Stiff action on pre-64 Winchester Model 94.

[Crossbuck]

I own a pre-64 model 94 chambered for 30-30 Win. I have shot the gun on a regular basis over the years and I keep it clean. Last year I purchased a box of Winchester Power Max and after firing 5 rounds it became really hard to open and close the action. Could this have been caused by the ammunition (does it generate higher pressures?)

Thanks.
M

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Check to see if Winchester has a recall on the lot number you are using. All Manufacturers screw up now and then.
Does it open OK when empty?
If so, look for damage to the rim caused by pinching of the rounds coming from the tube mag.
The above is far more common on the post 64 models, however, if the cartridge stop is worn, it can allow the next cartridge to partially enter the receiver, resulting in pinching and hard closing.
Are you missing any screws from the action?
One screw in particular holds the cross pin that cycles the bolt.
If you haven't used it for a long time, remove the butt stock, and clean/lube the hammer/trigger area. It may be full of crud, or even rusted.
You should be able to feel this by simply pulling the hammer back without disassembly.
Look for loose action parts that should not move, like the cartridge guides.
Apply lube freely to the action and work the hell out of it.
I recently stripped and cleaned an action at hunt camp for a friend. the result was about 75% easier to move.

 

[Crossbuck]

Hi John,

The rifle is clean and there are no missing screws (upon first inspection). The empty brass isn't damaged and doesn't show signs of high pressure (no flattened primers, no stretch marks). The action cycles fine until the locking bolt moves up to lock the breech bolt, same thing when opening the action (hard until the locking bolt moves down from the locked position). It feels as if the breech bolt isn't moving forward far enough, but the bolt face and chamber are clean. It cycles the same empty or loaded.

I don't have the gun here but I will definitely look at the screw that holds the cross pin this may very well be the culprit...

Cheers,
Martin

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Check the little recess where the extractor fits in the top of the chamber for debris. If it's plugged up, it could be causing excessive rearward pressure on the bolt making it tight on closing/opening.