Newbie with a shotgun

cptaylor · March 22, 2012, 10:31 PM

I've got a 20 gauge that's probably 20 or more years old. I'll have to check make and model if needed. Anyway, it wasn't used for quite a while so when I got it, I cleaned the best I could. Everything worked great, its an auto ( I think) cause as soon as you pull the trigger, it kicks out the spent shell, loads a new one, and I can keep firing.

Recently though, when it kicks the spent shell, the shell get's caught, it doesn't kick completely out. I took everything apart and cleaned it up again, reassembled. Same thing.

So, I'm thinking something isn't quite right, maybe worn, I missed something during cleaning, or the shells I'm using just are crap. I didn't start noticing thins until I bought new shells. The ones I used before I fired in it 20 years ago, no problems, and last year, no problems. yeah, I know, firing old amo is bad, but I had a box and used for repractice.

Any suggestions on what to check?

the rifleer · March 22, 2012, 10:45 PM

If you are using light loads that may be the cause of your problems. Knowing make and model would help a lot. You say you cleaned it, I assumed you use some oil too? it doesn't take much oil, just a light coating where there are moving parts.

Check and see what size chamber is has. If it has a 3'' chamber, try some 3'' shells.

TheKlawMan · March 23, 2012, 12:50 AM

It wouldhelp to know the make and model shotgun.

zippy13 · March 23, 2012, 10:44 AM

Greetings, and welcome aboard.

Sorry to hear of your problem.

Quote:

It would help to know the make and model shotgun.

^^Yep.^^

markj · March 23, 2012, 01:41 PM

just last Sunday my brother and I stgepped outside and threw some blue rock. He bought some 12 ga shells, both of our 12 ga semi autos would not cycle them shells, were 2.5 dram eq. I use 3 1/4 dram eq and those would cycle. I have a remington 11-87 he has a berreta 3901 I belive.

oneounceload · March 23, 2012, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Check and see what size chamber is has. If it has a 3'' chamber, try some 3'' shells.

Why? It should fire standard ammo just fine - I have a semi with a 3.5" chamber that will never see anything heavier than a 1oz target load - its usual diet is a 7/8oz light target load - works just fine. Still sounds like a bad gas port or its a Remington and the gas piston parts are in incorrectly

Quote:

just last Sunday my brother and I stgepped outside and threw some blue rock. He bought some 12 ga shells, both of our 12 ga semi autos would not cycle them shells, were 2.5 dram eq. I use 3 1/4 dram eq and those would cycle. I have a remington 11-87 he has a berreta 3901 I belive.

Is there a question you're asking here?

March 22, 2012, 10:31 PM	#1
cptaylor Junior Member Join Date: March 22, 2012 Posts: 1	Newbie with a shotgun I've got a 20 gauge that's probably 20 or more years old. I'll have to check make and model if needed. Anyway, it wasn't used for quite a while so when I got it, I cleaned the best I could. Everything worked great, its an auto ( I think) cause as soon as you pull the trigger, it kicks out the spent shell, loads a new one, and I can keep firing. Recently though, when it kicks the spent shell, the shell get's caught, it doesn't kick completely out. I took everything apart and cleaned it up again, reassembled. Same thing. So, I'm thinking something isn't quite right, maybe worn, I missed something during cleaning, or the shells I'm using just are crap. I didn't start noticing thins until I bought new shells. The ones I used before I fired in it 20 years ago, no problems, and last year, no problems. yeah, I know, firing old amo is bad, but I had a box and used for repractice. Any suggestions on what to check?

March 22, 2012, 10:45 PM	#2
the rifleer Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2008 Location: Sunny California Posts: 1,281	If you are using light loads that may be the cause of your problems. Knowing make and model would help a lot. You say you cleaned it, I assumed you use some oil too? it doesn't take much oil, just a light coating where there are moving parts. Check and see what size chamber is has. If it has a 3'' chamber, try some 3'' shells. __________________ There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people.

March 23, 2012, 12:50 AM	#3
TheKlawMan Junior member Join Date: June 23, 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 2,149	It wouldhelp to know the make and model shotgun.

March 23, 2012, 01:41 PM	#5
markj Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2005 Location: Crescent Iowa Posts: 2,971	just last Sunday my brother and I stgepped outside and threw some blue rock. He bought some 12 ga shells, both of our 12 ga semi autos would not cycle them shells, were 2.5 dram eq. I use 3 1/4 dram eq and those would cycle. I have a remington 11-87 he has a berreta 3901 I belive.