[WinchesterAA]

I've had this gun for 15 years or so.. prolly put around 1000rds through it in that timeframe, but the other day I shot 20 or so 7 1/2shot through it and the bolt locked up tighter than whitehouse security.

I gave a few mild taps to the charging handle with a rubber mallet to atleast get the bolt to move (which it did) but I honestly have no idea what the problem could be unless something got caught in the action or something along those lines.


not too familiar with this shotgun to be perfectly honest, but shotguns in general I have a lot of experience with and this aint something I've seen before.


nevertheless, suggestions for how to remedy my sticky bolt situation in my 11-48 without the assistance of a rubber mallet would be muchly appreciated.

[Oldnamvet]

If you haven't already, I'd start with a complete teardown and cleaning. Particles of unburnt powder, shaved pieces of plastic hull, etc. have an uncanny habit of ending up where they cause the most trouble.

[WinchesterAA]

Update - Got around to tinkering with the 11-48 today. I popped out the trigger assy and had a looksee.. Spotted the problem instantly and corrected it shortly after.

attached to the bolt are 2 metal bars that slip into a hole in the recoil spring that apparently goes into the stock (somethin I didn't know til just then)

anywho, one of the bars "fell out" of the hole and was being pressed against the rear of the reciever when I'd tried to cock it.

Pair of pliars corrected the problem with great ease, and all the function tests restore a good bit of my confidence in this shotgun.

Additionally, I got this shotgun from my grandfather 4 or 5 years ago as an xmas present. He duck hunted it for YEARS but his knees started giving him a lot of problems so he eventually stopped doing almost everything he used to.

I don't think he ever cleaned this shotgun TBH. There was so much crud on every little detail of it that I was absolutely amazed that it even worked at all. I gave it a really nice wipe down with a sock, washed all the moving pieces then lightly lubed every inch of it.

it's like a totally different gun, no more gummy, sticky action, just pure buttery goodness that I never thought to expect from this fine piece of work.

My favorite and only outdoor range within 80mi of my apartment (happens to be 4 miles from my apartment =) ) just built a trap range.. just might have to pay them a visit!

[Dave McCracken]

I love happy endings, buit this is a happy beginning. Enjoy your gift....