Mini 14

[Jody]

I have a Ruger Mini 14 , that when fired , kicks out the spent shell but, the bolt closes and it don't chamber the next round. The bolt closes on an empty chamber. I've dimantled and cleaned everything. Any Idea's. Please help.

[Mikey]

Jody:  try different magazines.  They should position the next round in the magazine so it gets picked up by the bolt and chambered.  If your rifle isn't doing this the first place to check is the magazines and replace them if they don't function properly.  A single shot Mini-14 isn't a good idea.  Mikey.

[1911crazy]

Check the mag like Mikey said and make sure the spring is stiff enough to push the next round up quickly too.  Did you lube your mag or is it dry? My next thing to ask is if the mag isn't the problem is your bolt comming back far enough to pick up the next round?  What kind of lube are you using on the bolt and bolt carrier?  If you using oil it isn't good enough you need to use a gun grease or a moly inside the reciever.  You could have too much friction so the bolt won't travel its full lenght.  I also like to lube the recoil spring too so the less friction the better.    BigBill

[hylander]

Difinatly tey a new mag. Try differant ammo.
Check the recoil spring to make sure it is not binding.
Or it is possible the gas bushing has blockage.
If all else fails set up a video camera for close up on the action,
Then playback in slow motion to see if the bolt is cycling all the way back.

[DWARREN123]

What everybody else said. Check the mag, gas bushing and alignment of the operating rod and spring. Sounds like the mag is weak or sticking.

[Frank_Symptoms]

Best and easiest fix is, try GOOD ammo. I was at the range once and saw a guy thoroughly disgusted with his autoloader, as it would fail to feed and stovepipe every 3-4 rounds. I looked at his ammo (cheap overseas stuff) and told him to get a box of Winchester ammo at the range store. Next time I walked by he was having a great old time... and had 3 empty boxes of Winchester ammo!

I had the same problem with some surplus Turkish 9mm. ammo in my Dad's P-38. Got some Remington ammo and had no more problem. (Plus the Turkish ammo was almost as dirty as black powder!)

While I'm on the soapbox... Does this display the same problem with everyone who shoots the rifle? I don't think this should be a problem... but a friend of mine, very lightly built, had similar problems with a .380 Davis. He had a very light grip on the gun, and I held it like it was a brick. His grip was so light, the gun would not cycle!  So have some one shoot it who has a very firm stance and see if he has the same problem.