Versamax lifter gate wont... LIFT?

[ljchimera]

Hey Guys,

I've got a Versamax that was 3-gun modified by a smith, he allegedly called Remington and they said two springs control the stiffness of the lifter gate. They said he could remove one of the two, without any negative effects, unless I was trying to cycle 3 1/2" turkey loads or something.

It's probably 800-1000 rounds old (mostly bird), and has suddenly developed an issue cycling slugs. The old shell ejects, the bolt cycles, but instead of feeding the new slug into the chamber, it leaves it sitting on the lifter gate, and goes to battery on empty. If I manually cycle it, it will pick it up right away. Probably... 1 out of every 7 or 8 has this issue.

I have not tried any buck, and it has not had any trouble with bird. It's the same with two different kinds of Federal slugs, I haven't tried anything else.

My question is, do you reckon that it has something to do with the weight of the slug and it missing that second spring (how much more can a slug possibly weigh?)? I can probably just put the spring back easily enough, if I can find it. I'm only guessing it's the lifter gate, please set me straight if I'm just talking out ma butt.

If it sounds like something more complicated, it's going to have to go to a pro (I'm "that guy" who can insta-break a gun just by looking at it.).

So tell me what you think, I'd be much obliged! :-) :-) :-)

Lorna

[GunCat]

The “second spring” that was removed is probably the inner spring on the shell latch (the part in the side of the receiver that you push the shell past when loading). Removing that inner spring does not cause the issue you are having (Remington put it there to help the action the function hard recoil, heavy 3.5” loads)

In your case it’s likely the bolt is not opening far enough to active the carrier (aka lifter). Try operating the bolt by hand and you’ll find the spot that lets the bolt open far enough to eject a fired 2.75” hull but not far enough to activate the lifter.

Why is the bolt short stroking? What load (velocity and shot weight) are you shooting? Have the pistons (underneath the chamber area) become fouled with lube or carbon to the point of not moving freely? Is the chamber nice and smooth or has it become rough?

[ljchimera]

*Sheepishly taking apart my shotgun for the second time like... ever.*

The action FEELS slick as a whistle, but it's definitely filthy.

I've got Federal PowerShok, 2 3/4" 1oz @1610 fps and Federal Premium VitalShok 2 3/4 1oz @1600fps - both rifled slugs.

Working the action, there's definitely a point that it needs to travel further than for it to engage the gate (you can hear a little click), and it's damn near all the way to lock back. I'll give this thing a good scrub and see if it helps.

(I know, I know, I shoulda tried cleaning it first. It requires fewer tools to take apart a small block v8 than the mag clamp on the front of this gun.)

I will let you know! THANKS A TON!!!

[bishop414]

Since you're checking, make sure your stock is tight as well. I had some failures when it got loose during a match.

[ljchimera]

Will do! THANKS!

[mwray]

Will do! THANKS!

Did you change the tube while you were at it