Quality Hardware - bolt not closing

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11-30-2009, 08:14 PM
gunsmith II

3 Attachment(s)

Quality Hardware - bolt not closing

... if you can't find a post you thought you had made sometime between 4:00 am EST to 9:00 pm EST, Sunday Nov 29th, it may have been lost during the process of restoring the database to the new hardware platform..... :yikes:

Hello, the post about my Quality Hardward M-1 Carbine Serial # 4.6 M, failing to close completely with a shell in the chamber vanished into cyberspace.

There was some advice provided in responses but they disappeared before I could reference them. I would appreciate if those who offered direction would be kind enough to recite their thoughts.

TYIA
11-30-2009, 09:10 PM
imarangemaster

Not closing

The problem is probably that the extractor is not snapping over the rim. It could be weak recoil spring, frozen ejector protruding and not retracting, frozen firing pin not retracting (unlikely), or frozen extractor jammed closed. Disassemble the weapon and check firing pin, ejector and extractor. If the all move freely, try disassembling the bolt and see if the stripped bolt will close on the chamber with a round in it. If all of the above seem normal it may be a weak recoil spring. Your recoil spring should measure close to 10 1/4".

Let me know what you get.

I had this problem on two carbines years ago. One had a weak recoil spring (9 1/4 inch) and one had a gunked up ejector or extractor (I forget which).
11-30-2009, 09:38 PM
bobg

The brass case could be a little long. Probably wouldn't happen with military or commercial ammo but could easily happen with reloaded ammo.
11-30-2009, 10:01 PM
imarangemaster

Ha, I didn't even consider handloads!
12-01-2009, 12:23 AM
phil441

Quote:

Originally Posted by imarangemaster

Ha, I didn't even consider handloads!

But from the picture I have to assume the rifle in question is firing Remington factory SPs ?
12-01-2009, 09:04 AM
Bill Hollinger

A number of post are gone from this thread after the download.

My post suggests you check the extractor plunger and make sure it is not broken and wedged between the extractor and the bolt. This will cause the extractor to not be able to snap over the rim of the shell.
12-01-2009, 09:46 AM
frankderrico

Good point Bill.....Frank
12-01-2009, 08:03 PM
Mike

Had same problem.

Hi,I recently had a CMP also a QH with the same problem. I checked the headspace and replaced the ejector. Finally replaced the extractor and this did the trick. The extractor looks fine but wouldn't snap over the case rim. Good Luck, Regards,Mike
12-02-2009, 08:14 PM
gunsmith II

1 Attachment(s)

Need to know more....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger

A number of post are gone from this thread after the download.

My post suggests you check the extractor plunger and make sure it is not broken and wedged between the extractor and the bolt. This will cause the extractor to not be able to snap over the rim of the shell.

I believe you are on the correct path as all ammo being used in the Carbine is new, ( see earlier jpegs).

The latest jpeg illustrates the current condition of the extractor.

Will this require a "bolt tool" ?
12-02-2009, 08:49 PM
phil441

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunsmith II

I believe you are on the correct path as all ammo being used in the Carbine is new, ( see earlier jpegs).

The latest jpeg illustrates the current condition of the extractor.

Will this require a "bolt tool" ?

It won't "require" a bolt tool but using one will go a long way toward preserving your sanity.....
12-02-2009, 09:19 PM
DaveHH

The extractor plunger has a flat side and this sits

on a corresponding shelf in the extractor. As Bill has suggested, the plunger may be turned or disfigured and not be resting where it is supposed to be. It is not uncommon to see it assembled incorrectly and you may need to dress the shelf and plunger with a small file to get it right. It looks like the extractor is being pushed far too much and of course will absolutely refuse to jump onto the cartridge rim if too much pressure is applied via the plunger. I'd sure take it apart and clean out the crud, that in itself may cure your issue.
12-03-2009, 09:12 AM
Bill Hollinger

Does the extractor move freely and compress the plunder?
12-03-2009, 12:48 PM
Mike

A picture worth seeing

Hi, this was previously posted by the Duke. It's my favorite picture . I like it so much I'm going to give it out as Christmas cards. Hats off to the Duke. Regards,Mike What causes a bolt to come apart after being fired? - Military Surplus Collectors Forums
12-03-2009, 10:50 PM
gunsmith II

1 Attachment(s)

Follow up:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger

Does the extractor move freely and compress the plunder?

The Extractor is "froze" as illustrated in the attached jpeg.

I think I remember someone writing on a November 29 post ( now lost in cyber space) to take a ink pen and try pushing on the "plunger"?

But who ever the author was has not reposted for a follow up.
12-04-2009, 08:53 AM
Bill Hollinger

There is your problem then. Pull it apart, get 'er fixed and get 'er back on the road!
12-07-2009, 10:24 PM
gunsmith II

Heading to the workbench....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger

There is your problem then. Pull it apart, get 'er fixed and get 'er back on the road!

A thank you to all for comments.... the carbine is heading towards the work bench next weekend for my first work on a M-1A ( other than cleaning ;) )
12-07-2009, 10:26 PM
Bill Hollinger

Cool!!!
01-01-2010, 09:59 AM
gunsmith II

Follow up on my sanity.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil441

It won't "require" a bolt tool but using one will go a long way toward preserving your sanity.....

Excellent suggestion :thup:

I have a lot of respect for a soldier in the field trying to fix an extractor on a winter day in Europe with his hands numbed from the cold. After several days of attempting, becoming :madsmile: , walking away from the bench :bitch: only to return later to try again, the "bolt " now has a working extractor.

Question, did soldiers and officers carry a "bolt tool " with them in the field or just acquire another weapon?

.
01-01-2010, 01:13 PM
Bruce McAskill

The bolt tool would not have been standard issue for a GI. It was rear maintenance only so a GI would have grabbed another rifle as there was no way for him to fix it even if he knew how.
01-01-2010, 01:29 PM
DaveHH

Looking at the bolt face on,

the extractor appears to be pushed out from the bolt body. It is supposed to be fully seated flush with the bolt. The extractor appears to be sitting too far up and this makes the case rim/extractor fit up a problem.
01-01-2010, 02:19 PM
Tired Retired

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunsmith II

Question, did soldiers and officers carry a "bolt tool " with them in the field or just acquire another weapon?

.

Wow, that paints some nightmare pictures for me... Its hard enough keeping up with the parts when you disassemble a bolt carrier on a AR in a tent... I can't imagine trying to find a carbine extractor plunger in the field :yikes:
01-01-2010, 02:33 PM
Curt

I wonder if the round was fed out of the mag or the shell was pushed in the chamber and the bolt closed on it? I know extractors will snap over a rim most times but is not really how they were designed to operate.