Browning Auto 5 - Ejection Problem

[Picher]

I recently got an Auto 5, 16 gauge 3-shot, from a customer who said it had feeding problems. I checked it and found a couple of rough spots that I cleaned up. It now functions smoothly, but has another problem.

Now, it feeds well and ejects well, except for the last shot. It won't eject the last empty and stay open. The empty case is re-chambered and action closed. If only one round is loaded and fired, it won't eject it either.

I've checked the friction ring positions and tried the ring at the rear and in both directions without success.

Any suggestions?

 

[BBBBill]

Is it an older gun with 2-9/16" chamber or a modified/newer gun with 2-3/4" chamber?

 

[Chawbaccer]

Take a look at the cartridge stop and cartridge stop spring, also the carrier latch and latch spring. When a cartridge enters the lifter it trips a latch that causes the carrier to lift and release the bolt. Yours seems to be staying tripped.
Sorry for poor explanation, but it is easier to see what is going on than to describe it.

 

[Picher]

BBBBill: It's marked 2 3/4".

Chawbaccer: If the last round is in the chamber and is fired, the carrier doesn't rise when the bolt comes back. Also, the cartridge stop on the bottom of the bolt has nothing to release.

The cartridge stop spring on the bolt seems quite heavy. I don't know whether that would come into play any differently on the last shot than on previous shots, but will check it out.

Thanks to both of you for your consideration.

 

[Picher]

I just noticed that when the trigger is held back when action is cycled, there's considerable resistance to completing the cocking process, but if the trigger is released, much less force is required.

I'm wondering whether the cartridge stop on the bolt is contacting something and it's spring is too strong (or jammed) to allow cocking.