Wards Westernfield Model 81

[loose noose]

Recently acquired the above .22LR, L, and S, it was disassembled, (field stripped). I noted it to be a hammerless, tube fed, takedown, slide action model. The owner included a broken extractor, and a small spring, which he indicated needed to be replaced on the bolt.

To make a long story short, those parts were no way connected to this rifle, as the bolt had both the extractor and ejector on the bolt, and once assembled worked very well, throwing the empty casings, and also the loaded cartridges halfway across the range.

Getting to the problem, I tried using my reference material to find out who made the rifle for Western Field in the model 81 to no avail. The best I could figure it was either Marlin or Savage, although the owner insists it's Winchester. Both schematics basically showed the action as assembled, to be either the Marlin or the Savage.

Further after re-assembling the rifle I took it to the range and noted it had difficulty feeding the lead projectile bullets, however the copper jacketed rounds fed quite well, not perfect but well. My question is, the way it feeds the cartridge is rather unorthodox, and I was wondering if anyone out there is remotely familiar with this pump action rifle and was it a mistake in manufacturing. This is the first time I ever ran across such a beast.

 

[boom boom]

Try Numrich--they may very well have your rifle cross listed with the original mfg. In addition, usually have a parts breakdown schematic.

 

[boom boom]

I believe after checking it was made by Savage and is their Model 29. Hope that helps.

 

[rcmodel]

It should be a Savage Model 29.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufa...pringfieldFox-33479/Rifles-40502/29-39734.htm

rc

 

[loose noose]

I thank ya Boom and RC for the info, I was leaning toward the Savage also in the Model 28, as I used the Numerich Parts manufacture book for the cross reference. I still was unable to find the model 81 in the Western Field though.

I don't think that the way it feeds the cartridges is quite correct, but after examining the schematic I don't see what if any parts are missing on said rifle.

Again any help would be greatly appreciated, it appears to be a very simple design, just sloppy when operating the slide action to insert the rounds from the tube to the chamber.

 

[RaceM]

I've got one of these (Savage 29) that I'm playing with. Only thing I can figure is that the cartridges aren't being held tight enough or square enough to the bore, so the lip on the bullet catches on the chamber edge as it goes in. I would suggest to make sure that the lips on the extractors aren't rounded off and there's no crud to keep them from closing all the way.

 

[loose noose]

I noted the elevator that lifts the cartridge, from the tube, is of a slightly rounded design, and will deflect the head of the bullet from entering into the chamber. I do believe if I file the elevator with a slight crease that my improve the over-all design and improve feeding the round.

 

[RaceM]

Prolly couldn't hurt. On mine the cartridge sure does seem loose on the bolt face with a fair downwards droop. Might try increasing the angle from the extractor pivot to the bolt face so the extractors can close up a hair tighter.

 

[loose noose]

RaceM, Used a needle file to create a slight little crease on the elevator, actually removing the manufacturer's production markings, (that little metal line that ran the distance from the top of the elevator) seemed to work a little better but still not near 100%, I detest the sloppiness of the way the bullet feeds. Note I tried the extractor, ejector, thing in trying to tighten the grip on the bullet's rim but at one point it got to the point where it was too tight, and totally inconsistent with the feeding. Therefore went back to square one.

I wonder if Savage had a major problem with this type of rifle? Note it looks like it is in pretty good shape, and obviously has not been fired too much. Noted a lot of oil has dropped down into the wood stock eating away at the walnut stock.

 

[RaceM]

I agree, it's a less than optimal design. Mine's worn enough that the top of the elevator is dead smooth. I'll give the groove a try first, and if that doesn't help, guess I'll have to ponder it some more. Thought of using some aluminum tape to slightly build up the bolt face for a better grip, but realized that'd screw up the headspace which is already tight (could fix THAT with a turn or two off the breech face with a lathe). Who'd a thunk it'd be so hard to straighten this out?