Model 94 sticks on extraction (when cycling the lever/action)

[ursavus.elemensis]

Someone posted to an Internet forum about an issue he’s having with his model 94, and I have a 1948 Winchester model 94 that has this exact same problem. I want your advice. (Note, technical difficulties at the other forum are preventing replies to posted threads, so I'm asking for advice here and another good site).

My wife's 1948 Vintage '94 Winchester 30-30 has a problem.
It sticks on extraction.
Not a reloading problem, I can recreate the issue, by pressing rearward on the bolt with my fingers and trying to open the action.
Simply working the action without firing, everything is smooth.

I've had it apart down to the last screw, and I don't see anything wrong.
(Not my first '94)
Where should I be looking? I must be blind!

On my rifle, I can work the action when the rifle is unloaded, and there is no problem opening the lever/action. I can cycle live rounds and snap-cap dummy ammo through it without problem. However, after firing 2 or 3 shots, the action gets harder and harder to work when trying to open the lever to extract the fired brass and load the next shot from the magazine. With the first shot, I can cycle the lever. With the second shot, I notice a little stiffness, and by the third shot, it is becoming harder to open the lever. I concluded that something is not right, and when the rifle warms from being fired, some metal parts must be expanding and causing it to stick. If I put the rifle down, and let it cool, then re-load the magazine and start shooting again, I go through the same issue. First shot or two are fine, and then we get worsening trouble with opening the lever (cycling the rounds).

I can't figure it out, but am glad that I am not alone in this problem...

Any ideas??

[Peter M. Eick]

You have me interested. I have a '52 & '57 and a '64 94 so I have a vested interest.

Reading your post it sounds like the round is setting back the locking block and that is what is tying up the gun. To test this idea, I want to know if when you pull the lever down can you see the locking block (stainless steel looking block that goes vertical (give or take) at the back of the frame) move? If so when it moves does it come down freely or is it being forced forward?

What I am thinking is the cartridge presses the bolt back against the block when the round is fired. Now when you pull the lever down, the block has to move the bolt forward some to get the to come down. This would force the bolt to resize the brass slightly.

If you watch how the parts interact when they open you should see what I am describing if I am correct.

My block goes down and the bolt actually retracts rearwards the whole way. I can confirm that by holding the bolt with my finger and applying rearward pressure while running the action. My bet is yours moves forward at some point.

[Old Time Hunter]

Saw this at Leverguns.com and know 'bout the post reply issues. Hopefully it will be rectified.

Regarding the sticky extraction, are you using factory ammo?

If you are, are you noticing a slight backward movement of the bolt after firing? If that is happening, check the rear of the bolt where is comes into contact with the locking block. If it is starting to peen over it might be causing a head space problem (I know, I know...it is a rimmed cartridge and head space is usually on an issue), that is could likely cause a slightly larger expansion of the cartridge when firing. The other place to check is on the lever tab that closes the bolt, excessive wear might not allow the bolt to close all the way.

A simple check would be to load a round with a piece of paper (.003" approx) between the front of the bolt and the round, if it closes without forcing it, you might have a headspace problem.

[ursavus.elemensis]

thanks, Old Time, is a headspace prblem repairable???