Beretta A303 "soft" ejection?

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popcan

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I have an old 303 that I picked up not long ago.....

In great condition, but I think I read somewhere that these can sometimes be a little soft on ejection with trap loads.
I did feel it was not ejecting with authority last time out, and had a couple FTE's on doubles.

Went home and gave it a good cleaning, including the gas ports.... But wondered if anyone has had them drilled out a tad bigger? Something you can do yourself?
I also didn't inspect the recoil mechanism in the buttstock yet. Maybe that is in need of cleaning too.
Thoughts?
 
I would enlarge the ports as a last resort only, but IIRC that was the factory solution for the early 300 series. Just remember that this is a one way trip as you can't put the metal back. Use of heavy loads can accelerate wear when the ports are enlarged.

Use a drill bit to clean the ports, not just a pipe cleaner. Hand turned only of course.

Clean the ports and the Piston/assembly. Also remove all the carbon from the Magazine Tube Cap (different than the forend cap).

Make sure the hammer moves freely. Do clean the recoil assembly in the stock.

~~~

A heavier dram equiv or larger payload will also help ejection. Too soft of a recoil pad will hurt ejection with light loads, include vests etc. in this category. Keep the stock firmly to the shoulder.
 
the 3" models don't like light loads, main reason the 390-391 guns were developed. the odd one will work, but most have to be drilled out to be 100 % reliable. not recommended if you want to shoot heavy loads afterwards.
 
The 303 came out in basicaly two types: target or hunter. The main difference was the port size. I can attest that using a target gun with hunting ammunition will slowly destroy it, as the bolt speed is much faster and hits the back of the frame. If you have a target gun, the main reason for FTF, is the reurn spring and not the piston. Beretta 300 series like to be shot wet with BreakFree. The ports should be cleanned with a drill of the same size or round file, as a last resort. If you need more info, see my good friend's Bruce Buck's site: http://www.shotgunreport.com/

My 303 Sporting is still being used by a St Lawrence pilot for woodcock. My 390 Gold Sporter with over 50K is still being used by my neigbours son. My 391 Optima Gold, has not been cleanned since 2003 and still shoots 2 1/2 dram trainning loads. They wer all shot wet with Break Free.
regards,
Henry;)
 
I have a 26" barrel A303 that fires 3" rounds. The only round it would not cycle for my were the AA x-tra lite and lite loads that I had.

I moved to the AA super sport rounds and it cycles them nicely. So just don't shoot a very light target round and you should be fine.
 
Interesting!

My A303 is a target model, with the longer barrel and wide rib. Ports are thoroughly cleaned, as is the piston etc. I may need to take the stock off and have a closer look at the recoil system. Maybe its gummed up.

My future son-in-law just got a 303 as well, but it is the field version. It cycled everything fine.
 
If there is a really soft pad, it can allow the receiver to move rearward enough with the light loads to affect ejection. It would simulate holding the shotgun loosely to the shoulder.
 
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