M1 .30 Carbine won't chamber because barrel threaded too far in?

U

U.S.SFC_RET

New member
I picked up a winchester M1 .30 cal Carbine that I have experienced shooting problems and noticed when I chambered a round the locking lugs wouldn't lock into place. I used a vernier caliper and measured the round just to be sure and the round was well within specification for length. Question I have is this, I know that you can back the barrel out to increase headspace but is this proper procedure? Or is proper prodedure to ream out the chamber? I would suspect if you back out the barrel the barrel would be loose and you would need shims. On the other hand to ream out the chamber to exacting headspace tolerances would allow you to run the barrel down to practially deadstop into the receiver.
 
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Before doing ANYTHING, stop and take a long hard look at what you've got.

Is the ammo really good? Buy some NEW ammo to be SURE.
Is the bolt at fault?
Something wrong with the receiver?

Unless the barrel has been replaced by some "Bubba" who didn't bother to ream the chamber for head space, the barrel should be properly installed and head spaced.

What you need to do is be 100% CERTAIN of just exactly what the problem is.
You never start replacing or altering parts until you're sure what the problem is because if that isn't the problem you just "broke" something that wasn't broke.

If it is a replaced barrel that was never head spaced, check it out thoroughly for anything else that might be wrong, like damage to the chamber, rifling, or gas system.

Also be sure the barrel is properly installed and aligned correctly.

If everything checks out, the only proper procedure is to use a chamber reamer to ream the chamber.
Backing a barrel out and shimming it is a jack leg method used by hacks.
 
I am very sure that the round is good. I miked the measurements on the round and the round had some way to go for length yet. I referenced the length as it should be. The Barrel was dead stopped into the receiver to which I assumed to be normal procedure, (align the timing marks). Bolt looks good, nice fit and finish on the face head and the lugs and no unusual wear marks along the body. The question I have now is how do you use a reamer in a receiver like an M1 carbine? Obviously you can't run it up to a drill press. :confused:
By the way I posted the main question over at THR.
 
Change your magazine. Most feeding problems are related to the magazine. If you don't have a spare, inspect the lips to see if they're bent or misshaped.
 
Again, trust NOTHING, verify EVERYTHING.

I know you miked the ammo, and I'm sure your right.
TRY SOME NEW AMMO ANYWAY.

There are two methods of reaming the chamber.
One is to use a handle and gently ream a tiny bit then check with the set of head space gages.

The other is with a special set that works down the bore with a long rod.
You pull the rod and reamer into the chamber and gently turn it, usually with the bolt being gently pulled against the rear of the reamer until the bolt locks up.

No offense, but you seem to not know how to use a chambering reamer, since you asked about using a drill press.
A valuable GI carbine is NOT where you want to try to teach yourself how to do this.

If you insist on doing this yourself, buy a copy of Jerry Kuhnhausen's book "The US Gas Operated Carbines: A Shop Manual".
Price is around $30.00 at Brownell's or Midway.

This is a REAL gunsmith's manual showing everything about gunsmithing carbines, including how to head space, the RIGHT way.
This is not just a GI manual, this is a very technical book on carbine repairs written as a training aid by a master gunsmith to use to train other gunsmiths.

Among other things, it goes into how to diagnose problems like this before you start cutting and altering things that may not be at fault.
 
The first thing to do is check that chamber to make SURE there is no obstruction in it, like dirt or crud, that is preventing the round from seating. Use a good reflector (a dental mirror is fine).

Is the barrel original, or has it been replaced? You should be able to tell but if not, the folks here will help.

If you determine that the problem really is a short chamber, I strongly recommend a gunsmith to do the reaming.

Jim
 
Jim it is a winchester barrel that belongs to a winchester receiver. One of the issues with this carbine is Bubba in his infinite wisdom to shoot better with a gun that has never meant to be a tack driver PUT THREE HOLES into the receiver knocking the value down! There are also Vise marks on both sides of the receiver.:mad: and now headspace? WTF!:barf: If it weren't for bad luck..
The chamber needs to be reamed, it is as simple as that. I have been around the block, been there and done that, wore the T-shirt. Tune on an AGT1500 turbine M1 engine an and trouble shoot the transmission solenoids because this thing won't shift into second and report back to me and by the way do it in the cold like 20 degrees. Go to the Hungarian flight line and work your arse off turning wrenches in 15 degree weather all day long so the so the trucks can run into Bosnia. Same thing in Croatia, Brakes froze Sarge.. Pass me the canned heat Major and make sure that you come back and pick me up. I carry the attitude that I can fix it but I need the knowledge first and that's what this board is for.
 
Thank you for your service.

As an experienced maintainer, you know that a job done right requires the correct tools. I recommend you get a set of 30 carbine headspace gages from Brownells.com or midwayusa.com and do some measuring before cutting. They also sell the correct finish reamers.
 
That is a roger, I know for a fact that you cannot have either too much headspace nor too little. You are dancing with the devil plain and simple. It is a miracle I put 45 rounds through this thing without the bolt going into full lockup. Yes I know I will be looking into the bolt as well. I inherited this problem and I intend to see the darned thing through. I would like to know who this bubba was because I would like to throttle the bubba right out of him. Oh well you live and learn.
 
carbine

Dear Sir - thank you for your service:
If there are wrench marks around the reciever - find some good gunsmith that can help you jerk that bbl. out, take your measurements with headspace guages and you'll do fine.
Harry B.
 
Sarge, since you are going to work on this gun anyhow, you might want to check out the carbine receivers that Southern Ohio Gun has for sale right now. It could be that you could spend a few bucks on a new receiver and make a carbine that actually has some value with all the rest of the parts.

Just a thought.....

Clemson
 
Clemson I am going to make this gun work. Call it a rescue if you will. That being said I am going to rent a pull through reamer and do the job myself. It's a headspace problem. Headspace is supposed to fit a case at least 1.290 inches and doesn't, far from a fit. Prices at southern ohio gun starts at $189.00 and I will keep my eyes out for a winchester receiver, I'm patient. Very patient in looking for another receiver. In the mean time the receiver I have will be a good shooter nonetheless.
 
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