Browning Gold Hunter 12ga Semi-Auto Problems

[montanagriz]

Hey guys,

My buddy is having internet problems today, so he asked me to post this before we headed up north hunting this weekend.

He has a Browning Gold Hunter 12ga Semi-Auto, and after firing the first round, the bolt is not putting the second shell all the way into the chamber. This is not a problem with just small shot either, when shooting duck and goose loads he has the same problem. After thoroughly cleaning the gun the problem still exists. Any suggestions on how to fix this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help!

[BoxMN]

Yep, had it happen too. 2 things:

First, clean it better. Yep, better, no matter how he thought he cleaned it. Same happened to me. Get some "Break Free" from gander or other store, very light oil, works great and don't need much of it. Use some wad cleaner type stuff to clean thoroughly, then Break Free as light oil.

The main thing to clean:

Take the butt plate off. Then use a socket to take the stock off. You will see the spring. My bet is that this is very dirty. Mine was. Really dirty. Mud, you name it.

Then what I did - though I don't want to tell him to do it, but we did it on mine and my brothers - is too stretch that spring out a bit. Give it a bit more umph for pushing the shell back. Mine is faster than a ... well, its fast now No complaints, better than new. They have aftermarket springs available too.

Everybody thinks gas guns get dirty around the port, and they can, but not with even slgith bit of cleaning. But we found the stock spring seems to be weak, or get weak, and that is what pushes the bolt (with next shell) back into the chamber.

Then just bolt it back on, tighten down, put butt plate back on and you are set. Normal tools work, but if I recall you may need deep well. It is easy. After doing that, mine is shooting fast and trouble free since I did about 2 years ago.

You don't want/need oil on these, or not much, and you want a light oil. Nothing worse than a gooey action especailly in the cool temps.

Good luck, hope that helps some.

[2dog]

I had the same thing happen to my Browning gold. I called Browning and they sent me a sheet on how to oil it. I'll list the instructions here. When I did that I haven't had any more problems.

1. Retract bolt into rearward position.

2. Remove forearm, barrel, and all gas system components.

3. There are two openings in the front of the receiver just above the magazine tube. With muzzle end pointed upward, place 3 drops of gun oil on each side. Allow oil to run down grooves and cycle the bolt slowly a few times to disburse oil. Cycle slowly do not let bolt slam forward.

[montanagriz]

Thanks guys..great information! I'll be sure to pass it along to my buddy. Thanks again!

[Koldfront Kraig]

Had the same problem.

It's the return spring in the stock.

Find a stronger one if you can.