Tube Fed .22lr Magazine Issue

[Anteater1717]

I have a Sears and Roebuck Ted Williams model 34 rifle, that has constant feeding issues. I'm in the process of refinishing the rifle, and have run across what might be the problem. There is a ~1" gap between the magazine tube and the receiver wich I am almost certain shouldn't be there. The magazine tube is pinned on, so I think it can be moved back with the use of a pin punch.

My questions are:
Should this gap be there?
If not, is there anything in particlar I should be aware of, when trying to move back the magazine tube?

Update:
I removed the pin but the tube is still stiff any suggestions for moveing it back?

 

[aka108]

That does look strange. Every tube I've seen fits flush to the reciever. Amazing how it slipped so far forward. Since you have the keeper pin out and it seems frozen think I'd try some penetrating oil then a wood block and some gentle persuasion with a light hammer. Don't know if that is the gunsmith way but it's something I'd try.

 

[Anteater1717]

Got it!!! The wood block and hammer worked great. I shot it, it now feeds 100%.