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I have a Franchi Affinity Elite 12ga, had it for just over a year and have put around 8,000 rounds through it. The last few weeks after I fire a round, the bolt will lock to the rear and not chamber the next round. It will not go forward when I press the bolt release, but will go forward and chamber the next shell if I lightly push it forward.

Since this began happening I’ve started cleaning it after each hunt, but the problem persists. I contacted Franchi but as expected, they want me to send the gun in. Before I go through all that, does anyone have any suggestions on what I could check/attempt before sending it in?

Sounds like you got some battered parts rubbing somewhere.

That’s what I assumed too. I’ve tried lubricating the bolt/chamber but still get the same issue.

Inertia operated shotgun. Have you checked the recoil spring in the stock? Might need to be cleaned or replaced.

I haven’t looked in the stock, as far as I’m aware the spring is only under the forearm. I’ve taken it off and cleaned it several times but no luck

Have you had the bolt completely out of the receiver when you clean it? If not, try that and clean out the entire receiver...Look for debris under anything that moves....if you have a high pressure air pump, clean out every small area that has space for trash to settle in...

Yep I take the bolt out, I try to clean out the receiver as best I can but you know how it is trying to work a brush in those tight spaces. I’m wondering if maybe there’s some debris in the rails that guide the bolt back that I just haven’t been able to see or get out. All the pieces I can remove and the parts of the receiver I’m able to see all look okay