Anyone familiar with Savage/Stevens 87D?

[spec234]

Hi. I have an old Savage Stevens 87D that's been passed down for a couple of generations and made its way to me a few years back. The problem it has is that when the barrel tube is over half full, the cartridges want to nose down when trying to cycle a new round in the chamber. The rifle runs fine with seven rounds or less in the tube. Any suggestions? I'm thinking it may be a weak lifter spring, but would be grateful for any opinions you folks may have.
It's not an expensive rifle or anything like that, but I always remember that old rifle as a kid. My father claims it was my grandfather's when he was a young man. It looks to have a 24" barrel and is very accurate. No serial number, just patent numbers. Thanks for any replies.

 

[kingcheese]

what caliber is that rifle, is it damaging the brass, tried different bullets, tube fed rifles tend to be picky on the shape and hardness of your bullets

 

[spec234]

It's a 22 rifle. An older one I believe. It is a semi auto. It uses a small arm/lever to lift the next round up from the tube as the bolt goes rearward. The bolt remains open until the trigger is released then slams forward picking up a new round from the arm/lever (sorry, not sure of the proper name of the part).

 

[kingcheese]

Igot, ya, I got an old Sears 22 semi auto, it does the same thing, unless I run mini mags through it, have you notic if the action was short stroking? tried different ammo brands?

 

[spec234]

Tried several different types of rounds. CCi mini mag, Blazer, Federal red box bulk, Federal auto match, etc. Bolt is coming back all the way. Even if I load it up and cycle the first round by pulling the bolt back I can see the bullet come up then dip nose down like there isn't enough tension on the feeder arm when its loaded more than half full. I would be willing to bet the rifle has the same springs it left the factory with.
From what I understand, Savage made all sorts of rifles in the 87 series. Many re badged for retailers. Not sure what the differences were by the letter designations.
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.

 

[NCsmitty]

I've worked on a few of the Savage/Stevens, and you need to check the screws securing the mag guide assy for tight, after you remove the action from the stock.
If you have a safe place to feed ammo through the action while watching the ammo feed process with no stock, you might better understand what you need to do. The lifter spring may need to be replaced, but check the screws first.

Here's a link to Numrich Arms, and the schematic is for an 87B, but most parts interchange to the 87D. There is a listing for the 87D, but no schematic.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufac...eSeries-39863/87B-34288.htm?results=50&page=2


NCsmitty

 

[Jim K]

I know this is not the right response, but I have worked on many of those rifles under a dozen different model numbers and as far as I am concerned, Diane Feinstein can have them all. They are complex and many parts are no longer available, and no sooner is one thing fixed than something else goes bad. Many gunsmiths simply won't even attempt to work on them.

Jim

 

[spec234]

Thanks for the replies and advice. I disassembled the rifle earlier in the week and checked all of the components. I removed the lifter arm and inspected it. Also checked the shims on the lifter arm and checked the screws on the guide assembly and trigger group while I was at it.. I ordered some springs and a few other things and will replace them when they arrive.
I have read that these rifles seem to be problematic and appreciate your assistance. It's not an expensive rifle, nor do I fire it often, but for the cost of a few replacement parts, I'll give it a try. Worse case I'll be out 20 bucks and it will not have helped.
Once again thank you to all that have replied and gave their advice and observations. It's a truly great thing to have a site where individuals can learn new things and help each other out.

 

[Kp321]

Savage made these rifles for decades and made subtle changes in the mechanism every few years just to frustrate future repairers. The lifter and feed throat are the main sources of grief. Unfortunately, very minor wear on the lifter will cause problems and the lifter was redesigned several times. I have a stack of them and swap till I find one that works.
Do yourself a favor and buy a box of dummy shells from Brownells to cycle it with. Don't need any extra ventilation in your gun room.

 

[spec234]

Put in the new lifter spring last night and took it out today to try out. Fired around 100 22lr and 20 shorts. It fed through the rifle perfectly. Thanks for the link for Numrich! Went ahead and ordered a few other parts to have in case I needed them down the road. My children are excited to try it this weekend.

 

[Jim K]

Good for you, Spec234! I wish I had had you around 20 or 30 years ago when those guns were driving me nuts!

Jim

 

[spec234]

I just got lucky with the lifter spring. I just figured if nothing else, it could still be used and fired even if the spring didn't help. From what I have read here and other places it seems that these rifles are prone to problems.
Kp321, you weren't kidding about the subtle parts changes throughout the production of the rifle! I had to pay close attention to pics and diagrams on Numrich to ensure I chose the right parts.
I appreciate all the help and suggestions. When my dad gave it to me, he said the rifle started having feed problems when he was a teenager in the late 60's and mostly sit in the back of a closet until he gave it to me.