Stevens 311 part falls out when I remove hand guard

[ZBill]

I have a Stevens 311 20 ga 1962 vintage and part number 39 on attached schematic (I don't know name of part) falls out of the receiver when I remove the hand guard and barrels. It does not fall out when the shotgun is pointed straight up when I remove the handguard. I replace part 39 and push it into place and it sort of clicks into place and all seems ok and the action works when I replace the barrels and handguard.

My question is - is this normal, and if not, do I have a problem? If so, ideas for a fix would be greatly appreciated. The fix may be be simply be stop removing the hand guard. Thanks for any help. Regards, Bill

 

[Coyote3855]

The part #39 is the ejector. From the schematic found at the link below, part #40 is the ejector screw which appears to hold the ejector in place. Disclaimer: I'm just a tinkerer, not a gunsmith so guessing here but I think you are missing that ejector screw. For the price, I'd buy one and try it. I don't think the ejector should fall out when you take the fore end off. But my 311 lives with my son so I can't check.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufa...ns-40503/311Series-41307/311-33984.htm?page=5

 

[ZBill]

The part #39 is the ejector. From the schematic found at the link below, part #40 is the ejector screw which appears to hold the ejector in place. Disclaimer: I'm just a tinkerer, not a gunsmith so guessing here but I think you are missing that ejector screw. For the price, I'd buy one and try it. I don't think the ejector should fall out when you take the fore end off. But my 311 lives with my son so I can't check.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufa...ns-40503/311Series-41307/311-33984.htm?page=5

Thank you Coyote3855. Sounds logical. Will make sure original screw has not backed out or something, and will order another screw. Regards, Bill