releasing the bolt.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Yes the old steel was soft and it has probably galled in place. I am sure you can fix it and then keep it well oiled. I imagine a replacement spring will need to be found too which should not be to tough.

 

[one more cast]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Bob, can you tell me how to remove the bolt from this thing? I can probably figure it out but it would be a whole lot easier if I knew how to do it. <br /><br /> The rifle was made by High Standard

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

W/o having it infront of me (and looking at a poor diagram) it appears that the trigger group and bolt drop out og the bottom of the receiver. I see pins in the diagram and no screws. If you start to drive pins out look close to see if they are tapered and designed to go in in only one direction. I usually like to work on a gun ontop of a cookie sheet or a mcdonalds type food tray to catch and contain everything.<br /><br /> owners manual Look what I found online!!!! With instructions!!

 

[one more cast]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

Awesome find Bob, I printed it out with the first and last page in card stock. Looks just like an original manual. Thank You!<br /> Steve<br /><br />9:33am... The firing pin has been previously repaired and is actually to long. Now the question is should I grind the pin so its flush with the bolt or was it done this way for a reason (sounds unsafe to me).

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: calling all gunsmiths (Thanks Bob)

I would think it's time to have a good gunsmith take a look at it. I would think a repair like that would be fairly inexpensive and you'll know you have a safe weapon to use.