Marlin 88 jamming Help!!!

[kenscot]

I was recently given a marlin  model 88 semi auto 22lr that outwardly looks in very good condition considering it was made in the late 40's to early 50's.
After a quick inspection the only immediate problem i found was a broken breech bolt handle and a missing feedway screw, both of which I have replaced . Took it to the range to test fire it and found it to be pretty accurate but jams 95% of the time.
What seems to happen is that as the fired case is ejecting it gets trapped by next round into the top of the receiver.
Anybody have an idea what is missing or going wrong ? I really don't want to put a lot of gunsmithing fees into a rifle that is valued less than a hundred dollars and hs little sentemental value. Just a fun project restoration if I can do it . Thanks

[gunnut69]

Sounds like a failure to eject.. This can be caused by a couple of things. The extractor pulls the empty from the chamber but doesn't hold it against the breachface long enough for it to be impacted by the ejector as the bolt moves rearward. This can be caused by several provlems, a weak spring (extractor), a broken or misshapen extractor or a damaged chamber rim. Snapping 22 rimfires can (not always but can) dent or ding the edge of the chamber where the firing pin impacts the casing. This can make a fired case very difficult to extract and this can bring about a failure to eject. The other two are fairly self explanatory. Simple crud can also gum the works a slow down the bolt or impede extraction as can rust in the chamber.. The ejector must of course be in place or that may be the provlem. If the rifle extracts un-fired rounds the exttractor is likely shaped ok and has a grip on the rim. Check fired cases for damage or marks that can lead to an idea of rusty chambers and damaged chamber rims. Verify that the exjector is indeed present.. I'll insert at the bottom a parts diagram but with a rifle of this age a parts blow up is likely not available. Part 'BB15' appears to be a simple extractor that snaps over the bolt in the front.. I have not worked on one of these so have no direct knowledge but in the parts drawings find no ejector. This usually means that function is carried out by the firing pin/striker assembly. Drawing the bolt to the rear should give you an idea what is or should be kicking the fired case out of the extractors grip. Looks as if there were several models with varying feed systems - box mag- tube thru the butt stock and under the barrel.. In old blow back guns such as this the filth is the usual culprit and even the extractors strength can be affected. Removing the extractor (it ascts as it's own spring is the usual course of action but these type extractors can break if removed incorrectly and parts will most likely be unavailable.. Hope this helps. If there are any other questions just ask. As I said I haven't worked with any guns of this particular model but blow back guns tend to be very similar when they fail.. Good luck,..

http://stevespages.com/ipb-marlin-88-89-98.html

[kenscot]

Bingo! I pulled the bolt and found the extractor broken off even with the bolt face. I have ordered a new online and hope this will be all that is needed to take care of this rifles jams. Odd action arrangement on this rifle, the trigger pushes up on a long lever bar to release the sear, this makes for a very mushy trigger pull. Despite this the rifle is pretty accurate. Thanks again gunnut69!!

[gunnut69]

No problem, am glad I was of some help. The real thanks goes to Marlin for still making the parts for a rifle this old.. or at least making enough to have a few around..  

[kenscot]

Bummer !
 I received my package from Numerich today but they sent the wrong extractor. I will calll them monday to see if they have the correct one. Incase they do not does anyone have any suggestions where to look for it ?