Mini Thirty Question

[Double Vision]

Over the weekend we brought the Mini Thirty to the range for the first time. I put 60 rounds though it and it performed flawlessly, and with good accuracy. It was great fun. 8)

I used 40 rounds of MFS and 20 rounds of Remington ammo, all brass.

After the last round was fired I removed the magazine and attempted to close the bolt and it wouldn't. After several tries, I finally pressed down on the small tab (not sure of the nomenclature!) holding the bolt open and it closed normally.

When I got home I cleaned the gun and the bolt would close only after multiple tries.

Now tonight, I was going to field strip it to determine if the problem could be found, and the bolt is operating normally.

Any ideas what might have caused this? :?

 

[kwg020]

With the magazine out and the bolt locked back, you should only have to pull back on the op rod handle a little bit and the bolt lock should disengage and allow the bolt to go forward. Is something holding the bolt lock up to keep it engaged? kwg

 

[Double Vision]

... Is something holding the bolt lock up to keep it engaged? kwg

Nothing I could see.
At least it seems to be working normally now. Tonight I locked and released the bolt repeatedly without a hitch. I guess the real test will be at the range.

 

[PericlesPistoler]

I would look for something interfering with the bolt lock (everyting connected with the little tab you mentioned) be sure to pop the cover open on the left side of the receiver. You didn't say how old your gun is but fouling could be gumming up the parts or if new small machining chips or edges with casting flash could jam things up. I've noticed on my Mini 30 when the action return spring is removed the bolt and action bar can travel far enough back that the bolt jams behind the ledge of the receiver body and won't travel forward. If your 30 is worn or mismachined the action may be traveling to far rearward and allowing the bolt to drop down below that ledge. That would be a very rare condition but you never know.

Charlie

 

[Double Vision]

Charlie, the 30 is brand new.
I also suspected a machining chip and was about to field strip it and open the left side cover you mention, when it started working. Perhaps something that shouldn't have been there shook loose?
Thanks for your input!

 

[wetidlerjr]

Charlie, the 30 is brand new.
I also suspected a machining chip and was about to field strip it and open the left side cover you mention, when it started working. Perhaps something that shouldn't have been there shook loose?
Thanks for your input!

Sounds like it to me. :mrgreen: