Real Parts are Getting Scarce, But I Scored Plungers

[Bubba-7]

"Do the small part like plungers actually take such a beatin' during range use Charlie? I wouldn't think..."
To answer this question for Charlie, most don't and should last forever. The exception is the extractor plunger. They take a beating with every round loaded. They do twist and deform, then fly out, causing the bolt to dis-assemble losing the extractor. They are easily lost, taking the bolt apart for cleaning. It is also easy to assemble the bolt with the extractor plunger not turned correctly. And it is hard to see if they are turned right. I think this is the main reason for them deforming causing the bolt to come apart.

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[browningautorifle]

To answer this question for Charlie

Thanks Bubba, I have owned about 25 carbines through time from all but the one prime contractor and never had issues with any of the Gov't issue. I didn't take many carbine bolts apart for cleaning so that would be one saving grace for me, the rifles were different. I did lose one carbine extractor plunger but that was a Plainsfield back in '74. I couldn't get replacements at the time so sold it as was... I guess if you have enough carbines in one place long enough...and we really don't here.

A general problem? I'd say no

Thanks Charlie...

[DaveHH]

It's a fair bet that most carbines have never been apart down to the bolt pieces since leaving Army inventory. The common practice was to boil the bolt as an assembly if you can believe that. My nice little Winchester had the plunger in sideways and it had semi-buggered up the shape of both the plunger and extractor. Since that carbine is an original, I took a small jewelers file and dressed up both parts and reassembled correctly. You can look at the bolt and see if the plunger is in correctly. I stocked up on a few critical parts for the carbine and 45 automatic years ago. Out here in the Gulag of Calif. we have almost no place to shoot unless you are a cop, it sucks.