M305 Casings Caught During Extraction (Stove Piping)

Patder

Patder

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Hi Everyone,

I'm totally new here so I want to apologize straight off the bat for any mis-steps or fumbling with this posting.

Anyway...here goes:
I am the new owner of an M305 that was built up by a previous owner. I was told at the gun shop that it was a trade in. I had been watching the Marstar website for some time and have been researching the basic rifle for a few months, so when I saw this particular rifle (with its upgrades), I realized that it was a good deal $ wise, purely based on the cost of the add-ons.

The package:
* M305
* Archangle stock
* Bushnell Scope
* Millett scope mount rail
* Caldwell bipod
* 5 round mag
* Flash Eliminator blades cut off...why...I dunno. (so I'm looking for a replacement if anyone has a lead for that)

The problem:
*1-2 casings hung up upon extraction (5 round mag)

Description:
Overall the rifle looks to be in incredible condition. I noticed that the Millett scope mount has dings on it, and it appears to have been crudely filed (or just beaten by casings) at the right side above the chamber. I can see brass markings on the underside of the Millett mount and some marks where the casing gets pinched on the forward part of the mount near the mount block Allen-screw.

I have gathered several "bits" of info (and "possible" solutions), however, I would humbly offer this problem to the members here at CGN. I am most certain that this particular problem has not been unique, and I would truly appreciate a solid "I had this problem, here's the solution, and here's where you can get the parts" type answer IF possible.

What I've read:
* Replace Scope mount
* File/reshape ejector and or replace with NEW USGI ejector and spring hardware (yikes!$$$)
* Rebuild Bolt (yikes$$$)
* New Op Rod Spring Guide (round profile) and Stronger spring
* Cut the op rod spring (one loop at a time) so bolt hammers back harder
* get a 5/20 round magazine (already ordered since 5 round mag difficult to remove from stock)

My Plan:
FIRST...I will remove the Millett scope mount rail and scope and test the rifle. I expect this will stop the ejection problems, BUT will not fix my desire for a scope...so if there is a solution out there that will allow the casings to eject smoothly, I'd appreciate that.

Conclusion:
I really like the rifle, and it exceeds my needs at present (minus the ejection issue)...however, I'm at a GO/NO GO stage financially, and if the solution becomes a goose-chase, I can't participate much longer.

Lastly...I read on another forum (I believe it was m14forumdotcom), that I was to contact a member of CGN called "Hungry". Not sure how to do that yet, so if Hungry is out there, give me a hollar :eek:)

Thanks in advance, I really do appreciate your help and assistance.

Pat
 
I had the same issue, and bought a spring and ejector usgi spec from treelinem14, which solved the problem. Cost was ~$15 or so. I understand that trimming the spring may be required in some cases as well. Disassembling and reassembling the bolt is a right PITA, though. There are YouTube vids to help, but it's still hard (at least for me).
 
Replace Scope mount
Click to expand...

Dude, you nailed it.
You could go through the trouble to swap out the bolt springs, but it is a bit of a pain in the ass (ask me how I know). Get yourself a CASM GenII from M14.ca and call it a day.
Cant say that the Millett is a preferred choice on scope mounts. Why go through hassles to save that mount?

For heavens sake, do not cut your Op Rod (recoil) spring, lol. Do some more reading on that.. (they are referring to the ejector and extractor springs)
 
Low scope mounts "trap" the ejected casings in the M305 due to the strength (length) of the ejector spring, which can be longer (stronger) than USGI.

The least costly strategy would be to try cutting 2-3 coils off the ejector spring first, and see if the reduced force of ejection prevents the casing from getting caught up under then scope mount.
I believe this is mentioned somewhere in the M305 stickies here or on M14forum.com

EDIT: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...pring-length?p=9072380&viewfull=1#post9072380

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...-18-and-Jams?highlight=cutting+ejector+spring

As drifter dave has said, though, disassembling and reassembling the bolt is a PITA. I wasn't able to do it myself. Tactical Teacher had to do it for me (he has a bolt disassembly tool).
 
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Even with old eyes my M305 hits out to 200 like a champ (longest I have tried at) with the peep sites. It came with a scope and mounts but I could never keep it on zero. ymmv
 
If your on a budget, or just cheap like me, you could get one of these.
I think its a Nc Star or Promag, solid steel, but it cost about 35 bucks and has never caused a stovepipe or lost zero ( except when I fart around with it )
And you can use the irons with the scope on :)



Yeah, I know the rings are massive, but they work for me.
 
Arms 18's are cool but they cause stovepipes with Chinese springs that necessitate a spring swap for usgi.
 
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You're not having stovepiping. Stovepipes are not caused by the scope mount. They're caused by a dirty/broken extractor/ejector or a gas issue. You're having a scope mount issue. Too low. Kind of common with aftermarket kit. Fortunately, it doesn't stop your rifle from going bang. So you can wait for finances to sort themselves out and still shoot.
 
Hi Drifter Dave,

Thanks so much for your replies. BTw...I'd like to send out a HUGE "THANK YOU" to ALL of you who have spent the time to read and reply to my query. It really is amazing how helpful the guys on this forum are!

I have REALLY enjoyed firing this particular rifle (minus the casing hang-up), and have given a grateful sigh of relief that this issue is not too bad.

The CASM Gen II looks amazing (thanks)!
One of the other members mentioned a less expensive sight rail "NC Star". Any thoughts on that particular scope mount? I like that I'd be able to see under the mount and still use the iron sights.

Thanks again.
Pat
 
Really cool "Lost-Again". Re: NC Star Mount.

I like how this model allows for the iron sights. I'm looking into it.
Does the NC Star Mount come with BOTH thumb screws? Online it only shows ONE. Also, some posts mention this particular mount requires some adjustments to get it mounted right for the M305.

Pat :eek:)
 
I cant say if the mount comes with two thumbscrews now, but mine definitely did a couple of years ago.
As for Nc Star... well lets just say they are well known for being an "inferior product", and mostly I would advise to stay away from the brand.
In this case tho, we are talking about a single piece of steel, and not even a safety issue.
The mount comes with an adjustable thumbscrew at the rear and , which I find very useful as it allows for lateral adjustment without adjusting the scope.
It mounts very solidly into the stripper clip guide, and will hold zero.
I have had no problems using different rings and scopes on this mount, tho I would advise using blue Loctite...the recoil will shake stuff loose no matter which brand you use.
And yes you can look under the scope and get a very good sight picture.
A few people will chime in and say its Chinese crap and to stay away from it.
Truth be told, there are a few people using this mount and what the hell.............its a Chinese mount for a Chinese gun.
There are quite a few threads about all these fancy mounts not fitting and need shims etc.
It works for me VERY well and the price is unbelievable.

Keepin it cheap is way more fun
Cheers
Derek.

PM me if you want more info.
 
Drifter Dave,

You're a pretty cool dude. Thanks for the suggestion. I've done more research on the CASM GenII scope, and ordered it tonight.
I'll post an update here when it arrives and I get a chance to try it out.

And while I'm at it...I want to send out a BIG "THANK YOU" to all the guys who took mercy, and helped me get going.

Thanks again!
Pat
 
Update:

CASM Gen II scope mount from M14.ca works great! It TOTALLY corrected the casing extraction hang up 100%.

Thanks again to all who replied.
 
Patder said:
Update:

CASM Gen II scope mount from M14.ca works great! It TOTALLY corrected the casing extraction hang up 100%.

Thanks again to all who replied.
Click to expand...

Great to hear you found an easy solution, lot's of great help here and welcome to the Battle Rifle addiction. As Hungry always said, "we got yer back!"
Remember to try your M-14 the Big Army way as well over the iron sights, very satisfying too.
 
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