Shotgun feed ramps (tech question)

[Fletchette]

I have a question on the mechanics of shotguns. Why is it that on some shotguns the feedramp (the thingy that lifts the shell up when the bolt goes forward and inserts the shell into the chamber) requires the user to depress a button before loading on some models, but not on others? On some models (mostly semi-auto I have noticed) one has to press a button to unlock this ramp so you can depress it to load a shell. The button can be in different locations on different models. On other shotguns (mostly pumps, I've noticed) there is no button and the ramp is spring loaded. All you have to do is push on it to load a shell.

Since a pump shotgun is almost a semi auto shotgun (semi has an annular piston, pump doesn't and just depends on the user to cycle action) I do not see a need for the lock button.

 

[Fred Fuller]

The mechanism you mention on many semiauto designs also serves to hold the action open when the last round is fired. It has more to do with that than with keeping the shell lifter in the down position.

lpl/nc

 

[exoduster18]

The piece...

The piece you are refering to is what is known as the carrier. On Remingtons they have the carrier release button you are talking about also. I believe the reason behind it is so that you can't accidently load it or get something jammed up in the accidently. On Benellis they don't have the carrier release. You just run the shells into the magazine, but you have to push on the shells fairly hard so the carrier can be released and come back down to its normal position. I have a Remington, so that is what I know about. I have also fired Benellis to. I like Remington alot more......Also on Remington's LE models, they have an extended carrier release to facilitate faster loading of shells.

 

[foghornl]

Basically, comes down the the design differences of the various shotgun makers. Also functions as the bolt hold-open-when-empty on some models.

 

[slopemeno]

Not sure of the specific model youre talking about, but I shot a round of Sporting Clays with a Remingtom 1100 that had an ovesized carrier that eliminated the button you refer to. It was a little easier, but this is a training problem, not an equipment problem. Practice for an afternoon and you'll probably never even think about it again.

 

[Fletchette]

Thanks for all the info.

I was thinking along the lines of a combat shotgun; when the bolt is held back due to an empty magazine it is advantageous to be able to load the magazine and THEN drop the bolt, chambering a round. This button precludes that. It forces one to drop the bolt, load, and manually cycle the bolt. Of course, you can also pop a round in through the ejection chamber but that is one more thing to do/go wrong.

It makes me wonder if having the bolt hold open is advantageous at all.


It seems (from this thread) that the Bennellis do not have this problem.

 

[slopemeno]

Throw a round ON the carrier through the ejection port. Press the button and the bolt closes. Load the mag.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Drop one in the chamber, close the bolt and then load the magazine. that gives you the extra shot.

slopemeno gets credit for posting faster than I do.

 

[slopemeno]

..cat like reflexes.