M77 Tang Safety Ejector????

[gstewart44]

I have a 1960's vintage M77 that was passed down from my great uncle.  It is 30/06 and shoots 3/4 moi all day.  However I  recently started experiencing failure to eject, with any and all brands of cartridges. 

If I single load the chamber, fire , then work the bolt slowly the case will eject clear.  If I work the bolt quickly the case extracts but drops onto the magazine follower. 

If I have any rounds in the magazine and work the bolt, the just fired case will only partially extract, preventing a new round from chambering. 

Anyone every experience this or have an idea as to  what needs fixing?  I really don't want to get rid of this rifle because it's been in the family and is a fine shooter. 

[deltecs]

I happen to own one of those rifles in the same caliber.  Take the bolt out and see if you can take a thumbnail and push in the ejector on the end of the bolt.  If you can, then it is possible that the spring behind the extractor is broken.  Part of the spring tension is ejecting a slow round, but cannot do it fast enough at speed.  That is just a guess right now.  I've used my 06 for over 35 years with no problems like this.  Let us know what you find out so we have an idea if it happens to us.  You should not be able to compress the ejector knob with just your thumb.

[Luckyducker]

GS44, sometimes with use the extractor wears slightly on M77's which is normal and that in itself is no problem, but the problem is created by the ejector button spring being to strong.  The fix is simple for someone with the replacement (lighter) spring and a bolt jig to disassemble the bolt and then replace the spring.  The ejector button has so much power that it is ejecting the brass before the bolt is pulled to the rearmost position because the extractor no longer has the grip tension to hold the case.  A simple test will show if this is the condition of your rifle.  Try ejecting a loaded round at normal rate of bolt cycle.  If the loaded round will extract and eject  properly the culprit is the ejector button spring.  The reason for this is the ejector button can't overcome the grip of the extractor claw and the weight of the loaded case combined.  It shouldn't cost much to have this done by a competent gunsmith.  Let me know how this turns out and good luck.