Ishapore 2A1 bolt question

[firemedic]

Good evening all. I am brand new to this forum but not new to military surplus firearms. I have been collecting them vigorously for a couple of years now. My question for the group references an Ishapore 2A1 I recently acquired. It has been converted into a "Jungle Carbine" and yes I know it is a cardinal sin to modify these old warhorses. But hey I liked it and the balance is great, works well for coyote control. I am having trouble with the bolt feeling sticky at the end of travel when cycling. I'd appreciate any help on how to get started investigating this problem so I don't waste time, effort, or inadvertently try something that damages the rifle.

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[nijalninja]

By end of travel do you mean the last hard push before it can cam down and lock the lugs, or at the end of the motion of extracting a cartridge? If it is the former then I suppose the lugs or lug channels could be gummed up with old grease or cosmoline, or if the latter it could be the top of the sear contacting the smaller lug of the bolt. If you have a long first pull, or a long pull in general then the sear may be reaching too far upwards, or your bolt may just be loose in the bolt channel which may be letting it 'sag' down enough to contact the sear with the lug.

More knowledgeable people will be along shortly!

[firemedic]

I'm sorry I was not clear. It is sticky all the way at the end of travel opening the bolt. It does feel a little gummy throughout the travel and I have not shot it yet so I cannot speak towards extraction. I hope to shoot it this weekend and see how it performs on the range. I probably should include this rifle was converted to a "jungle carbine" after it was sold as surplus. I know these were never purpose built as carbines. I have a 1935 Ishapore Mk1 No3 which is a very good shooter and smooth as glass. Why I am reaching out for help. Everything I have read on the 2A1 rifle has been positive and I want to make this rifle as good as I am sure it can be. Just be nice over me buying a converted rifle....

[nijalninja]

I'd say to check your bolt channel and bolt lug channels. If you have a toothbrush and some turpentine then get in there and clean out what you can. Of course if there is nothing in there that could be causing the problem it is not a bad idea to have a clean bolt and channel anyway.

[firemedic]

I will check that tomorrow when I get home. I appreciate the ideas. I will report back my findings. Thank you sir.

[Daan Kemp]

Take out the bolt and magazine. Preferably strip the rifle to clean it. Clean very well and thoroughly. Then clean again, especially all the hollows, cutouts, channels, etc in the action. If possible immerse the action in a cleaning fluid, to dissolve all old grease and stuff hiding in the grooves. Same with the bolt. Allow to dry. Reassemble. Oil. Work the bolt to distribute the oil thoroughly. Report.