12 ga Ted Williams 300/Winchester 1400

Question
The weapon after many use of use but proper cleaning has developed an ejection problem where it does not fully eject the shell whether it be low or high brass. We stripped 7 cleaned it thoroughly scraped as much residue out of the gas end cap  and it improved a little but still "hangs up".

Answer
Hi Don.

I haven't repaired a 1400 before but I have seen and read about this same problem on similar firearms. It might be due to a worn ejector or spring. Sometimes the tip of the ejector gets really dirty underneath the hooked portion or the metal wears down a tiny bit and it no longer grips the base of the shell firmly enough to pull it free. Or the springs which work the action and apply tension to the ejector could be weakened and need replaced.

When cleaning it make sure to take it apart properly. Here are links to two different winchester manuals and some separate take-down instructions from an owner:

http://siebrecht.us/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/winchester_1400_winchester.pdf

http://media.winchesterguns.com/pdf/om/model1400_om_s.pdf

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=62899&highlight=cleaning+1400


There are a lot of places that sell parts and repair kits such as the following sites:

http://www.midwestgunworks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=...

http://www.brownells.com/


If a good proper cleaning and replacement of the springs don't help then take it to a local gunsmith. They can probably diagnose the problem in just a few minutes and may be able to fix it for a small fee.


Don't take chances if it appears unsafe to fire or it doesn't lock up properly. You don't want to fire a shell with a breech partially open.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Bob