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Posted: 6/24/2025 1:00:19 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DrBlankW30][Edited]
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Hey folks, I've got an NHM-91 that has exhibited failure to extract issues since 2020--long story, the gun was in storage from 2020 until this weekend; you can read my original 2020 posts about the issue here. Anyhow, I've taken the gun out of storage, replaced the recoil spring, cleaned the bolt and extractor, replaced the extractor spring, and yet the issue persisted this weekend with steel case Hot Shot. My previous notes tell me it occurred back in 2020 with Wolf and with Sellier and Bellot brass case. These failures to extract seem inconsistent (see full list below). They have occurred on the 29th round of a 30-round Chinese mag and on the first round of a different 30-round Chinese mag. I've experienced failure to extract with my 75-round Korean drum after 23 rounds. For the most part, the successful extractions launch the steel as expected--like 20 feet or more from my firing position. Although sometimes the case has much less energy behind it and it lands only two or three feet away. When a case does get stuck, I'm able to remove it from the chamber by closing the action and then pulling it open. However, at times I've had to pull quite hard to get a stuck case free, as if the case had expanded in the chamber. Below are the results of my last outing. I was using Hot Shot, and all mags were fully loaded:
Ugh. My plan from here is to try some different brass case ammo like Federal or Fiocchi. I also intend to get a hold of a gas port reamer and try cleaning the port out. On initial inspection, the nozzle to which the gas tube connects looks pretty clean, but who knows what the actual gas port looks like. I'll report back soon--it won't be another 5 years LoL--but if anyone has any thoughts in the meantime, I'd appreciate them!! |
| You keep changing magazines but it doesn’t seem likely to be a magazine issue. From your description , it sounds like the bolt is cycling OK too. Inspect the chamber for roughness or damage - maybe it’s corroded or some bubba did some “polishing”. If you can’t see the chamber clearly, pick up a cheap bore scope from Amazon, or have a gunsmith take a look. If the chamber looks OK, check the headspace with a headspace gage (again, go to a gunsmith if you can’t do it yourself). I am assuming you cleaned the barrel thoroughly? |
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Thanks for the suggestions. I would agree that the bolt is cycling fine, and the magazines are not likely to be the issue here. Prior to my last shooting session, I cleaned and inspected the mags, gave the barrel a thorough cleaning, and I also completely disassembled the bolt, cleaned it, and installed a new extractor spring. I picked up a bore light, so I'm going to have a look in the chamber today or tomorrow. I will report back once I have. (I've been the sole owner of this rifle since it was new, so I can say with certainty that no one has polished the chamber.) I don't have a headspace gauge, but looking into the spacing will be the next step. I intend to clean out the gas port once my reamer tool shows up in the mail. I've had a few people suggest that insufficient gas could be an issue here. More soon. |
Joined:
Nov 2022
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SD, USA
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Hi All, Finally able to post an update on this situation. Replacing the extractor solved the problem. I had previously replaced the extractor spring and thoroughly cleaned the bolt, chamber, and gas assembly, but all that didn't fix the issue. Anyhow, I got a new extractor in there, and bingo, this old gal works like a charm. I've had about 130 rounds though her using multiple magazines and have had zero issues. Thanks much all. |
Joined:
Nov 2022
Posts:
698
EE: 100% (16)
SD, USA
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