Ruger 44 carbine

[HIGHLANDBEAGLES]

A new to me rifle, not sure what to make of it, - the loading gate area/ front of trigger group moves up and down in the stock. When it is down the action binds up. When it is up it works fine. I have not disassembled it yet. What should I be looking for ? It's an older tube feed model.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Update :
The problem was a broken tab on the front of the trigger group, that holds the trigger group securely in the receiver. Had it fixed by a very competent machinist.

 

[kamlooky]

Sounds like it needs a good cleaning and lewb.

 

[tiriaq]

When empty, the action will lock open. Push the lifter up to release.
One loading sequence is to lock the action open, drop a round in the chamber, close the breech (safety on), then load four more rounds into the magazine. Or, rounds can be loaded into the magazine, the action cycled, and the magazine topped up.
If you want to take the barreled action out of the stock, be careful. The action must be open, with the operating system in the forend back all the way. If the slide is forward, and force is used, the stock will be damaged.
The vintage Ruger .44s don't have any chronic problem issues, but do need to be cleaned and lubed. Don't use force when taking the barreled action out of the stock. Stripping the action isn't like stripping a service rifle. Tools needed. Only strip the gas system if it really needs it.

 

[Odinson]

Don't use lead bullets! Jacketed only. I had the gas port plug up after about 12 round of lead. I think somewhere Ruger even says that.