I've had a M-94 in .30-30 since I was 15. The last couple of times I've shot it the lever pops down and unlocks the action.

Someone once told me that this indicated a problem, anyone know what I've broken and how to fix it?

While the experts are assembleing.

Do you mean that the lever goes down even though you are holding it closed?
Ackley reckons he could hold the bolt closed even with the locking lug taken out.

My '67 model 94 pops open easly when the hammer is back and nothing in the chamber.
John L.

JAL (and all the experts in the ready room )

When you fire it the lever raps your fingers hard enough to move them. I guess I could hold it shut with a strong grip, but that wouldn't help my already dodgy accuracy .

I don't remember it doing this when the rifle was new (of course I don't remember much of the time when the rifle was new) but when I decided to shoot it a bit a few years ago I noticed it happening.

Just looked at mine, in above the trigger guard there is a spring loaded locking pin, which doesn't seem to do much to hold mine closed, anymore than some friction in there somewhere.

I get a fair grip of mine to make sure the trigger lock pin is depressed by the lever.

At least your way you could continue on for a fast reload. :-)
John.

Carefully try to get a feeler gauge in behind the locking bolt and see if there is wear.
I had a 1908 model with a similar problem that I had to hard face and surface grind to take up .008. The final vertical movement should be a caming function to lock the action closed
This is not a job for a handyman and if it is worn, take it to a good gunsmith.

Bad Ass Wallace,

Thanks for the info, I'll get a competent gunsmith to look at it.

Rick

On a newer, up-to-spec rifle it can mean hot loads. As in way too hot.

In older, well-used guns, it could be simple, honest wear.

Do take it to a good leversmith.

RSY

thanks, This was with factory ammo in a rifle that really hasn't fired that many rounds, probably under 500...

Cutting through the gaff, your gun has developed headspace..the barrel can be turned back a thread and re-chambered...It has suffered from wear and tear...Happens to all of us!

Gaff, what gaff?

Wouldn't it be cheaper to go Bad Ass Wallace's way, or just buy a new locking bolt. After all, headspace wear would not be in the chamber. On the other hand, if the throat area is shot out, setting the barrel back may fix two birds with one stone.?
JL.

I thought this topic had gone to bed.
Sounds too advanced for my dremel and file set , time to take it in for professional attention before deer season. (Like I don't have a dozen other guns I can use for Bambi).

How much has the rifle been shot? It would be unusual for it to wear enough to not lock up tight. I feel that a small adjustment may take care of the problem. The small spring loaded pin is a disconnect so that the hammer SHOULD NOT fall unless the lever is fully closed and the bolt in battery. Head space or throat should not be problem. What you have is a locking bar that is not being held tight enough to cam over to lock up the bolt. I would think bent locking bars, possably from trying to John Wayne the leaver? These should ba easily replaced from numerous sources.
My humble opinion.
Judge Sharpe
I am not a gunsmith or woodworker, but I play one in my little shop.

Um, turns out he may be knocking the lever down under recoil? Some people get into funny habits, I, however, am normal.
John L>

Normal?
not me
Judge Sharpe

quote:

Originally posted by JAL:
Um, turns out he may be knocking the lever down under recoil? Some people get into funny habits, I, however, am normal.
John L>

Bingo Got it out of storage and after a bit of looking and fondling found I'm bumping the lever with the knuckles of my shooting hand.
I caught myself doing it with my Marlin too.

Sounds like a cracked nut holding the stock. I'll go check it out at the range this week.

Great, if your shooting over a bench at the range, I read somewhere the 94 needs a firm hand/s, with maybe the front rest way back near the action. Best of luck.

PS My scorer at the range one day said "this is the one you want, best of luck." No luck needed I says. . . it's all arse!
John L.

Jal,
Glad your not a gunsmith....If you have headspace the you turn the barrel back one thread and reheadspace it..You normally do that when you replace the bolt also.

Ar yes if I was a gunsmith I'd know what I'm talking about.
And then I may have been able to headspace the piece from as far away as you did.
John L.