broken ejector

[daveboy]

Finally got around to firing my A3 that I got from the CMP a few years ago. It went kaboom okay, but will not eject the spent shell. Extraction is okay, but it won't kick out. Initial exam indicates that the ejector spring is either missing or broken because the ejector just flops around.

Any suggestions on where to get one and how difficult to replace?

Thanks
daveboy

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Calif-Steve]

Ejector spring? Is the ejector broken or not? The bolt could be an issue. Is the bolt marked "CC" on ther top of the handle?

[BruceV]

The ejector does not have a spring. It cams into the slot on the left side of the bolt as the bolt is pulled to the rear of the receiver. If you pull the bolt back slowly, the fired casing will not flip out. This is an advantage when you are shooting from a bench working up loads. If you pull the bolt back sharply, the fired casing will be ejected vigorously to the right. You might want to check the extractor to make sure that the claw is getting a good grip on the extractor rim of the cartridge case. If necessary neither a new extractor or ejector is expensive. HTH. Sincerely. BruceV.

[Kirk]

Is the ejector bent or damaged? As the bolt is withdrawn, the ejector should slip through the slot in the bolt's left hand locking lug. The ejector is triangular in shape & should come to a fairly sharp point where it contacts the case.

[daveboy]

Thanks for the replies. I was sitting here reading them and picked up my rifle. Noticed that the selector on the left of the receiver (don't know what it's called) was in the down or off position. I knew that this selector prevented cartridges from feeding from the magazine. What I did not know was that it also prevented fired cartridges from being ejected! I just learned something!

By the way, what is this selector called and what is its purpose?

daveboy

[Parashooter]

The cutoff absolutely should not interfere with ejection in either position. The ejector is designed to function whether single-loading or feeding from the magazine. Malfunctioning ejectors are most often worn or damaged, sometimes the bolt is a sloppy fit (especially on 03-A3's), and occasionally the receiver is worn.

Take the time to understand how the ejector works. Hint - it pivots when the bolt lug passes. Cramp the bolt handle to the right while withdrawing it. If ejection improves, something is worn or sloppy.

[Calif-Steve]

You have the "cut-off" in the off position. Single fire mode, only. Will not load through the magazine, but should eject the fired case. Clean the rifle and pull out any and all old grease. Have you ever taken the rifle out of its stock? Completely clean the rifle, good luck.

[gary]

He is a link to a good site for 03 parts and everything else Bill is top shelf people



Bill Ricca's Home Page

[daveboy]

Parashooter, I think you are on to something. I had thought ejection was dependent on the magazine cut-off selector. I incorrectly assumed that since the cut-off did not allow full bolt travel to the rear when in the off position, that was why it wouldn't eject.

But, after reading your post it seems like ejection depends on how much or how little pressure I have pushing the bolt to the right.
It seems to eject just fine if the pressure you mention is applied.

The ejector does not appear to be broken, but may be worn. I think I will try a replacement.

By the way, thanks to everyone for their replies.

daveboy

[Parashooter]

Next learning exercise is to watch the ejector in action as you operate the bolt slowly, first with pressure to the right, next with pressure to the left. See the difference? Does that help you understand how it works (or fails to work) depending on where the left locking lug runs?

In a good, tight '03, there isn't enough bolt/receiver slop to allow the lug miss the ejector, no matter how the bolt is pressed - but in a worn one (or an A3 with a typical undersize bolt) it's a different story.