We just got a S & W semi-auto 12G. It is used, but in seemingly very nice condition. My dad and I took it out to shoot the other day, but it isn't reloading. When you fire the bolt does not come back all the way, even after we lubricated it.



So what do you think is the problem? Is it possible that the ammunition we are using isn't providing enough kick to bring the bolt all the way back?



EDIT: By the way, its a model 1000M. I have heard that others have had similar problems.

The most common problem is someone took the gun apart and lost or have incorrectly reinstalled parts. The gas ring,springs,piston,friction rings or what other parts this model may have under the forearm. Try to find an owners manual on line.Some parts may even be missing all together.

I have the Mossberg variation of this gun made by Howa , and it works flawlessly. There is a discussion of problems at this forum http://www.gunboards.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1670 which may help you. Have you stripped it down completly and cleaned it out real well ?? Pay close attention to the gas release cylinder under the takedown nut on the end of the magazine tube, I did have machine a new one for mine.

I have a 20ga 1000M with a 2 3/4" chambered standard barrel and a 3" chambered magnum barrel. The standard barrel has 2 gas ports in the barrel but the mag barrel only has one and will not cycle reliably with anything less than heavy 2 3/4" loads. You might have a magnum barrel with a 3" chamber and only one gas port. BTW, with the standard barrel, it functions perfectly with loads from light 3/4 oz to heavy 1 oz loads.

Check the pin that goes through the gas piston. there are two holes in the piston that pin will fit through. The correct hole is the bottom one, not the one in the middle of the piston.
There may also be a bunch of dirt or powder residue in the bolt return spring and tube that's located in the buttstock.
A third possibility is plastic buildup in the chamber. The early Federal steel shot loads are notorious for leaving a plastic residue. Get a 10 gauge brush and chuck it into an electric drill and melt the plastic out of the cahmber and even the choke tubes.