Savage feeding problem(older staggered feed action)

Creature

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 23, 2007
981
4
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The rifle is done, or at least I thought. I went out to test fire the other day and it was having some serious feeding and extracting/ejecting issues. The rifle was built from one of the older stevens model 200s and has the staggered fed internal magazine.

The follower/spring was from a .223 which i'm not sure has anything to do with the problem. It is push feed and when the round kicks out of the magazine the tip of the bullet hits the breech of the barrel(instead of chambering). I'm guessing this is due to the lip of the box mag and possibly the follower being for .223. Feeding does work fine with .223 as the bullet tip has already entered the chamber before kicking out of magazine.

When I pull the bolt back to eject the case the extractor claw puts enough pressure on the rim to tilt the case, but not clear the rifle. This isn't the main issue as I heard from a friend that you can use a ball bearing under the spring of the extractor to increase tension. I have one and need to out it in.

The main issue I'm concerned about is the feeding. I'm wondering if I could get a magazine with extended lips or if the follower has any play in this. Are there any options for a different magazine system that is compatible with the older staggered feed rifles?

Any thoughts or experience on this matter would be greatly appreciated. The rifle is super quiet with subs and I'd really like to get it running.
 
Re: Savage feeding problem(older staggered feed action)

Sounds to me like your follower spring doesn't have enough lift. You can try to remedy this by slightly stretching the spring. Make sure to put the stretching emphasis on the front of the follower.

With the front of the catridge raised, it should clear and chamber correctly.

DK
 
Re: Savage feeding problem(older staggered feed action)

I've tried that actually and i think the spring is done. It automatically resets after I stretch it out. I'm gonna have to get a new one I think. I'm hoping theres a DBM that would work with this action...