1100 Special Field Problem

[nickelsmith]

I have an 1100 SF that I use for South Dakota ringnecks. The gun and I get along just fine and it always puts meat in the pot. The problem is that I can not practice with light loads. It will not eject or fully cycle with anything but heavy loads. I have tried a variety of reloads and light/dove loads and it just won't work. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[Virginian]

I would think that would be a good gun for walking for pheasants. 12 gauge or 20? First, I would suggest taking it apart and cleaning everything, including the action spring in the buttstock, if you haven't tried all that already. Then clean out the gas ports in the barrel with a drill bit (just twisting with your fingers should do it). 12 gauge ports should be 0.079" and a #47 drill bit, and 20 gauge should be 0.076" and a #48 drill bit. Lastly, if you have the new and not improved gas piston and piston seal set, get a set of the old style as they work better with light loads.
Old style:

New style:

[nickelsmith]

It is a 12 gauge and it is a great pheasant gun as you don't have to restrict the magazine in SD. I alternate it with a Ruger Red Label.

I have cleaned it as well as I can and I am sure the gas piston, etc are the old style. Also the O ring is in place. I am not sure as to how to remove the action spring. Does it come out through the stock? I have not cleaned the gas ports, but they appear to be clean and are not obstructed. Thanks for your assistance.

[Virginian]

You take off the recoil pad/buttplate and then you take off the stock to get to the action spring and tube. It can't hurt to clean the gas ports even if they look okay, especially if you have never done it, because they can get a smooth buildup of carbon, and a little bit makes a big difference.
Good luck.