Model 41 extraction issue

NCTexan · Post by **NCTexan** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:19 am

Hello
I'm looking for some thoughts and suggestion concerning a problem that I'm having with my Model 41 when shooting the 7" barrel.

I've had the NIB 5.5" M41 for almost a year. After doing the ammo test, I settled on CCI SV for accuracy and reliability. About five months ago I bought a NIB S&W 7" barrel. It shoots the CCI very accurately but has failure to extract completely issues after a few (20+) rounds are fired.

The spent case does not clear the gun completely when the next round is attempting to chamber (only on the 7" barrel).

On removing the barrel and dropping an unfired round into the chamber... the round is 'sticky' going in and must be softly pried out. Running a patch and solvent through the bore/chamber eliminates the problem for another few rounds. After a cleaning, the round drops in and out easily with only the force of gravity.

So it appears that minimal buildup is causing the issue. I'm not sure why the 7" barrel is so sensitive compared to the 5.5".

I checked the chamber and the face of the chamber to look for any burrs but could not see anything abnormal.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Are there any suggestions on addressing this issue with either the barrel or ammo. Other than the CCI wax coating, it does not appear to be dirtier than anything else.

Thanks

Mike

Post by **Bullseye** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:39 pm

Welcome to Guntalk-Online.com

The M-41 is somewhat famous for extraction problems, and is very finicky with ammo brands. Have you checked out this extractor hook test? http://www.guntalk-online.com/Model41ma ... #extractor

It is also possible that there is a small ring of lead deposits built up inside the chamber causing the sticky extraction. These deposits are very difficult to remove and simple cleaning may not do the job. A sweep of the chamber with a product called a Lewis Lead Remover can scrub out that build up. Basically the Lewis is a brass screen that removes the lead without damaging the mild steel of the chamber. Some folks also use a piece of a product called a Chore Boy copper scrubbing pad attached to a cleaning rod to accomplish the same task.

If the extraction problem persists and the extractor hook is not the cause, then it may be time to use a chamber reamer to return the chamber to the designed specifications. Sometimes the M-41 bolt batters the chamber face and peens it slightly, this causes the end of the chamber to tighten slightly and makes extraction more difficult. The reamer will remove the misshaped surface of the chamber.

Hope this helps.

R,
Bullseye

NCTexan · Post by **NCTexan** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:26 am

Thanks Bullseye.... I will try both and post the results. Much appreciated.

Mike

KAZ · Post by **KAZ** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:20 pm

Really good to see you over here NCTexan! This is a class forum with some fine folks that you will fit right in with for certain. Regards

NCTexan · Post by **NCTexan** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 11:34 am

Hi KAZ... thanks for the welcome aboard.

Bullseye... I did the extractor test and it holds the round in there solid.

I could not locate the Lewis Lead remover product in 22... just found support for larger calibers.

So I bought some Kleen Bore Lead Removal Patches from a local gun store. A $2.98 investment!

I scrubbed the bore and chamber again until a regular patch came through totally clean. Then I cut one of the Kleen Bores in half and pushed it through. I was shocked

at how much thick black gunk came out on the patch. After a few more swipes I got out even more.

I haven't been to the range to see if this will fix the problem... will report back as soon as I see what happens.

However, I wanted to post my results with this new product and see if there is any other feedback on it. It appears to have a slightly abrasive paste in the patch and I saw a warning that excessive scrubbing could injure gun bluing. It's a interesting product.

greener · Post by **greener** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:32 pm

Welcome to the forum, NCTexan.

Glad I happened by this thread. Something to add to my list when I'm wandering about tomorrow.

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 4:15 am

greener wrote:Welcome to the forum, NCTexan.

Glad I happened by this thread. Something to add to my list when I'm wandering about tomorrow.

What, Lead Away or an S&W 41 or both????????

greener · Post by **greener** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:43 am

Mostly I need to get the lead out according to SWMBO. But M41's are nice too. Keep looking at them and one of these days...

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:52 am

greener wrote:Mostly I need to get the lead out according to SWMBO. But M41's are nice too. Keep looking at them and one of these days...

If you find one , go for it. Wish I still hd the Match Target Woodsman that I sold when I was out of work and needed money about 54 years ago. That lead remover just works on guns and not what Ma means.

KAZ · Post by **KAZ** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 10:52 am

See what I mean NCTexan, two of my favorites have just chimed in! This place has some really great members and some even better Dogs

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 11:21 am

KAZ wrote:See what I mean NCTexan, two of my favorites have just chimed in! This place has some really great members and some even better Dogs

Dogs are more loyal and truthful than people any way, did you ever see a dog running for office, Hell no they are too honest for that.
Give the dog al least 2 dog cookies and a scrattch behind the ear.

greener · Post by **greener** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 5:06 pm

It takes more than two cookies, because he will hit you up for more.

But Bear is certainly worth a pile of cookies.

Didn't find anything to get the lead out or a tempting M41 while wandering about. Ended up with about 18 lbs of lead instead. Bought some Issos (?) at the range and will give it a try.

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 5:39 pm

greener wrote:It takes more than two cookies, because he will hit you up for more. But Bear is certainly worth a pile of cookies.

Didn't find anything to get the lead out or a tempting M41 while wandering about. Ended up with about 18 lbs of lead instead. Bought some Issos (?) at the range and will give it a try.

You never outgrow your need for cookies, especially Bear, have never seen him refuse one yet.
What are you going to so with the lead, do you cast your own bullets? Got the urge for a Henry large loop carbine but as the weather is cold and shooting is at a low until a warm day, hate to buy a new gun that I can't get out to shoot without frostbite. Snow is not a problem but 20 degrees and wind sure is.

greener · Post by **greener** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:48 pm

No casting, bought bullets, primers and other stuff. I keep buying them and they keep disappearing.

Absolutely frigid here, didn't make 50. Only a brave few showed up at the range today, and most were really bundled up. I could last only about 3 hours. Been noticing the weather maps for up there. Lots of white shading on the western part of the state.

bearandoldman · Post by **bearandoldman** » Sat Dec 06, 2008 8:32 pm

greener wrote:No casting, bought bullets, primers and other stuff. I keep buying them and they keep disappearing.

Absolutely frigid here, didn't make 50. Only a brave few showed up at the range today, and most were really bundled up. I could last only about 3 hours. Been noticing the weather maps for up there. Lots of white shading on the western part of the state.

Wow, 50 would be a really nice shooting day. Not as good as the day we had when you were here though.
Locked down on the deck when Bear went out for morning pee pee and saw about 2 inches or so of white shading there also. Used my little Toro Powerlite the other day and blew about 3 inches or so of white shading off the drive and walks.
Really like to have one of them Big Loop Henry's and they have one at the gun shop and Dougie has made me a fair price on it also, the only problem is if I buy it I will probably get frost bite shooting it, you know it is just a Short run from the shop to the range and guns Muse be shot as soon after purchase as possible, you know.