win 94 problems

[pcking78]

  Hey guys, newbie here.  This is my first post although I have been viewing this forum for a long time for hints and such.

    I have an early '70's win 94 30-30.  It has not been used much at all since I usually use my savage 30/06.  I would like to use it more but when I am chambering a shell it requires some effort to close the action fully.  This seems to be due to a stiff extractor.  I have to either slam it shut with some force or grasp the lever and stock and squeeze with considerable effort to close the action that final half inch.  Is this normal?  Will it loosen after some more use?  I have tried working the action over and over on an empty shell but that has not helped yet.

   Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[lgm270]

You said the final half inch is where you encounter resistance. Doesn't sound like an extractor to me.  It sounds as though there is a chamber problem, but without examining it's impossible to say. 

I recommend you consult a gunsmith.

[pcking78]

   Maybe extractor is not the proper term, like I said, I'm inexperienced as far as lever actions are concerned.   What I'm referring to is the considerable effort it takes to get the bolt closed on the shell.  It seems to be the small "latch" or "lever" on the top of the bolt that snaps over the case rim at the end of the chambering cycle.  It hits the back of the case and takes a final bit of "oomph" to get it to snap over the rim.  My friend's Marlin is not this rough so I was just wondering.  Thanks for the reply; any others are appreciated.

[Oldtimer]

I had a similar problem that turned out to be a bent lever.  However, if the extractor, which you correctly identified, is the problem, it would be a simple matter for a gunsmith to recut the angle so that it would slide over the rim more smoothly.  A less likely possiblity is that the problem may be related to the brand of ammunition you are using.  Try to feed another brand, just to be sure.  Once this problem is fixed,  the Model 94 won't replace your 30-06, but you will find yourself reaching for it when distances will be short and the brush thick.  Also, it is a great plinking gun, if you reload.

[pcking78]

    Thanks Oldtimer!  I will have a gunsmith look at it.  You are right about using it more.  The only reason I haven't used it more is that I prefer to use a scope.  I tried a side mount a couple of years ago but I didn' t like the way the rifle handled with it on.  I might try to put it back on with a more compact scope and see how I like it. 

[Oldtimer]

Before you mount that scope, try a peep sight.  Even with my old and nearsighted eyes, a peep sight helps considerably.  It will cut the group that you shoot with open sights in half.  For the effective range of a .30-30, that is all that is needed, and the trade-off in handling is worth it.

[ScoutMan]

To add to Oldtimer's comments.

I am an "old geezer" like him. What I like is a "ghost ring" rear with a post front. Make sure the post is wide enough. Mine is .100 and it could be a little wider. Look at the XS sights to see what a proper set up is like.

[qajaq59]

I use a Williams peep sight with the fiber optic on the front for my Winchester. It's can be a PITA to adjust at times. But boy, once it is adjusted it's great.