11-87 mystery

[BrobeeBiter]

Hello All...

I just purchased a used 11-87 as my first semi. I don't know the 11-87 very well, and have encountered my first problem. It appears that the bolt catch engages every time the gun is cycled, regardless of whether or not there are more rounds in the magazine or not. The bolt comes back no problem and ejects the spent shell, and the next shell in the magazine is released and thrust onto the carrier, however the bolt hold open engages at this point every time. I've had the trigger group out, cleaned it up, but don't know enough to troubleshoot the problem further.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Take care,

Brobee

 

[HSMITH]

Pop the trigger group out, on the back of the elevator (the end by the trigger) there is a small lever that the shell hits when it pops out of the magazine to release the bolt hold open and load the shell. You will see it if you look at it closely, just lay a shell on the elevator and slide it back and you will see it. It is stuck or broken.

 

[jaybar]

Cleaning the mag tube.

Since you say the gun is used, I'd bet that something is restricting (slowing) the feed of the shell from the mag tube to the carrier. If the shell isn't released with some energy from the mag tube, it can't trip the carrier release button. The typical 1100 or 11-87 that I've seen with this problem comes from a waterfowl hunter and has the inside of the mag tube rusty or loaded with leaf residue or mud restricting the movement of the plastic follower. Another possibility is that someone put the plastic follower in backwards. Yet another possibility is that the magazine spring is badly rusted and needs to be replaced. Disassemble the magazine and get a 12 gauge bore brush, wrap some stell wool around it and scrub the heck out of the mag tube. Remove the spring, inspect and measure it. If it is less than 14 1/2 inches long replace it. While you are at it replace the plastic follower with an aluminum or stainless one (available from Brownells). I'll bet your problem goes away.