Author Topic: Winchester Model 50 shotgun (Read 1126 times)

Gascheck · « **on:** July 07, 2003, 04:51:47 PM »

I have a model 50 semi auto shotgun in 12 gauge that functions perfectly when using heavy 1 1/4 oz. high brass loads but will not function the action with lighter loads. Is there a way to adjust the recoil mechanism to handle lighter loads? know there is a recoil plunger in the butt stock. Does the depth of the retaining plunger control the tension of the recoil spring?

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2003, 09:04:43 AM »

How does it fail? Fail to eject of fail to close all the way? The gun uses a floating chamber to work the action. The pressure of the round is used to open the action and eject the empty. The spring in the rear is called a closing spring and the round it surrounds is called an inertia rod. Altering the spring tension on the inertia rod and it's travel will change the functioning of the action. That said, if there reamains too little resistance bolt recoil velocities will be too great and receiver damage will occur. I would be certain the floating chamber and the action are meticulously clean and proper lubed before making any changes. Did the weapon ever function light loads. Winchester abandoned this design because of functioning problems.

Gascheck · « **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2003, 10:44:01 AM »

With the lighter loads it fails to eject the empty and cycle a fresh round. As I said it functions perfectly with high velocity hunting loads. I have taken action completely down and cleaned everything. This was my dad's gun and it was a small game killing machine. But he always used high brass 1 1/4 oz. # 4's for everything. I don't know maybe it was never designed to shoot light loads.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2003, 11:10:28 AM »

The M50/59's always were a bit of a pain. I don't remember the process any more but they can be adjusted. I seem to remember the adjustment being to the 'inetia rod'. The spring stop that controls the 'bolt return spring' gets adjusted to control the inertia the bolt has to overcome the eject the fired round and load the next. Perhaps someone on a shotgun thread would know the adjustment precedure. Be aware though that with these weapons if a higher powered wound is fired when they are adjusted down, damage is possible.