The Mossberg 464 and other Mossberg lever-action rifles chambered in .30-30 are popular choices for hunting and plinking, offering a blend of classic design and modern features. However, like any firearm, they can occasionally experience problems. This guide will delve into common Mossberg 30-30 issues, providing troubleshooting tips and potential solutions to keep your rifle running smoothly.
Common Mossberg 30-30 Problems and Their Solutions
This section addresses frequently reported problems with Mossberg lever-action rifles in .30-30 caliber. Remember, always prioritize safety: unload your firearm before any cleaning or maintenance.
1. Feeding Issues: Rounds Not Chambering Properly
Symptoms: Rounds fail to feed smoothly into the chamber, resulting in jams or misfires. This can manifest as the lever failing to fully close or the round getting stuck halfway.
Potential Causes:
- Dirty or Damaged Action: Build-up of dirt, debris, or lubricant can impede smooth operation. Wear and tear on the internal components can also cause feeding problems.
- Improper Ammunition: Using ammunition that's not properly sized for your rifle or that is damaged or deformed can lead to feeding difficulties.
- Weak Magazine Spring: A weakened magazine spring may not push cartridges into the action effectively.
Solutions:
- Thorough Cleaning: Disassemble and thoroughly clean the action, paying close attention to the areas where the rounds feed from the magazine. Use a suitable gun cleaning solvent and lubricant.
- Inspect Ammunition: Check your ammunition for any damage or deformation. Use only high-quality, factory-loaded ammunition specifically designed for .30-30 Winchester.
- Replace Magazine Spring: If the magazine spring is weak or broken, replace it with a new one. Mossberg parts are readily available from various suppliers.
2. Extraction Problems: Spent Casings Not Ejecting
Symptoms: Spent cartridges fail to eject from the chamber after firing, leading to jams.
Potential Causes:
- Dirty or Damaged Extractor: The extractor is a crucial component responsible for removing spent casings. Dirt, debris, or damage to the extractor can impair its function.
- Weak Extractor Spring: A weakened extractor spring may not provide enough force to pull out spent casings reliably.
- Overly Lubricated Action: Excessive lubricant can gum up the action and hinder extraction.
Solutions:
- Clean the Extractor: Carefully clean the extractor and its surrounding areas. Ensure there's no obstruction preventing its proper movement.
- Replace Extractor Spring: If the spring is weak, replace it with a new one.
- Moderate Lubrication: Use a small amount of high-quality gun lubricant, avoiding over-lubrication.
3. Accuracy Problems: Inconsistent Shot Grouping
Symptoms: Shots consistently miss the target, indicating problems with accuracy.
Potential Causes:
- Sight Alignment: Improper sight alignment is a common cause of inaccuracy.
- Ammunition Quality: Low-quality or inconsistent ammunition can affect accuracy.
- Barrel Issues: Damage to the barrel, such as dents or rust, can degrade accuracy.
- Shooter Error: Inconsistent shooting technique significantly impacts accuracy.
Solutions:
- Sight Adjustment: Check and adjust the sights to ensure proper alignment with the target.
- Ammunition Consistency: Use high-quality, consistent ammunition from a reputable manufacturer.
- Inspect Barrel: Thoroughly inspect the barrel for any damage.
- Shooting Practice: Practice your shooting technique to improve consistency.
4. Lever Binding or Stiffness
Symptoms: The lever is difficult to operate, binding or sticking during cycling.
Potential Causes:
- Dirt and Debris: Similar to feeding issues, buildup in the action hinders smooth lever movement.
- Wear and Tear: Normal wear can lead to increased friction and stiffness.
- Improper Lubrication: Insufficient or incorrect lubricant can contribute to binding.
Solutions:
- Clean and Lubricate: A thorough cleaning and proper lubrication are key to addressing lever stiffness.
- Professional Inspection: If the problem persists, consider seeking professional gunsmithing services.
Maintaining Your Mossberg 30-30
Regular maintenance is crucial to preventing problems and ensuring the longevity of your Mossberg lever-action rifle. This includes:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your rifle after each use to remove any residue or debris.
- Proper Lubrication: Apply a high-quality gun lubricant to the moving parts.
- Storage: Store your rifle in a cool, dry place, away from excessive moisture.
By understanding common Mossberg 30-30 problems and following these troubleshooting tips, you can keep your rifle functioning reliably and safely for years to come. Remember, always prioritize safety and seek professional help if you are uncomfortable performing maintenance or repairs yourself.
