1919a4 help needed

**BigAl** · 08-21-2008, 07:45 PM

I picked up a 1919a4 semi last week on a good deal. When I went to shoot it, it sometimes would shoot 1 round, 2 rounds, once or twice 3-4 rounds before I would have to rechamber the next round. I thought it may be headspace, so I went to adjust the headpsace, and turning the barrel extension all the way in clockwise the bolt will still close on an empty chamber or a live round.

The rounds I have shot show nothing unusual, I believe the fired cases measured 2.019, unfired was 2.00 i beleive...

I know nothing about these guns, so any advice is appreciated..

kernelkrink · 08-22-2008, 12:26 AM

Do you have the right booster on it? The hole in the muzzle cap on the end (booster) is smaller for the .308 models, if the wrong one is used the bolt doesn't cycle. If the empty is still in the chamber this could be the problem.

If the empty was ejected but the next round didn't feed you may have a worn component in the feed system.

**BigAl** · 08-22-2008, 08:35 AM

the empty is ejecting. nothing unusual about the cases.

everything appears to be correct, most parts are marked "7.62". the follow up round is loading, it will not fire. when I eject that round a reload, it will fire 1 or 2, then repeat the cycle

MUSIBIKE · 08-22-2008, 05:58 PM

Good call Krink.

kernelkrink · 08-22-2008, 06:05 PM

So you're just getting light primer strikes? I would check the firing pin protrusion and tip, I doubt headspace is the problem since the rim is caught in the T slot of the boltface and really can't move forward very much at all.

**pirate56** · 08-22-2008, 07:06 PM

sounds like headspace, I don't think a case should stretch almost .020" not being headspace properly will lead to several different problems.

**BigAl** · 08-23-2008, 12:35 PM

I was told proper case length was 2.00, 2.015 max after firing...I tried to tighten it up today, I'll shoot again and see if it made a difference. I removed the booster, it was carboned up badly

**pirate56** · 08-23-2008, 03:26 PM

if the headspace is way out it can keep the disconnector from resetting,

**BigAl** · 08-23-2008, 04:07 PM

when i turn the adjustment for the headspace all the way in, I can still close the bolt and load a round.....

excuse me for not knowing all the 1919 terminology yet!

kernelkrink · 08-23-2008, 08:58 PM

You may have a long chamber, but beltfed MGs are notorious for having generous headspace specs to allow for dirt and overheating. However, fully tightening the bbl should prevent the bolt from locking up until you back it out several clicks.

How much firing pin protrusion do you have?